Friday Sips

The winner for my favorite rose this summer. The 2013 Usseglio CDR Rose is so good that we originally planned to pour it at last month's Pink Parade but before we could, we sold and drank our initial supply! Known more as classy Châteauneuf-du-Pape specialists, it's no surprise that brothers Thierry & Jean-Pierre Usseglio also maintain the house sophistication with both their Côtes-du-Rhône and CDR Rosé.

Grenache (90% along with 10% Cinsault) is king at this estate and the grapes for this wine come just across the border of Châteauneuf. Red cherry, wind-swept herbs, citrus and plenty of violet aromas shout out for you to take a big swig. Completely dry, mouth-seducing and oh so invigorating, it is zesty and bursting from front to back. Brilliant Provencal depth, but with balance and sass, this is scintillating juice from one of Châteauneuf's most prolific estates! Pair this with a number of things. I actually had it earlier this summer with barbecued ribs slathered in fine, imported Kansas City BBQ sauce. Bon après-midi!!

Based in Gaiole in Chianti, Marco Ricasoli produces wines from his small estate that are exhilarating from top to bottom. Something really fun for summer (and beyond) is this riveting Tuscan Rose. Honestly, this wine should be called Chianti Classico Rose since the grapes all come from the specific single vineyard of San Marcellino within the Classico zone. Alas, there is no such designation but nonetheless, it is flavorful, distinguished and full of pleasure.

90% Sangiovese 5% Canaiolo, 5% Merlot comprise the blend and this is consistently hailed as one of Italy's finest pink wines. Alluring strawberry licorice whip and lemon-zest surround subtle mineral and freshly cut herbs. Cool and ethereal texture that takes on all of the nuances that the nose gives and rolls over to the brisk and zingy finish that has complexity and plenty of crunchy grooves. This wine is wonderful over the next 18-24 months. If you think Rose doesn't play well when it cools down, try it with turkey or for effect, turn your furnace up to 84 degrees in November and experience it for yourself.

A few weeks back I had the chance to experience a rose for the first time from this longtime favorite Loire valley red wine producer who hails from the appellation of Bourgueil, which is located in close proximity to the more famous Chinon region.

100% Cabernet Franc, the Sedimentary rock and clay soils scream out on the 2013 which teems with blistering scents of raspberry and hibiscus along with flint and subtle fennel. Owning a poised texture, not only is this a pleasurable Rose, it also takes on a serious tone that will allow it to pair with a variety of cuisines. In the mouth, there is lots of movement, tongue-grabbing crispness and energy with a very expressive, illuminating finish that pleasantly lasts for minutes after the wine is swallowed. If you are a fan of fine French Rose wines then this one will be a must-have, especially with grilled tuna or swordfish.

One of the most famous lines from Martin Scorsese's classic, Goodfellas, is "when someone's about to get whacked, they never see it coming." Something we didn't see coming is this stunning rosé from one of our favorite Southern Italian producers, Librandi. Many of you experienced this Calabrian stalwart's wonderful reds over the last several years and we highly urge you to try this mouth-watering, palate-tingling, rose.

Made from 100% of the native Gaglioppo grape, this rose has impressive character. Alluring morello cherry, smoked herbs, dried rose petals and an underlay of mineral dominate the complex nose. In the mouth it's mouth-watering, savory and attractive with lots of flavor, character and intrigue. The finish is vibrant and quite long. As usual, this is great wine with traditionally prepared seafood dishes or alone on the porch, but don't be afraid to pair it with a spicy preparation.