Tip a glass of pink to celebrate International Rosé Day

As if we needed another excuse to pop the cork on a bottle of crisp, refreshing Northwest rosé, today is International Rosé Day.

The Pacific Northwest has become a serious player in producing dry rosés, with winemakers experimenting with a number of varieties, including Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre.

The best rosés are those that are dry to just off-dry with fresh aromas and flavors of bright red fruit backed by crisp, lip-smacking acidity. These make for perfect wines to chill down on a warm summer day, then enjoy with such cuisine as pork, chicken, shellfish, salmon, grilled vegetables and more.

Here are a dozen refreshing rosés we’ve tasted recently (including two sparklers). Ask for them at your favorite wine merchant or contact the wineries directly.