“In case you haven’t noticed, rosé wines are hot. According to a 2016 Nielsen report, U.S. retail sales of premium imported rosé wines grew by 54 percent on volume and 60 percent on value in 2015, meaning we’re buying more and paying more per bottle. And that was just for imported rosés.

“It used to be that rosés were available only for spring and summer, but I see rosés for sale all year long now. You may think of rosé only as simple quaffing wine, but following are three French rosés that will enhance your next meal, casual or not.

“The ancient property of Chêne Bleu, with written records dating from 1026, is in the southernmost part of the Rhone Valley situated at about 2,000 feet above sea level. That altitude in the warm, sunny region provides cooler temperatures, allowing the grapes to ripen while maintaining the acidity to keep the wine fresh and lively. The Rolets, Xavier and Nicole, acquired the vineyards and buildings in 1993 and began renovations. Today the vineyards are farmed organically and in some cases biodynamically.

“This rosé is primarily grenache, so generous strawberry and melon flavors are in abundance while syrah brings a touch of peppery spice and solid structure. A small amount of cinsault adds a floral note. A portion of the wine spent three months in a mixture of old and new oak, adding depth. Serve it with salmon tartare or salade Niçoise. are farmed organically and in some cases biodynamically…”

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