This blend of 40% Grenache Noir, 40% Syrah and 20% Mourvèdre from the French Pyrenees is a clear, light rosy pink color. Subtle red-berry aromas and a whiff of something pleasantly bitter, almost like a distant touch of Campari, on the nose and palate. Fresh and tart, perhaps a hint of fresh-fruit sweetness, but good acidity imparts a dry, refreshing finish. Interesting rosé, with a light 12.5% alcohol, it works well with a variety of food pairings or, as spring moves into summer, a pleasant aperitif for sipping alfresco. U.S. importer: Hand Picked Selections, Warrenton, Va. (May 6, 2015)

FOOD MATCH: Crisp and fresh, it’s a perfect pink wine for aperitif sipping indoors or out on warm late-spring and summer evenings. It’s suited to a range of fare including richer seafood or poultry – it would be excellent with smoked salmon – and cheese-based dishes. Try it also with spicy options; we enjoyed it with a piquant Nigerian-style red bean and peanut stew.

WHEN TO DRINK: There’s no reason to cellar rosé. This one would last for a year or three, but why not drink up while it’s young and fresh?

VALUE: No qualms whatsoever at this price point, which falls within the typical range of U.S. prices shown by Wine-Searcher.com.

WEB LINKS Click here for importer Hand Picked Selections’ fact sheet on the 2014 Le Cirque Rosé.

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