Domaine Huet Vouvray “Le Mont”
Demi-Sec 2022
($53, Roanoke Wine Co.)

We’d be remiss if we didn’t shine a light on Vouvray, a delicious wine-growing zone in the Loire. Here, Chenin Blanc is the grape variety and the wines range from bracingly dry to dessert wine sweet. This iteration falls somewhere in-between, with plenty of lusty ripe pear and honey tones buttressed by formidable zing on the finish. A beautiful layer of aromatic white flowers drapes itself over the top of the whole affair to make an enchanting semisweet white wine.

Perfect Pairing: Serve with buttery ripe cheeses like Camembert.

Sojourn Cellars Pinot Noir “Gap’s Crown Vineyard” 2021
($75, Kysela Pere Et Fils)

We know $75 is a stretch, but this is one of the silkiest, most enticing, food-friendly Pinots we’ve tasted from California in some time. Gap’s Crown is a famous Sonoma Valley source for great Pinot Noir and it’s on full display here. Lovely layers of strawberry, black raspberry, and blueberry mingle with the barest hint of vanilla and baking spice.

Perfect Pairing: The finish is plush, with a lightly chewy texture that begs for food. Think grilled lamb chops or broiled salmon with a rich, satiny butter sauce.

Chateau de Valcombe Costieres de Nimes Rosé “Pastel” 2023
($20, SAWM Imports)

This offering from southern France is a classic example of why “dry” rosé became popular in the first place—it’s a racy, limpid wine with a bit more body than white wine but without the weight of a red wine. Made mostly from Syrah (with a dash of Viognier for aromatic lift),

Perfect Pairing: “Pastel” is perhaps served best with several bottles shoved into a cooler full of ice and a lot of friends and family close at hand. It’s the perfect patio sipper without shying away from food. But this is rosé and summer is officially here, so don’t work too hard. Grab some pre-steamed chilled shrimp and a jar of cocktail sauce and go to town.

A sultry August evening in Maryland demands a cold, attractive glass of rosé, the quintessential wine of summer. They come in varying hues and styles and can range from dirt cheap to pretty expensive. We’ve gathered three examples that cover the price spread, with an emphasis on dry versions for maximum refreshment. Find the one that fits your budget, kick back, and enjoy the sunset.

Quinta de Raza Vinho Verde Rosé 2020
($11, Free Run Wine Merchants)

Light, fruity, dry but with a hint of spritz, this delightfully delicate Portuguese offering may be the official patio wine of 2021—easy to enjoy by itself, but also prepared to tackle a burger or a bushel of crabs. This one is at its best when well chilled, so stick it in the freezer 30 minutes before you need it or plunge it into the beer chest with all that ice. The price is right too, so you might want to take home more than one, just in case a rosé emergency breaks out.

Stolpman Rosé “Love You Bunches” 2020
($20, Winebow)

Pete Stolpman makes intriguing and delicious California wines from varieties like Grenache, Syrah, and Roussanne. His take on rosé is made from Grenache sourced from throughout the Central Coast of California. A process known as carbonic maceration helps preserve the wine’s primary fruit character. It’s super lively and juicy, bursting with notes of strawberry and melon. This bone-dry example sports an electric finish that craves salt; think prosciutto wrapped melon, a hunk of Manchego cheese, and crusty bread.

Domaine Tempier Bandol Rosé 2020
($50, Prestige L’Adroit)

The Provençal region of Bandol makes one of the most serious examples of rosé in the world. Don’t be shy if you find one that is one or two vintages old—in this case, absolute freshness isn’t always the most desirable. Iconic Bandol producer Domaine Tempier crafts theirs from the Mourvedre grape, and it is a richer, paler, more serious rosé that really demands food. It works best with Mediterranean fare like bouillabaisse, tomato salad, or gazpacho.