Rosé has continued to be my favorite wine this summer. As it’s the last unofficial weekend of summer with lots of cookouts, I wanted to bring Rosés that would stand up nicely with bigger foods that were being served.

Often Rosé can be too light to pair well with food, but rosé d’assiette, or “plate” in French, are ones named for the their pairing ability. These are four great examples.

  • E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2013, $
  • Jaboulet Parrallele 45 Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2013, $12
  • Château Mourgues du Grès “Fleur d’Eglantine” Costières de Nîmes Rosé 2013, $11
  • Domaine de la Mordorée Tavel Rosé 2013, $30

The two favorites at the cookout?

E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2013

  • Variety: 35% Grenache, 35% Cinsault, 25% Syrah, 5% Mourvedre
  • Aroma: Bright red fruit
  • Taste: Big strawberry, nice texture and structure
  • Price: $14.99
  • My thoughts: I always love E. Guigal wines. The estate dates back to 1946. This Rosé is no exception, and at a great price, but it’s already hard to find this year.

Jaboulet Parrallele 45 Côtes du Rhône Rosé 2013

  • Variety: 50% Grenache, 40% Cinsault, 10% Syrah
  • Aroma: Citrus, pink grapefruit
  • Taste: Crisp pink grapefruit with pomegranate, nice body and minerality
  • Price: $12
  • My thoughts: This wine has built the reputation of the Rhône producing great values in fine French wine. At $12 it can’t be beat as an aperitif and food pairing.

Santé to Rosé d’assiette!