While I drink this style of wine all year round, they become essential when the good weather arrives. That is, a white wine light in alcohol, a rosé dangerously easy to drink and a sparkling wine to celebrate long weekends.

Domaine de la Tour du Bandol Rosé 2021, France ($32.50)

I love Bandol, especially when they have a few years of age (yes, rosé can age!). Generally, the region produces a fuller style of rosé that is best appreciated with food. No doubt Domaine la Tour shines with salmon tartare or salade niçoise but its 12.5% and delicate juicy notes of grapefruit combined with its salinity and dried herb notes make it dangerously easy to drink on its own. This is a nice surprise, considering that 40% of the blend is Mourvèdre which usually produces a richer style of rosé. Best rosé of the summer so far. Definitely worth the splurge!

Bonnet-Huteau Les Bonnets Blancs Muscadet Sèvre et Maine 2020, France ($19.60)

This is the type of wine that as soon as you buy a bottle, it disappears from your fridge. Every time of the day (almost!) seems appropriate to drink a glass Muscadet. Hailing from the qualitative region of Muscadet Sèvre et Maine on the west coast of the Loire Valley, Les Bonnets Blancs is light on its feet with discreet notes of citrus and wet stone. The gentle touch of pastry adds a touch of complexity and texture. Its profile combined with 12% abv makes this Muscadet a perfect partner for brunch, lunch, or …the apéro. If I could start a Muscadet club, I would!

Cygnus Sador Brut Nature Reserva Cava DO, Spain ($19.20)

I tasted this sparkling blind a few times. On all occasions, I estimated a premium sparkling wine selling at $40-45. Then I served it blind to two different colleagues, and they did the same thing! This Cava no doubt over delivers for the money and offers the perfect option when you want to celebrate in style without breaking the bank. Made of Xarel-lo, Parellada, Macabeo, this classic blend from the Penedès region offers character, elegance and complexity. Fine bubbles with notes of red apple, white flowers and brioche lingering.