The First Rosés Of Spring!

When March arrives, we know that winter has not yet vanished, but we feel that we have turned the corner. Soon, it'll be more warm than cold, more light than dark.

And with the change in seasons comes spring rosé wines. The folks at Pasternak Imports have put together a sampling of five very diverse rosés, including some bubblies, to whet our appetites for the coming spring.

Lucien Albrecht Crémant d'Alsace brut rosé non-vintage ($20). A soft and creamy pinot noir-based bubbly, it has palate-pleasing strawberry fruit with good finishing acidity and intense bubbles.

Paul Cheneau Cava rosé brut non-vintage ($11). Although it has good, tangy cherry flavors, it lacks zip at the finish.

Valdo Italian brut rosé non-vintage ($12). Full strawberry flavors are followed by some pleasant hints of brioche in this somewhat soft, mouth-filling bubbly.

Los Vascos Colchagua Valley cabernet sauvignon rosé 2014 ($11). Lots of strawberry flavors are present in this full-bodied wine that finishes with good acidity.

Saget La Perrière "La Petite Perrière" vin de France rosé 2014 ($16). A quite tart food wine, one that will cut through dishes that contain tomato sauce.