Franco’s: It might as well be Spring

One sure sign of Spring, aside from lilacs and fuschias out in the garden and crocuses in the park, is the annual rollout of the Rosé wine list at Franco’s restaurant on Jermyn Street. It begins on April 24, with 40 Rosés listed, many by the glass and all first-rate, and runs until September. As the supply of wines runs out, others are added, so this is a proper, very pleasant showcase for the top tier of pink wines of the world (which includes places like Luxemburg, Switzerland, Spain, and parts of France other than Provence). The stylish, modern-Italian food makes a good match, too. Franco’s, 61 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6LX. Tel: +44 (0)20 7499 2211; www.francoslondon.com.

Wines of the week: At Franco’s restaurant in Mayfair, a tasting of Rosés from 12 countries, great fun and some nice surprises: Rallo “Normanno” Nerello Mascalese 2008 (Sicily), from the slopes of Mount Etna, quite dry, well-structured, medium-bodied, fairly serious; intriguing. I had it again later with garganelli and n’duja (hot and spicy sausage) and smoked ricotta, and it more than held its own. Also, a charming, refreshing sipper, Agricola Vinosia "Rosmunda" 2008 (Catania, made by Mario Ercolino), from the Aglianico grape, a surprisingly light wine, with a zip of acidity and lovely fruit—think strawberry fields forever.