-- Seasonal picks from our wine expert

Wines for Spring Feasts

Deviled eggs, fried chicken, fruit salad, barbecue, quiche, grilled sausage and veggies — could there be one wine that’s great with them all? Yes! It’s rosé, specifically dry rosé. And like summer, rosé is hot.

From Napa to New York, rosé has made a comeback. And if you think pink means sweet, think again. Today, good rosé wines range in sweetness, in blush color, and in price, too. They hail from the United States, Europe and beyond, and are made from several grape varieties.

In the south of France, rosé is the summertime wine of choice. It pairs with practically everything, especially picnic foods. And when served cold, it’s incredibly refreshing.

Rosé’s distinctive hue derives from the shorter length of time (compared with red wine) the winemaker allows the red grape skins to be in contact with the wine. Because it’s neither red nor white, rosé complements many foods, even those not typically wine friendly, like egg dishes. Rosé from Europe is generally drier — and more versatile — than its California counterpart. In response to growing interest in the wine, U.S. vintners have introduced a new category somewhere between dry and sweet: pink or “blush” wines. They’re softer and fruitier than the sometimes bone-dry rosés of Europe, but not as sweet as White Zinfandel.

For dry rosé lovers, Château Routas from Provence, at around $10, will not disappoint. Nor will Francis Coppola’s Sofia Rosé, at around $18, made from Pinot Noir. Leaning toward “pink”? You'll pack a fabulous picnic with Bonny Doon’s Big House Pink, at $11, and Cline’s Pink Truck, at $9. Tuck ’em in ice and go.