Wine & spirits: Revival of rose

There's a pink wine for every occasion and for every drinker.

A sense of class
Henry of Pelham Cuvee Catharine Brut Rosé ($30) was an instant hit when it was released. This Niagara bubbly oozes charm and elegance, and what’s more, tastes good, too. Perrier-Jouet Belle Epoque Brut Rose Champagne ($348) is liquid art in a hand-painted floral bottle. Despite the lively, lusty taste, at this price, it's definitely for special occasions only.

A sense of place
St. Tropez Carte Noire Rose ($15), from the south of France near St.-Tropez, delivers warm flavours of ripe fruit for casual summer dining. Mateus Rose ($9), Portugal's most famous export, still has cachet with many drinkers thanks to its crackling texture, fruity taste and exceptional price. Remy-Pannier Rose d'Anjou ($11) hails from France's historic Loire Valley. It's off-dry with light strawberry-melon flavours, and a natural with fish.

A sense of fun
Girls' Night Out Merlot Chardonnay ($13) comes from Ontario's Colio Estate Wines. Most guys don’t know what they’re missing. Shhh, let’s keep it that way. Sutter Home White Zinfandel ($9) tastes fruity and sweet – an ice cube is de rigueur. It’s the ultimate patio pour. Yellow Tail Bubbles Rose ($14) capitalizes on the trend toward drinking pink wines combined with the fad of sipping bubblies, compounded by the economic shift toward paying less. Is this a menage a trois made in heaven? Yes!

Read more in Food & Entertaining and Wine & Spirits