Fridges across France are stocked with box rosé in the summer; it’s almost a summer rite to come in from a warm day and squeeze off a nice cold one (rosé, that is). Fortunately, we had some of the snappy Chateau de Roquefort, “Corail&# 2009 from the Cotes de Provence. But I couldn’t find one. MORE >>

He imports a range of exciting wines from Spain (and France) exclusively from small, family-owned properties that include some of the best white wines from Spain. There was a pair of rosés from Cotes de Provence, Clos Cibonne. But they are not your mother’s Provencal rosés. The Txakolis in his portfolio are really fun. MORE >>

On his trip through France in 1787 Thomas Jefferson visited Vidal-Fleury, today considered one of the most consistent producers in the Rhone Valley. Foudre: A large oak or chestnut cask used for aging wine (mostly in Provence and Alsace), with a capacity between 150 and 350 hectoliters (3,960 to 9,240 gallons and shipping was free. MORE >>

This is ripe but controlled and perfectly balanced, absolutely drinkable Cabernet Franc. 2008 Comptoirs de Magdala Vin de Table (Provence) La Chance , not more than $20. Funny, I didn't love this wine when it was part of the inexpensive Provence red blind tasting panel I did back in April, but I liked it very much on this day. MORE >>

Gassier Sables d'Azur Rose 2009 From Cotes de Provence in France, this Rose comes in an hourglass shaped bottle and is a Grenache blend loaded with flowery aromas, waves of grapefruit, apricot and orange peel, with flavors of cherries and roses. MORE >>