Tip: A Rose Outlook

Looking for a transitional wine to have on hand as spring heads toward summer? One with characteristics of both a white and a red?

Try the medium-bodied, slightly off-dry 2006 Monte Toro Rosado ($11) from Spain's Toro region. Made of 100 percent garnacha (grenache) grapes, it has a strawberry-jam nose that gives way to strawberries and black cherries on the palate, with a hint of spice on the finish.

This Spanish rosé has the weight to stand up to chicken thighs, pork or grilled salmon or tuna, or even entree-style salads featuring red meats or any of the aforementioned.