Rosé wine is HOT! Not literally, of course, but it has become increasingly popular over the past few years. Why is that? It's because many more winemakers are taking great care to make beautiful, well-balanced rosés that pair well with all kinds of food. Gone are the days of sickly sweet pink wine. The current style is dry, vibrant and fresh, made with moderate alcohol levels. These wines are full of flavor from the red grapes used to make them, but they won't overpower the fresh ingredients of your summer meal.

Planeta Rose Sicilia, 2016 ($15) This light-bodied, fruity rosé comes from the island of Sicily and is made from 50% Nero d'Avola and 50% Syrah. With aromas of flowers, strawberry and pomegranate, this is an elegant rosé to have with appetizers and salads.

M. Chapoutier Grand Ferrage Cotes de Provence, 2016 ($18) This rosé is a new favorite of mine—it has only been made since the 2014 vintage. Mathilde Chapoutier, eighth generation of the legendary Rhône winemaking family, makes her rosé with a blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault and Rolle. This wine is a beautiful, pale pink color with lovely aromatics of peach, raspberries and tropical fruits. On the palate it is soft and delicate with sea-reminiscent salinity. The fresh fruit flavors continue to linger in you mouth well after the last sip.

The beautiful label of the M. Chapoutier Grand Ferrage rosé was designed by Mathilde herself.

Hecht & Bannier Cotes de Provence Rosé, 2016 ($20) This round and delicious rosé is typical of the Provence style in that it's light and refreshing but it also expresses a lot of flavor, some fruity, some savory and herbal. Made from Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Rolle it has been flying off the shelves at Grape Collective this summer––send me a message if you want it delivered to your doorstep!

I recently had the pleasure of sharing a glass of delicious Hecht & Bannier rosé with proprietor Gregory Hecht. Not only is the wine delicious, the bottle is also appealing with its simple and elegant design and its easy to open glass cork.

I served the Pascal Jolivet Sancerre rosé at a dinner party, much to the delight of my guests.

Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Rosé, 2016 ($20) This Loire Valley winery is famous for its white Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé wine made with balance, freshness and precision. The rosé, made from 100% Pinot Noir, follows suit with delicate aromas but a ton of herbal and strawberry fruit flavor. The finish is clean and crisp and would pair with anything you are cooking this summer.

My evening overlooking the rolling hills of Tennessee was enhanced by the flavorful Domaine Tempier rosé.

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé, 2016, ($42) This is a classic Bandol rosé, powerful yet graceful with intense concentration of aromas. On the palate it's round and full of peach and pomegranate flavors. A delicious rosé to have with all kinds of food, but especially with my Lamb Burgers With Mint Yogurt Sauce. Mourvèdre (50 %), Grenache (28%), Cinsault (20%), Carignan (2%). For more information about the iconic Domaine Tempier, read my article at Grape Collective.