As the heat increases, consider trading in your summer whites for summer pinks. Rosé is having its moment in the sun at Met Back Bay with a dedicated 8-glass menu that covers the color spectrum and has flavors for every palate. General manager Stephen Zeneski talks the blush-tinted menu, bottles for beginners and good menu pairings to see you (and your glass) through to September.

The Newbury Street restaurant always likes to add a pink or two to the menu when warmer weather rolls around but was inspired to expand the selection by owner Kathy Sidell and recent beverage trends. Sidell returned from trips through France with a list of bottles to bring in just in time to address a noted uptick in customer rosé requests. “I don’t find that when people ask for a sweet wine, they really want a sweet wine,” explains Zeneski, so Met responded with a dedicated menu of pours on the drier side that range in taste, texture and color. The restaurant rolled out their diverse list with six stand-bys and room to rotate two others according to diner tastes.

For those just entering into the wide world of rosé, Zeneski recommends the Minuty Prestige or the Domaniers Selection Ott. He says, “Lighter, softer wines tend to be more complex and are often times the most user-friendly. If you’re a person that likes a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio, these aren’t going to be such a huge change.” Zeneski’s personal favorite is the Chateau Beaulieu, which blends Grenache, Syrah and Cabernet for an earthy, herbal flavor along with berry notes. The majority of the wines are from the Provence region though the restaurant has swapped in some richer, Spanish pours for bolder palates. The darker, more robust pours go well with heavier foods, like smoky grilled summer meats. Most anything on the rosé menu will go well with Met dishes like pan-roasted halibut with Meyer lemon risotto or the ever-classic lobster roll.

The rosé menu runs alongside the warm weather and makes the most of patio season through the end of August. You can snag an outside seat for Newbury Street people-watching and get some color in your glass while the pink wines last.

Rosé Wine Menu
(by the glass)
Domaniers Selection Ott
Provence, France 2014  $15
Pale pink, with subtle aromas of red fruit, & a touch of citrus. It’s silky & supple with perfect acidity for patio sipping or summer suppers. Pairs well with fried food & grilled white flakey fish.

Minuty Prestige Rosé
Provence, France 2013  $9
Very intense aromas of citrus fruits and white flowers. Has a good balance between rich fruits & the frest acidity. While there is a crisp, tangy background, the foreground is ripe with strawberries & apricots. The whole things is finished with a lively, bright aftertaste.

M de Minuty Rosé
Provence, France 2014  $17
Hints of peach & candied orange. The mouth is fresh and round. Low acidity. Very light finish, no lingering palate.

Guilhem Rosé
Pays de I’Herault, France 2014  $9
Vivid rose pink. Pleasant, intense with hints of strawberry. Mouth: Full & round with aromas of crushed red fruit. End: Splendidly fresh and long.

Signature Magali Rosé
Provence, France  $12
A light salmon pink in color. “A flattering bouquet of citrus fruits and red fruit.” Fresh & smooth on the palate, evoking the juiciness of apricots & grapefruit. Pairs well with vegetable dishes, salads, grilled foods. Also an excellent aperitif wine.

Chateau Beaulieu
Provence, France  $10
Fruit-forward wine brimming with bright, summery notes of strawberry, raspberry & wildflowers.