3 perfect summer pairings

Recipe:  BLTs with Caesar mayo

Perfect pairing: Vine-ripe tomatoes and dry rosé

Sweet but highly acidic, peak-season tomatoes present a serious pairing challenge. Dry rosé, an old summer sip in Europe, has come on strong in the West recently, with enough juicy fruit and crisp acidity to match tomatoes.

Our picks

Alicats Pink Syrah 2007 (San Benito County; $12). Crisp and light but full of red fruit ― raspberries and cherries ― with jazzy lemon-lime on the finish.

Benessere Rosato 2008 (Napa Valley; $16). Bone-dry but aromatic, with loads of strawberry and cherry flavors.

Etude Rosé of Pinot Noir 2007 (Carneros; $20). Juicy cherries set off by tangy lemon-lime.

Next:  White Port and Watermelon Granita