"In southern France, rose wine was a kind of leftover of the winemaking process; whatever didn't make the grade into the local red wine got "used up" by making rose. There has been a tremendous shift in recent years in winemaking philosophy in the south of France. Today, winemakers all across the south are making rose on purpose, and coming up with stuff which stays fresher longer. Rose wines, for the most part, are extremely dry, almost austere. This helps them to cut through the rich, garlicky food of in southern France. They work especially well with artichokes because after eating one, everything else tastes a bit sweeter. While that's a problem for most wines, the southern French roses are so dry that a little extra impression of sweetness is a good thing. Try a French rose with any artichoke dish, especially one including garlic, olive oil, tomatoes, herbs." David Rosengarten

FONDRECHE
Cotes de Ventoux Rose l'Instant
2003 $11.99

GRAND CASSAGNE
Costieres de Nimes Rose
2003 $8.99
"While the 2003 Rose is off dry, what little residual sugar present is masked by a good acidity. A blend of 53% Grenaceh, 40% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre, it possesses a medium deep ruby color, load os flavor, medium body and a flamboyant finish." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #153

MAS DE BRESSADES
"One of importer Robert Kacher's great value estates, these wines are perennial top picks." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Costieres de Nimes Rose
2003 $10.99

MAS DE GUIOT
"This must be one of the great unknown estates working in the Costieres de Nimes, a remarkable treasure trove for wine values." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Costieres de Nimes Rose
2003 $8.99
"A beautiful rose, this 65% Syrah and 35% Grenache blend's light to medium color in addition to its serious body, aromatics and texture result in a formidable rose for drinking over the next 6-9 months." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #153

PETITE CASSAGNE
"A sensational estate..." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate
Costieres de Nimes Rose
2003 $8.99
"A gorgeous, slightly off dry Rose made from 75% Grenache and 25% Syrahm this exhuberantly fruity 2003 offers hints of strawberries, cherries and white flowers. With far more character than most roses (Isuspect that's a characteristic of the vintage), it should be enjoyed over the next 12 months." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #153

SAINT-ANTOINE
Costieres de Nimes Rose
2003 $8.99
"The austere, but fruity, delicious 2003 Rose (65% Syrah and 35% Grenache) is produced from 40+ year old vines. It possesses medium body, admirable fruit and a drier style than some southern French roses." Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #153

MINER FAMILY
Sangiovese Rosato
2002 $11.99