If you’ve noticed an unusual amount of joy on our faces in the wine department lately, there is a very reasonable explanation. Every year about this time, containers full of pink wine begin arriving from Spain, France, Italy, and other fine places across the globe. Without exception, everyone I know in the wine industry looks forward to the arrival of these wines. Almost always dry and typically excellent values, these are the wines that define spring for us in the wine department.

Our first shipments have arrived and include some newcomers and several wines that we look forward to selling year after year. For example the 2010 Routas ($12.99) from Provence is here, sporting the same mouthful of spicy strawberry and tangerine. Also from Provence are two other regulars, Domaine Sorin ($11.99) and my favorite, Miraval’s Pink Floyd ($19.49). All of these wines manage to capture Provence’s beguiling summer sun perfectly.

From Spain we will be selling the CVNE (aka CUNE) Rioja Rosado ($13.99) for the first time. These guys boast the oldest continuously family-operated winery in Rioja, dating back to the mid 1800s. A favorite of ours from last year is the Señora de Iniesta Bobal Rosado ($7.99). This one features a perfectly mouthwatering array of tart cherry and raspberry fruit. Look for others from Spain arriving over the next 2-3 weeks.

We’re also seeing the first pink wines roll in from ‘the new world.’ The first is Isenhower’s Pink Paintbrush ($10.99). This wine is so atypical for what is coming out of Washington that I feel a duty to sell it. Not overripe, not sappy sweet, and best of all, bright acidity! Produced using all estate-grown Cabernet Franc, this is one for the patio.

From Bonny Doon we have another standout with their Vin Gris de Cigare ($14.99). And just moments ago the Illahe Tempranillo Rosé hit the shelves along with two Pinot Noir Rosés from J.K. Carriere and Maysara. Lastly is the pink counterpart to the ever-popular Torre Oria Cava from Spain. I can truthfully say that I believe we have a rosé for every palate.

And the beautiful part of all this is that it is only the third week of May! On the horizon we have the arrival of Bourgogne Rosé from Chateau de Puligny and the always delicious gem from Moulin de Gassac. Oh, and don’t forget about the Triennes which is a joint project from principals at Dujac and DRC.