As summer quietly transitions to fall, so do our palates. Our cravings shift from crunchy whites to unctuous reds. We seek comfort and respite from the impending cool weather. 

However, there remains one style of wine more people needn't rid their wine shelves of once the fall equinox hits: rosé (and i'll throw orange wine in there for good measure). 

Yes, I know, you've had it drilled into your head that rosé is a "drink now, patio pounding, poolside sipper" (seriously, how many times did you hear that in tasting rooms this summer?) but it's actually the most bangin' food wine that will pair with pretty much almost anything. 

Rosé is special because it doesn't have the extended maceration time that reds do, so you're not battling against grippy tannin (that drying sensation you get from wine left on the skins of the grapes) and it's often super juicy – so it's very forgiving when you're inevitably throwing it back with a massive plate of cheese, meat and array of other accoutrements. 

Specific varieties and styles like specific things – dessert wine and blue cheese, sauvignon blanc and anything with herbs, pinot noir and duck – you get the gist.

Rosé is more of the catchall kind of wine. Having a salad with berries? Rosé. Making some pasta? Rosé. Eating mortadella direct from the package? Rosé. 

The only problem with rosé is because most people drink it so seasonally, it tends to sell out, leaving little selection for the rest of us to pick from post August. 

Look for the following rosés that are generally stocked year round: 

– Domaine Lafond Roc Epine 2018 Tavel 

– Campo Viejo 2017 Tempranillo Rosé

– Fleurs de Prairie 2018 Provence Rosé

What is your favourite wine as we transition into fall?