In a valley in the heart of Provence, the Cartier family has been organically farming olives, apricots and wine grapes since World War II. Like most classic Provençal rosé, Grenache dominates the blend, with Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cinsault rounding it out. Charming, thoroughly quaffable and certified organic, "Mas de G" has spicy aromas of bright raspberry and strawberry fruits, which echo on the vibrant palate. It refreshes like a white but drinks more like a red, and it's wonderfully versatile as any wine can be. Its fruit-forwardness makes it a perfect aperitif, while its gutsy flavors nicely complement garlic-paprika grilled shrimp.

Twenty miles west of Cannes as the crow flies, the vineyards of Château du Rouët lie in the forested Provençal uplands of the Estrérel Mountains. Located in the area of Provence named for the old Roman town of Fréjus, five generations of the Savatier family have made all three colors of wine at Château du Rouët. Their rosé is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah and has the evocative, pale onion-skin color that is so emblematic of the best Provençal rosés. Subtle, refreshing flavors of raspberry, strawberry and watermelon with essential minerality and a wisp of herbs, with a glass of this I think I can see azure blue of the Mediterranean.

Muga is one of Spain’s top wineries and their classical Rioja sets benchmarks. As lofty as their red wines can be, their commitment to rosé/Rosado is remarkable and always a great value. This is made from the traditional Rioja grape varieties: Garnacha (60%), Viura (30%), and Tempranillo (10%). Quite dry and minerally with light berry flavors.

From the island of Sardinia, the Serralori is made from indigenous grapes: Cannonau, Monica, Carignano and Bovale Sardo. From vineyards 750 feet above sea level, the grapes are hand harvested in the early morning hours while the grapes are still cool. This rich salmon-colored rosé is Mediterranean essence.

Imported by Neal Rosenthal, Domaine La Manarine is one of our favorite Côtes du Rhône rosés. Only the third vintage of this rosé, Gilles Gasq, winemaker and proprietor of Domaine La Manarine, has vinified a Cotes du Rhone Rosé for Neal Rosenthal from his vineyards situated on the prestigious Plan de Dieu near Travaillan, serious Châteauneuf-du-Pape country. Blended from Grenache (50%) and Mourvedre (50%), this wine carries a dark rose color and is quite rich with notes of violets, raspberries and strawberries.