2005 Chateau de Segries rose

2005 is a banner year for roses from the south of France, and with summer upon us, now is the time to lay in some of the vintage’s best. In the southern Rhone, the Tavel appellation is not only famous for its dry roses, but entirely dedicated to them. Louis XIV had a fondness for the wine, which naturally bolstered Tavel’s reputation. But for decades, Tavel didn’t quite live up to its rep, focusing on quantity rather than quality. Now vintners there are playing catch-up, and at long last some are producing terrific roses.

Chateau de Segries 2005 Tavel stands out for its elegance. A deep, bright pink, it’s bone dry and leaves a lingering impression of wild strawberries. It’s perfect as a warm-weather aperitif but also has enough structure to come to the table. Best of all, it’s a great buy.

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Quick swirl

Region: Provence.

Price: About $13.

Style: Dry and fruity.

Food it goes with: Tapenade, salade nicoise, soupe de poissons, roast chicken.

Where you find it: East Beach Wine Co. in Santa Barbara, (800) 656-WINE or (805) 899-1535; Flask Fine Wines in Studio City, (818) 761-5373; John & Pete’s Fine Wines in West Hollywood, (310) 657-3080 or (323) 655-5497; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 76WINEX.

-- S. Irene Virbila