My affection for dry rose wines in the summertime began a lifetime ago when I was studying in the South of France one summer during college. That region is well-known in Europe for its dry, lightly fruity, crisp Rose de Provence wines. They were affordable and tasty-the perfect combination for a struggling college student.

For some reason, dry rose wines have never become popular in the United States. Here, pink wine seems to mean White Zinfandel-an other thing entirely. The nearest wine that's readily available here in Ohio is Bonny Doon Vineyards' Ca' del Solo "Big House Pink." This California creation has many of the same characteristics as Rose de Provence. It's dry, crisp, and affordable, with hints of citrus and explosions of tropical fruit and strawberries. It retails for just $10 (a little less in some places) and is perfect as a before-dinner beverage or to accompany summer favorites, such as light pastas, salads, and shrimp dishes.

^{(photo © 2008 S. Mitchell)}