The dog days of August have been biting early, but drinking these three chilled rose’ wines is one way to muzzle the heat. And the prices are cool, too.
The 2011 Saladini Pilastri Rosato is refreshing and redeeming. Its pure sangiovese grapes are organically farmed on hillside vineyards in Italy’s Marche region.

About a decade ago, I traveled through Marche tasting its white wine made from the vermentino grape. Day after day of this acidic, light-bodied wine left a sour memory of Marche until two weeks ago, when the delightful cherry scented-and -flavored 2011 Saladini Pilastri Rosato crossed my palate.

There are accents of strawberry and orange in the 2011 Saladini Pilastri Rosato. Its light body offsets the heavy summer air, and sangiovese’s acidity is subservient to the ripe fruit flavors. Fresh, clean and crisp, this wine comes with the no-sweat price of $8.

Herdade do Esporao incorporates organic farming and biodiversity planning in its vineyards and property. Located in the south-central Alentejo region, one of the hottest areas of Portugal, its tower dates from the mid-1400s, and the surrounding area is an important archaeological site. Of its range of wines, Herdade do Esporao’s Vinha da Defesa is its good-value, quaffing line.

The 2011 Vinha da Defesa Rose’ is an equal blend of Syrah and Alentejo’s aragonez grape. A brilliant cherry hue and an expanding cherry, strawberry and floral aroma are combined with ripe strawberry and cherry flavors. The mild acidity glides the fruit across the palate leaving a long, flavorful finish.

The attractive bottle design strikes a minimalist pose, and the price tag is minimal as well:$12.

Rose’ and the south of France are forever linked in the memories of millions of travelers. Outdoor cafes and indoor dining rooms are filled with people enjoying carafes and bottles of refreshing rose’ wine.In the 1980s, Michel Laroche ventured from his northern Chablis vineyards to the sun-drenched Languedoc region. He acquired 111 acres and in 1996 built a new winery, named Mas La Chevaliere.

Among the grape varietals in this region, grenache is king. It is used for red, white and rose’ wines. The 2011 Laroche Rose’ De La Chevaliere is 70 percent grenache and 30 percent syrah.

Laroche has followed the tried-and-true method of fermentation and a few months aging in stainless- steel tanks. The result is a pretty light pink color with fresh red fruit aromas and flavors. The fruitiness of the wine gives an immediate impression of sweetness, but fear not. This delightful rose’ finishes dry. The sweetness is reserved for the $12 tab and the Languedoc sunset viewed from your seaside table.