Coteaux du Languedoc, $7.00 a glass

The next rosé I tasted at Il Buco was from Southwestern France: the 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc from Prieuré Saint-Hippolyte. A classic Languedoc rosé made with a Syrah-Grenache blend, it is much lighter and dryer than the Castello di Ama. This is reflected in the light watermelon tint of the wine. Filled with strawberries and currants, it is fruity and crisp with just the right amount of acidity to balance the wine. This dry wine revealed the best qualities of simple French rosés as a versatile choice for summer dining.