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Drink: Rosé, as a sign of spring

Rosés have become so popular drinking pink is apparently now a year-round thing. But I still revel in the seasonal rush of cracking open rosés at the same moment those wines match the spring blossoms on the trees around me. It just feels right, especially

AEDRINK17 Cotes Du Rone Rose.
AEDRINK17 Cotes Du Rone Rose.Read more
    by Craig LaBan, Inquirer
    Published 

Rosés have become so popular drinking pink is apparently now a year-round thing.

But I still revel in the seasonal rush of cracking open rosés at the same moment those wines match the spring blossoms on the trees around me.

It just feels right, especially when the 2014s are at their freshest.

And at $15 or less for many good ones, they're easy on the pocket to explore. The best still come from the rosé's home in the south of France, and one of my all-time favorite wineries, E. Guigal, makes a refreshingly dry Côtes du Rhône that tastes like tart strawberries, pithy citrus, and herbs.

California's riper fruit lends a sweeter current of dark cherry and anise to Cline's Ancient Vines Mourvedre. But the even deeper blush of Robert Hall's Rosé de Robles takes on a surprising extra edge of acidity I love - such as black plums, raspberries, and a pomegranate pucker on the finish.

- Craig LaBan

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé, $14.99 (code 4884); Robert Hall Winery Rosé de Robles Paso Robles 2014, $12.99 (code 42628); Cline Mourvedre Rosé Contra Costa County 2014 $12.99 (code 42637).