The summer season brings a surge in popularity for rosé wine, known for its bright and fruit-forward flavor profile. Recently, Adam Lapierre, a master of wine at Total Wine, highlighted a notable newcomer: the Celesia Côtes de Provence rosé. This wine, priced at $17.49 per bottle, comes from France’s esteemed Estandon wine cooperative and embodies the traditional Provence characteristics—pale, dry, crisp, and refreshing.

Lapierre emphasized the versatility of this rosé, stating it pairs wonderfully with seafood, salads, and grilled chicken. To enjoy it at its best, serving temperatures between 46 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit are recommended, which may require refrigerating it for up to three hours beforehand.

The appeal of rosé is also influenced by environmental factors such as regional weather conditions and terroir. The Côtes de Provence region, situated along the Mediterranean coast, is ideal for grape growing, producing primarily rosé wines. As summer temperatures rise, interest in rosé increases particularly in the Northeastern U.S., as consumers seek wines that complement outdoor dining experiences and seafood dishes.

In contrast, wine preferences in warmer regions like the South and West Coast also gravitate towards refreshing whites and sparkling wines year-round, aligning with a lifestyle of outdoor entertaining.

This summer, the Celesia Côtes de Provence rosé is expected to be a popular choice among wine enthusiasts, thanks to its affordability, quality, and flavor profile that embodies the essence of summer. For ideas on pairing food with this delightful wine, explore some favorite wine and snack combinations.