ROUND-UP // EASY DRINKING ROSE PICKS YOU SHOULD DRINK RIGHT NOW

I get it. By now, it's mid-August and your thoughts are already drifting to a pumpkin latte. But friends, the weather is still warm and you're well ahead of Labor Day weekend. From where I sit, there is still plenty of time to fill your glass with a refreshing rose. Not sure which one to pour? Fear not. I've spent the last couple of months sampling them all (trust me...) and I've narrowed it down to some rose picks that are easy to drink, easy to find and easy on the pocketbook.

AIX Rose 2016 ($17) // I might have been drawn in by the label, but was very happily surprised with the drinkability of the AIX Rose. I picked up mine at Whole Foods and paired it up with a platter of cheese and veggies (go here for some ideas!).

Saved 'Magic Maker' ($14) // The label design got high marks from Forbes back in 2014, but this limited CA production wine also deserves praise. It's been my pick during concerts this year at both the Bowl and the Greek and I've found it consistently stocked at our local grocery chain store.

Whispering Angel ($19) // I picked up a couple of bottles of Whispering Angel for a family pool day and quickly understood why I've seen this one on so many bar and restaurant menus this season.

Listel Grain de Gris ($10) // Our local walk-up fish counter serves this one and its another one that is just so light and drinkable! Not sure and want a second opinion? Wine-searcher lists this one as climbing in popularity over the last year. Its also affordable enough to serve to the masses while entertaining.

JCB #5 Rose ($19) // I've seen this one priced as high as $29 a bottle which might fall into the splurge category. Catch it on promo right now at wine.com or your local BevMo.

I've declared pretty much anything by winemaker Gerard Bertrand a good choice. There are some pretty tasty bottles of bubbly made by this wine house. But I say, start with the Cote de Roses ($13), as its easily found on your grocery store shelf (and at Costco!). Then branch out and sample the Chateau La Sauvageonne ($20) and Gris Blanc ($12) found at chain outlets like BevMo or Total Wine. All three bottles are solid tasty options to drink now through the official end of summer.

Am I missing any of your favorites? Drop me a note in the comments section! There's certainly plenty of time left in these last warm weeks for me to adopt a new favorite.

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