Happy First Day of Spring!!! It has been a tough winter and if you are like me you are ready for warm days, blooming flowers, and driving convertibles with the top down. And today is finally the day….the first day of spring!!!  This morning I walked through a few wines ideal for spring…or summer on The Broadcast.  A light, slightly chilled and fresh Rosé, made from anything from Pinot Noir to Grenache to Cabernet, just sings of spring. Here are a few of my favorites that we tasted this morning.  A link to the show segment is here.

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour, $38 – From the Carneros region of Sonoma this 58% Pinot Noir/ 42% Chardonnay sparkling wine is made in the traditional style of Champagne, with the second fermentation creating all those beautiful bubbles, occurring the bottle. Named in honor of Madame de la Pompadour, a member of Louis XV court, who said “Champagne is the only wine a woman can drink and remain beautiful,” this delicate, light, bubbly is filled with fresh strawberry, ripe peaches, nectarine and a touch of spice. An elegant aperitif any night. Available locally at Sigel’s and Spec’s locations.

Enjoue Rose from Lasseter Family Wines, $24 –  John and Nancy Lasseter fell in love with the Rhone region of France and their elegant wines with personality. The style of this Rose reminds them of some of their favorites in Provence, but made from their organically farmed, eco-friendly estate vineyards in Sonoma. Enjoue – meaning “joyful or playful” in French is a perfect descriptor of this Syrah based, fruit forward rose. Available via the Lasseter website.

Mulderbosch Rose of Cabernet Sauvignon, $10 – If a traditional glass of Cabernet Sauvignon is too heavy for you, try it is Rose form. Mulderbosch grows Cabernet Sauvignon, in the Coastal Region of South Africa, specifically for this spicy, dry rose that fills the palate with layers of red cherry, ripe raspberry and watermelon. Very approachable, both taste and price wise, this is an ideal wine to sip from spring until fall. Widely available at wine stores throughout Dallas.

Chateau de Berne Impatience Rose, $20 – a 50/50 blend of Grenach and Cinsault from Provence, this classic French rose is as delicate and balanced, as it is fresh and lively. Aromas of white flowers and wild strawberry lift from the glass, followed by ripe raspberry, red grapefruit and tangerine notes with great acidity and structure, maintaining balance from the start to the finish. Available at Central Market stores throughout Dallas and at Wine Poste.

Amapola Creek Rose Cuvee from Richard Arrowood, $20 – Made by this legendary winemaker for his wife, the Rose Cuvee blends classic Rhone varieties of Grenache, Mourvedre, Syrah and Viognier together for this very small production wine (about 75 cases) produced from their certified organic Moon Mountain AVA vineyards in Sonoma. Lively, juicy and inviting, the wine to sip on the patio at sunset or with summer salads or anything made on the grill, filled with red berry and red cherry flavors mingling with hints of sweet spice and a touch of freshly squeezed citrus. Available via the Amapola Creek website.