Pink wine has a reputation for being soft and sweet and less assertive than other table wines, but this doesn't have to be true, especially for rosé. In fact, it's usually blush wines that are sweet, and they can be made by blending a small amount of red wine into a white base and adding sugar.

Not so with rosé! It must be made with 100% red grapes, lightly macerated and quickly pressed. It's this treatment that gives robust and dry French rosé ripe, juicy flavors of strawberry, raspberry and citrus, with aromas of melon and strawberry leading to a crisp finish with a tiny touch of spiciness.

Serve lightly chilled with Southern-style barbecue, shellfish (especially bouillabaisse or cioppino) or soft cheeses and fruit.