These Richmond heat beaters arrive between Memorial and Labor Day, relaxing on the patio at Can Can, chilling at Secco Wine Bar and skirting the end caps at Whole Foods. No, I'm not talking white linen. Rosé season is upon us. Cooler than talcum powder after a bath, crisper than a starched seam, uncork one of these dry, pink favorites and don't even think the words white zinfandel.
Renegade Wine Co. Columbia Valley Rosé 2012 ($11)
This small production wine can be found at Once Upon a Vine, aka Rosé Headquarters. Ever had tiny strawberry rhubarb tarts made by six-gun-carrying pixies? One sip of this, and you can say you have. Once Upon a Vine, 4009 MacArthur Ave., 726-9463; 2817 Hathaway Road, 864-9463, onceuponavine.us.
Laurent Miquel Père et Fils Cinsault Syrah Languedoc 2012 ($6 a glass)
Imagine strawberries and blueberries, served icy cold, next to thin ribbons of sashimi. Now imagine those berries with buzz-inducing qualities. Dutch & Company, 400 N. 27th St., 643-8824, search Dutch & Co. on Facebook.
Chateau des Annibals "Suivez-moi-jeune-homme" Coteaux Varois en Provence 2012 ($19)
Chef Andy Howell has a standing order for this wine every year. If that isn't enough to make you want this herby rosé from the south of France, here's a snack to go with it: Make popcorn and drizzle with olive oil, rosemary, sea salt and pepper. You'll see pink elephants. Camden's Dogtown Market, 201 W. Seventh St., 745-6488, cdmrva.com
Bricco dei Tati Vin Rosato Piedmont 2012 ($9 a glass)
Made from racy, acidic Barbera grapes, this Jolly Rancher-pink wine pulses with sour cherry flavors. An exotic plum nose whispers for mu shu pork, chopsticks plunked right in the carton after every oily bite. Secco Wine Bar, 2933 W. Cary St., 353-0670, seccowinebar.com
Trump Winery SP Brut Rosé Virginia ($29)
Crème fraîche and raspberry fizz and pop from this Virginia sparkler made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Think of this wine as a poor man's Champagne or a mogul's folly. Definitely think of it with curry, fried chicken or gyros with tzatziki — as good as those dishes are with this wine, I bet The Donald doesn't eat them. Kroger, various locations, kroger.com
