Pink Wines

The "quaffable" wines are hitting the shelves again just in time for summer. Pink wines have been around as long as winemakers have been stomping on grapes. But trends come and go like the wind. Lucky for us pinks are back in favor.

When heading out to the family barbeque, consider passing up the microbrews for something pink.

Here are a few suggestions:

Bonny Doon 2005 Vin Gris de Cigare
2005 (California)

Made from 7 varietals: 27 percent Syrah and 18 percent Grenache Blanc. Light spice. Crisp finish. Bonny Doon makes things interesting. Worth checking out.

Mas de Gourgonnier Rose 2004 (France)

Bright and refreshing; spicy and rich. Great with grilled seafood. A French classic.

Ch. D'Aqueria 2004 Rose (France) Tavel, Rhone

Something to aspire to in the shade of pink. Tavel is the only AOC in France to produce only rose wines. Crisp, lightly colored, memories of summer in Provence, even if you don’t have them.

Coppola "Sofia" Pinot Noir 2004 (California)

Bright, crisp wine with dark rose color. Nice clean finish. When the sun is high, Sofia Pinot Noir would make for nice company. Cold. Make it cold.

Two suggestions on the bubbly side:

Roederer Estate NV Brut Rose (California)

Lightly colored, full of favor. Nice finish. A party wine to impress the friends or to keep to yourself.

Piper Heidsieck NV Rose Sauvage (France)

If you’re going to slurge just a little try the Piper Heidsieck Rose. It’s intense, and yet fickle. You’ll be happy to spend some time with this bottle.