We have had so much rain in North Texas this spring! In less than a month’s time a five year drought has ended and the Army Corp of Engineers began opening up flood gates in area lakes. We have had wicked thunderstorms that have unfortunately brought with them hail, flash floods and tornadoes in addition to some very cool days and other days that feel like a sauna. Almost every weekend in March, April and all of May up to this article being published has been washed out, leaving our narrow window of pleasant outdoor weather before the heat sets in almost gone. With the weather it has felt more like hardy red wine season than crisp spring wine season. I am truly grateful for the rain because we really needed it; however, the moment the clouds parted and we had a bit of sun I am break out the Rosé to celebrate! Fortunately, I received a couple bottles of Rosé from the wonderful people at Gregory White PR and a moment of sun meant it was time to give them a try.

Coté Mas Sud de France Rosé Aurore 2014: This wine was crafted of 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault and 20% Syrah and poured an inviting salmon into the glass. It opened with fresh aromas of red fruit with floral notes and my favorite… watermelon Jolly Rancher. At first sniff I know I am going to like this wine and I was not disappointed. Crisp clean flavors of strawberry, watermelon and candied violets met a touch of fresh cut grass on my palate and my mouth was filled with joy. Bright round acidity with a smooth, lingering dry finish left me wanting another sip. This was a very nice Rosé indeed, perfect for a party or for a Thursday! In addition to hot dogs this wine would make a delicious aperitif or pair well with a light summer salad, hamburgers, an egg dish, poultry or a summer soup. SRP 12.99. Click here to find near you.

I proclaimed this last summer and I will proclaim it again: Rosé pairs exceptionally well with hot dogs! Therefore, while the sun was shining I chose to throw some Boar’s Head all natural beef hot dogs on the grill to pair with this wine. We chose two styles of hot dogs: traditional with ketchup and mustard as well as guacamole and mango, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro and lime juice salsa. Both dogs were delicious and paired as well as expected with the crisp and refreshing Rosé.

Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut NV St. Hilaire: This wine was crafted of 70% Chardonnay, 20% Chenin Blanc and 10% Pinot Noir. It poured a soft pink into the glass and opened with an inviting aromas of strawberry, stone fruit, floral notes and delicious touch of Brioche. On the palate this wine delivered persistent and lively bubbles wrapped around flavors of strawberries, peaches, watermelon and buttered toast with a hint of citrus notes. It was delicious with round acidity and a medium long finish. This sparkling wine was crafted in the Méthode Traditionelle. SRP $18.99; a great price for such a pleasing sparkling wine! Click here to find this wine near you.

Since we had sun two days in a row (with rain at night) I took advantage to make another delicious summer time dinner to pair with this sparkling wine. I made Mahi Mahi tacos with the same guacamole and mango salsa from the hot dogs to pair with the Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut. The lively acidity of the sparkling wine paired beautifully with the delicate fish and spice of the salsa.

Jean-Claude Mas has blazed the trail for fine winemaking in the Languedoc region of the South of France. A fourth-generation vintner, Jean-Claude took the helm of Domaines Paul Mas in 2000. He defines the character of Paul Mas wines as “Luxe Rural,” an appreciation of the simple pleasures of life, artfully rendered by nature. It is the spirit of the sought of France. Domaines Paul Mas sources the highest quality grapes from nine family-owned estates and premier growers in the Languedoc to make wines of authenticity and refinement. The end result is a family of magnificently charming wines that burst forward with the personality of the Languedoc. Jean-Claude’s tenacity and vision have taken root: the 2015 Drinks International sommelier poll ranked Domaines Paul Mas 16^th of the top 50 most admired wine brands.

Jean-Claude’s mission has been to use only premium quality grapes to craft superior wines in a modern, New World flair. Above all else, this innovative vintner strives to make wines with authenticity and refinement, the end result of which is a family of magnificently charming wines that burst with personality and express their unique terroir. Please read my article from last summer, “Chillin With An Arrogant Frog,” to learn about another one of Domaines Paul Mas Signature Wine Series.

These two Domaines Paul Mas wines were delicious and a must for your spring and summer enjoyment. Order a few bottles of each for cookouts and to simply enjoy sipping by the pool or lake. You will be glad you did!

My Song Selection: This was an easy breezy song selection. A sunny afternoon, a delicious crisp Rosé and good food call for a song by my all-time favorite band: Here Comes the Sun by the Beatles. The song is light and crisp just like the wine; a perfect pairing!

Get your own bottles of Domaines Paul Mas Coté Mas Sud de France Rosé Aurore 2014 and Côté Mas Crémant de Limoux Rosé Brut NV St. Hilaire and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers!