National Rosé Day is June 10, but Texans don’t need an excuse to uncork the summer wine any time of year. Some rosés are light on the tongue, some bolder, but all our chosen picks are crisp and refreshing – not sweet – for barbecue, burgers and sumptuous grilled seafood. Here’s a bouquet of rosés to savor!

Alma Rosa 2021 grenache rosé

This pretty pink from Santa Ynez Valley has fragrances and notes of grapefruit, guava, and strawberry fields forever with balanced structure and a slight peppery finish (about $35).

Benovia Winery 2021 rosé

This beautifully crafted Russian River dry rosé of pinot noir flaunts aromas of alpine strawberries and candied orange with echoing flavors. The palate is lively, brimming with a tart cranberry-like finish (about $34).

Bouchaine Vineyards 2022 Vin Gris of pinot noir

We covet the pinots from this iconic Napa winery, but the newly released rosé is also smashing – bursting with head-spinning fragrances and pinot noir depth ($29).

Heath Sparkling NV Adoration rosé

Pop this Texas sparkler for instant smiles. Made with pinot noir in the Méthode Champenoise style, Heath’s richly textured sparklers (four varietals) boast aromas of white flowers, brioche and ripe fruit (about $54). Visit the cool tasting room in Fredericksburg for a flight of sparkling wines and seasonal small bites.

Inman Family Wines 2022 Endless Crush

Fresh, vibrant and mouthwatering for days, this Russian River Valley boutique pink beauty is made entirely with organically farmed Olivet Grange grapes ($40).

JNSQ

This California rosé cru blushing in a gorgeous bottle with a sculpted flower stopper isn’t just a pretty face. Pure and floral with a whisper of Bing cherry and wild strawberry, the grenache-forward rosé is crisp and elegant ($29).

Picayune Cellars 2022 Hay Penny rosé

Picayune’s California wines crafted in a French style are all impressive, but its vibrant rosé with watermelon and raspberry notes is the wine to take along poolside ($24). If visiting the Napa area, Picayune has a new Calistoga tasting room with a unique hat bar!

Presqu’ile 2022 Santa Maria Valley rosé

Made from pinot noir, this selection has body and silkiness while remaining fruit forward with nuances of fresh sliced watermelon, passion fruit and ripe raspberries ($32).

Frank Family Vineyards California 2022 Leslie rosé

Splurge on this special bottle of elegant pinot noir rosé made in the Provencal style with grapes sourced from the Carneros region. Smooth, substantial and complex, it’s worth the price ($50)!

Fiddlehead Cellars 2022 Pink Fiddle rosé

This deep pink California rose made from pinot noir looks like watermelon with similar harmonious flavors ranging from honeydew to cranberry. Expect a kiss of stone and dried herbs on the cleansing, tart finish.

VARA 2020 garnacha rosado

Interestingly, VARA is based in New Mexico and the wine making team blends the best grapes from Spain and American vineyards to wonderful effect. Its 2020 rosé resonates ripe strawberry, a touch of minerality, and acidity with a long finish and great price for the quality (about $14). Also impressive is Tinto Especial, an intense red blend that loves grilled foods.

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Cover Photo Courtesy Frank Family Vineyards

Robin Barr Sussman ([email protected]) is a freelance culinary and travel writer who studied at the Culinary Institute of America Greystone, Calif. As a chef for Sonoma County wineries, her specialty was food and wine pairing. Sussman is a columnist for Houston CityBook Magazine, Prime Living and Houston House & Home. Her work also appears in Texas Monthly, Fodor’s and Private Clubs Magazine.