Domaine de Moulines
Les Cigales 2011

**¹ / ₂

Languedoc, France, $11

Pale pink and with the soft, refreshing texture of spring water, this delightful wine is ideal for patio sipping, with or without appetizers.

Dionysus: Available in the District at Cleveland Park Wine and Spirits, Rodman’s, Wagshal’s Market, Whole Food Markets Tenleytown. Available in Maryland at Balducci’s, Bradley Food & Beverage and Cork & Fork in Bethesda; Finewine.com in Gaithersburg; Iron Bridge Wine Co. in Columbia; Rodman’s in Wheaton. Available in Virginia at Balducci’s in Alexandria and McLean; Cheesetique in Arlington; Whole Foods Markets in Alexandria, Reston and Vienna.

Alexander Valley Vineyards Dry Rosé of Sangiovese 2011

***

Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, Calif., $15

Consistently one of the best U.S. rosés, this cherry-red version has a slight earthiness from stems and lots of strawberry and watermelon flavor. A new label design gives it extra class without taking away from the fun.

Bacchus: Available in the District at A-1 Wines & Liquors, Burka’s Wine & Liquor, Calvert Woodley, Chevy Chase Wine & Spirits, Circle Wine & Liquor, Harry’s Reserve Fine Wine & Liquor, Magruder’s, Paul’s of Chevy Chase, Rodman’s, S&R Liquors, Safeway in Georgetown, Sheffield Wine & Liquor Shoppe, Whole Foods Market Foggy Bottom, Wine Specialist; on the list at the Hamilton. Available widely in Maryland, including at Bay Ridge Wine & Spirits in Annapolis, Calvert Wine & Spirits in Hunt Valley, Vineyards Elite in Pikesville.

Frederic Reverdy Cotes-du-Rhone Rosé 2010

**¹ / ₂

Rhone Valley, France, $13

This fine rosé is an example of why we shouldn’t dismiss these wines just because their vintage was two years ago. The wine may have softened in its acidity, but that has allowed its fruit flavors to blossom.

J.W. Sieg: Available in the District at Cleveland Park Wine and Spirits. Available in Virginia at Le Tastevin in Alexandria; Oakton Wine Shop; Unwined in Alexandria and Belleview.

Domaine du Pere Caboche 2011

**

Vaucluse, Rhone Valley, France, $9

A bit soft and supple, yet still quite refreshing; shows nice depth.

M Touton Selection: Available in the District at Circle Wine & Liquor, Lee-Irving Liquor, Magruder’s, Paul’s of Chevy Chase, Rodman’s, Sheffield Wine & Liquor Shoppe, Yes! Organic Markets. Available in Maryland at the Bottle Shop in Potomac, Cork 57 Beer and Wine in Bethesda, Hair o’ the Dog in Easton, Mt. Washington Wine Co. and Wine Market in Baltimore, Old Farm Liquors in Frederick, Pine Orchard Wine in Ellicott City, Quench! Beer-Wine-Deli in Colesville, State Line Liquors in Elkton. Available in Virginia at Leesburg Vintner, Planet Wine & Gourmet and Rick’s Wine & Gourmet in Alexandria, the Town Duck in Warrenton.

Domaine le Murmurium 2011

**

Cotes-du-Ventoux, France, $10

Pale and translucent, this delightful rosé delivers more flavor than you would think, judging from the color alone.

M Touton Selection: Available in the District at Best in Liquors, Paul’s of Chevy Chase, Rodman’s. Available in Maryland at Belby Discount Beer & Wine in Rockville; Bradley Food & Beverage, Cork 57 Beer and Wine, and Meridian Market and Wine in Bethesda; Old Farm Liquors in Frederick. On the list at Annie’s Bistro Francais in Bethesda, the Perfect Pour in Elkridge. Available in Virginia at the Winery in Alexandria.

Elicio Rosé 2011

**

Languedoc, France, $13

Bright and fruity, this lip-smacking rosé is imported by Bourgeois Selections, which is based in North Carolina and has a strong line of wines now distributed in our market.

Robins Cellars: Available in Virginia at Maison du Vin in Great Falls, Unwined in Alexandria and Belleview, Westover Market in Arlington.

Domaine de Fondreche L’Instant 2011

**

Rhone Valley, France, $10

One of the stars of importer Robert Kacher’s stellar rosé portfolio. In recent years it has moved toward the pale Provencal style and shows delicacy and finesse. (Tasted from a sample, available mid-May.)

Kacher: Wholesalers are Washington Wholesale in the District, Robins Cellars in Virginia.