The Best Rosé Wines For Summer 2015

Rosé connoisseur, are you?

We're pretty big fans of the pink stuff, too, but as we head full charge into summer, we want to make sure we don't get stuck in a rosé rut. That's why we asked Andrew Lakin, sommelier at NYC's The Gander, for a few worldly suggestions to put some excitement back into our warm-weather lineup.

With a little something from Spain, Greece and the Finger Lakes in the mix, these wallet-friendly picks will help you kick off rosé season in the most delicious way.

For Day Drinking: 2014 Ameztoi Rubentis Txakolina ($19)

"The Rubentis is a beautiful, lively rosé from the rustic Basque country of Spain. There's an incredible concentration of bright red fruit, lime zest and intense minerality here, and though it's not bubbly, this wine has a light spritz that keeps it fresh and light on its feet, all with a low alcohol content—perfect for all-day drinking!"

For Charcuterie Plates: NV La Kiuva Rosé de Vallée ($18)

"Made primarily of Nebbiolo grapes, this rosé comes from a farming co-op in the Valle d'Aosta, high in the Italian Alps. The wine has a little bit of tannin, which makes it an ideal pairing for an incredibly wide range of foods, from charcuterie to richly sauced pasta dishes. It's one of the most complex rosés out there."

For Grilled Shellfish: 2014 Billsboro Rosé of Pinot Noir ($19)

"Made entirely from Pinot Noir grapes, this is a great example of the world-class rosés coming out of the Finger Lakes. Its perfect balance of tart acidity and ripe fruit really awakens the palate, but it's the intense minerality that rounds out this incredibly versatile rosé. Try it with charcuterie or grilled shellfish—you won't be disappointed."

For Barbecue: 2014 Château Coupe-Roses Frémillant ($17)

"This rosé from the Languedoc-Roussillon region of France is teeming with supple and ripe red cherry and strawberry fruit. This is a luscious rosé, backed by beautiful acidity, which has the ability to stand up to ribs or brisket marinated and glazed in tangy, smoky barbecue sauce, but is versatile enough to pair with a simple tomato, watermelon and feta salad."

For Roast Chicken: 2014 Château de Roquefort Côtes de Provence Corail ($15)

"This is the epitome of Southern French rosé. Pale in color, the wine has a nose that screams the classic aromas of the region: thyme, lavender and fennel. It leans toward the savory side but has plenty of subtle fruit notes and a spicy finish. Roasted chicken with Provençal herbs or a plate of grilled fennel is a great pairing for this wine."

For Picnics: 2013 Skouras Zoe Rosé ($14)

"This fun, bright pink rosé is a blend of Agiorgitiko and Moschofilero, two indigenous Greek varietals. The wine oozes with aromas of ripe strawberries and raspberries, but supple tannins and moderate acidity prevent this rosé from being too cloying. Fun, fruity and fresh, the Zoe is a perfect rosé for a picnic with a basket of fresh fruit and fried chicken."