NOW’S the time to acquaint yourself with the essence of summer with some fine rose wines.

There’s no doubting that the Mediterranean is the spiritual home of rose, and the South of France produces some of the best. Sainsbury’s makes a good entry-level style shaped in a typical Provencal ‘corset’ bottle.

Characteristically pale, try Taste the Difference Sainsbury’s Cotes de Provence Rose 2012, France (£7.99, Sainsbury’s) for a good introduction. Crisp and minerally with lots of melon and apricot flavours, it’s the perfect partner with grilled fish and the high acidity will stand up to a classic tomato and onion salad.

However, if you can’t afford the glitz and glamour of a Riviera lifestyle, Lichine produces a keenly priced rose. Sacha Lichine Single Blend Rose, Vin de France 2012, France (Case of 12, £117; 75cl bottle, £9.75, www.from vineyards direct.com) tastes more like a fine wine than a casual drinker, with lush berry and cherry flavours, a silky, creamy mouth feel and real depth of flavour on the finish.

With its passion for winemaking and alfresco lifestyle, Italy’s leafy courtyards are brimming with pretty pink bottles nestling in ice buckets.

From the deep south, A Mano Rosato 2012, Puglia, Italy (£7.73, www.thedrinkshop. com) is a convivial easy drinker that’s breezy and zippy with flavours of raspberry, strawberry and ripe cherry pie, as well as good acidity and a juicy, fruity finish. Alternatively, for an exotic Chilean twist to your alfresco rose, try Casillero Del Diablo Shiraz Rose 2012, Chile (£7.99, Morrisons). A bright lollipop pink, it’s bursting with the summery taste of raspberries, strawberries and the merest hint of spice.