Drink Up: 2006 Barnard Griffin Rose of Sangiovese

Pink is the hot shade this summer, the drink that's ridiculously good-looking, and not nearly as sweet as you might think.

Today's rose is not your mama's white zin, the sticky sweet cooler that most people think of when it comes to pink wine. Of course, the French have known this for a gazillion years. (I'm especially fond of blanc de noir bubbly.)

In Washington, veteran winemaker Rob Griffin has gone pink with an Italian varietal that's typically used in Chianti. Barnard Griffin's rose of sangiovese is like an unexpected breeze on a blistering summer day, so refreshing, so lovely. It's bone dry, but not wicked tart. Goes great with grilled chicken and fish.

Oh, and did I mention, it's cheap? I picked up a bottle of this award-winning wine for under $10.

-- Leslie Kelly