Nothing seems to make certain wine drinkers cringe like the words “pink wine.” For some, it conjures memories of sickly sweet concotions consumed at college cook outs. For others, “pink wine” is synonymous with “white zinfandel” (which isn’t a bad thing for white zin lovers).

Just like “all Riesling is sweet” is a myth (which Just Grapes debunked at its Riesling 101 class in early June), “all pink wine is sweet and fruity” is also a myth. Let’s take a closer look.

For starters, lets stop calling it “pink wine.” Rosé (pronounced “rose-ay”) is the proper term for that wine occupying the vast territory between whites and reds. We know white wine is “white” because it has been made without the grapes’ skin. Red wine is red because the skins (which is where most of the tannins are) are left on. Rosés are a little of both: the skins are allowed to remain on the grape during the crushing process, and then removed, typically within a few days. Brief contact with the colorful skins is what gives Rosé its hue. Rosés can be numerous shades, from pale orange to salmon pink to downright purplish. They also vary in sugar and texture.

This summer, drink pink!

Just Grapes has brought in three brand new Rosés this summer: the flavorful, exotic 2008 Domaine Skouras “Zoe” from Greece; the intriguing 90% Grenache/10% Mourvedre 2007 Verdad from California; and the delightful and dry 2007 Reverdy Sancerre. We also acquired a new vintage of the popular Bon Bon, which is the sweetest of our Rosés but certainly not too sweet.

In last week’s “Wine & Food for the Home Chef” course, offer by Just Grapes at the Calphalon Culinary Center, the Greek “Zoe” Rosé was among six food-friendly wines to be paired with dishes such as shrimp, Moroccan-style lamb, and pork tenderloin. Class members were surprised at how versatile the “pink wine” was, and many felt it was the wine that paired most pleasantly with every single dish. Many left the class purchasing a bottle or two, and have since stopped in to examine our other Rosés (we usually feature one or two on our tasting bar).

As always, the best wine for you is the wine you love best. But if you give Rosé a shot, you may find your new summer sipper.

There are so many reasons right now to have extra bottles on hand: watching the game with friends on Sunday afternoon, hitting a BYOB restaurant before the theater, evenings in front of the fireplace with candles and some mood music, days when you come home from work in the damp, dreary, cold dark and need a little warmth from the inside. Not to mention the beginning of holiday season.

It’s so fortunate that Just Grapes hosts a sale at this time of year. You can save as much as 50 percent on more than 100 bottles during the appropriately named Fall Wine Sale, beginning tomorrow, September 16, through Sunday, September 21. Shop online or come in and see what yummy new wines you want to take home to warm up your wine rack.

And if you find a few roses and cool whites to take home, well, that’s OK, too. We’ll tell the fashion police and the wine police to take a hike through the crunchy fall leaves. See you there!

Toting Riedel for your picnic rose, however, can be a risky proposition; particularly if, like me, you’ll be sipping on a sailboat. Not only can it shatter and hurt someone, but it can shatter and be gone. Who wants to lose a classy glass to a nasty wave?

In fact, my friends forbid glass on the boat, and it’s their boat, so they win. I’ve found a nice, insulated carrying case for my wine that keeps it cool and prevents breakage, but I have to resort to plastic cups if I’m not going to swig from the bottle.

I’m sure this affects the taste. Too much plastic, and I’m having flashbacks to my ’80s childhood, catching wafts of Barbie shoes with a little Strawberry Shortcake underneath. (I’ve heard GI Joe sports a similar scent.) Those pretend plastic wine glasses might be the worst offenders–I’ve even cut my lip on a rough edge.

A plastic beer glass, on the other hand, is thin enough to avoid pre-scenting my drink. It’s smooth, without dangerous curls of rogue plastic to scratch one’s face. And it’s easy to grip, a great feature whether you’re sailing the high seas or up to your knees in daisies.

Sometimes, you have to make do. Wine is not always a total experience–it’s part of a wonderful day, part of a lifestyle, and it has to fit. If you’re really concerned about savoring the absolute essense of your rose, buy two bottles and sample one at home with that Riedel. Otherwise, grab a (plastic) glass, join the party and toast to the great outdoors.

Wine and dogs are the perfect high-low combo. Wines can lend a little class to any meal, and hot dogs bring the fun. Here in Chicago, we’re rather particular about our dogs. You’d never dare add ketchup to a Chicago dog; instead, we like celery salt, relish and other sundry condiments. What wine, you might ask, would pair with a mix like that?

“A traditional Chicago hot dog has a lot of moving parts that make it a bit tricky to pair,” says Don Sritong, corporate sommelier and owner of Just Grapes wine shop. His pick for a white is a Rhone blend, the 2007 Perrin Cote du Rhone Blanc with 50 percent Grenache blanc, 20 percent Viognier, and the rest Marsanne and Roussanne. “The Grenache blanc provides a great savory, mineral, slate core that matches well with the savory aspect of the hot dog,” Sritong says. “Tropical fruit from the Viognier counters the spice of the mustard and matches the sweetness of the relish. Brisk acidity from the Roussanne balances the celery salt. It’s also a great value that drinks fine on its own!”

More of a red fan? Sritong has something for you, too: the 2008 Bon Bon Rose, made with Shiraz. “It has a big burst of ripe strawberry fruit to match the intense savory core of the dog and hold up the sweet neon-green relish. Its balanced acidity handles the celery salt and MSG,” he says.

Whatever hits your grill this weekend, there’s a wine to match. Stop by with your menu and talk to your friendly wine shop expert. Pick up a bottle for dessert, too. Because there’s nothing better than a little vino and Jell-O.