Spring has come to our Valley slowly and somewhat begrudgingly this year. It finally appears that we can hang the snow shovels up in the garage and take the ice scrapers out of our vehicles. To a wine lover, these gestures are symbolic of the beginning of a transiition in what we drink. Once the tempaeratures rise and the outside activities become more prevelant, the consumption of chilled wines that are lighter in body and easier to drink increases substantially.

Rose' is one of spring and summer's true wine pleasures. In European countries, it is consumed in earnest once the weather turns warm. In America, Rose' has seen a bit of a resurgence lately as we realize that really good pink wine is anything but White Zinfandel. The truth is that most good Rose's are medium bodied to dry and are made from many of the red grapes we enjoy during the fall and winter months.

Here's a look at four distinctly unique Rose's that will liven up your spring / summer parties and dinners:

2014 Charles and Charles Rose' - Columbia Valley, Washington

72% Syrah, 8% Mouvedre, 8% Cabernet, 6% Grenache, 6% Cinsault, 3% Counoise

I had a chance to attend a fantastic seminar where Charles Bieler spoke about his personal mission to help American's understand and appreciate Rose'. Having just visited Washington myself a few weeks before, I was well aware of the quality Rose's coming out of the Columbia Valley.

Bieler's collaboration with Charles Smith is lush, fruity and deicdedly delicious with fresh raspbery and strawberry filling the mouth. Refreshing natural acidity builds a lengthy finish that invites anoither sip. It is an excellent pairing with a diverse aray of foods or can be enjoyed stand alone on a warm summer day.

2013 Lion's Lair Rose' - Swartland, South Africa

A fresh and fun offering from the Leeuwenjuil Family Vineyards. Aromas of dried rose petals, violets and raspberries lead to a palate of fresh strawberries and baked currants.

2013 Masciarelli Villa Gemma Rose' - Cerasuolo D' Abruzzo, Italy

Aromas of cherry and raspberry with surprising hints of peach anf blueberry. The palate attack is clean and vivid with flavors of strawberry, and intense baked cherry fruit.

2013 Latue Clearly Organic Rose' - Spain

Made from 100% Tempraniilo grapes this is a classic representation of what Spanish Rose' tastes like. A really aromatic wine that jumops out of the glass at you with strawberry, peach and a hint of dried flowers.

Take a little step outside of your regular wine drinking plan and enjoy some Rose' this spring. You'll be glad you did and may even find a couple in your regular wine rotation this summer!