I came across a brilliantly labeled wine the other day at Whole Foods, Summer Water. It’s the perfect way to describe Rose wine. It is after all one of the most popular wines for Summer. Rose comes in all shapes and sizes, hues of pink and flavor. It is easy to sip and refreshing on a hot Summer day at the beach.

This Summer I have been on a mission to try as many Rose wines as I can. I have my go-to Rose wine from Trader Joe’s, of which I will never tire. I have been able to try some new ones that I think are fantastic and worth giving a try. As a public service, I am issuing my Summer Rose List:

Summer Water: Wins Best Wine Name for Summer 2018, don’t you think? This wine hails from the Central Coast of California. Made up of Grenache and Syrah, you’ll find this to be a fruit forward Rose, but dry. Grapefruit on the nose, white peach, and strawberry on the palate. It’s basically Summer in a bottle. I snagged this at Whole Foods for $18.

Forty Ounce: This is a Rose I was literally waiting for since I heard about it last Winter. Wine snobs – would they drink Rose out of a 40 ounce bottle? Is it less frufru in a 40? Nope. Which is why, when I saw that there was going to be a Rose wine in a forty ounce bottle called Forty Ounce, I simply had to have it! Let me tell you something, it’s the classiest forty ounce I’ve ever consumed. This Rose is produced in the Loire Valley by Julien Braud. It is refreshing and dry. Dried Strawberry and melon. No need to brown bag this 40! And only $18 (on sale $16).

Vin de Provence Aix Rose: This is a classic Rose from Provence. Light in color with watermelon and strawberry characteristics. Perfect for Summer sipping with friends and family. Truly a spectacular Rose and must try! I found this at Whole Foods for $18. 

The Palm by Whispering Angel: Last Summer Whispering Angel was by far the most popular Rose being sipped. It was light and crisp, flavorful and all the celebs drank it on their yachts (so there is that). I stumbled across this wine at this wine shop near my parents’ home in Maryland. The fun Summer label stuck out at me and I had to pick it up. The Palm Rose is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from Provence. Subtle rose petal aroma, with some dry strawberry on the palate. Crisp, refreshing, what more do you want for warm Summer nights? $17.

St. Sagnol Provence Rose: This is a great budget-friendly Rose. Coming in at a measly $6 at Trader Joe’s, this is a perfect Rose for a hot summer night. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, this wine has notes of stone fruit. Dry and refreshing.

La Coqueluche Rose: I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t buy this Rose because it had a rooster on it wearing a suit! Another Trader Joe’s win! You don’t have to spend upwards to $20 on a good Rose to sip with friends out on the deck. Now, this is not a Rose from Provence. This wine hails from the Languedoc region of Southeastern France. Floral and fruity on the nose. Smooth on the palate with peach and apricot. This is another “more bang for your buck” winner coming in at $6 from our favorite TJ’s.

It’s hot, humid and gosh darn it, you deserve a good Rose after work and to enjoy on the weekends. Stop and smell the Rose. Check these out at your local wine stomps.