Wine drinkers often turn to whites and rosés when the weather warms up. NEWSWEEK’s Tara Weingarten talked to master sommelier Rob Bigelow, the director of wine at the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, about his favorite Italian varietals.

Nothing’s more American than a backyard summer barbecue. Why should we drink Italian wines with our burgers and hot dogs?
The acidity in some Italian wines means they are thirst-quenching and refreshing, in some cases as thirst-quenching as a cold beer.

We all know about wines from Chianti, but what are some of the less-known regions?
I love wines from Friuli, which is in the far northeast part of Italy. The Friulano grape is a white grape, more Sauvignon blanc-like in its austerity, more acidic, but still very aromatic. It’s crisp and fresh and perfect for summer dishes.

What other wine regions speak to summer?
For rosé, I am serving a wine from Abruzzo called Cerasuolo, and it is crisp and light and fruity. Since the region is near the coast, this rosé pairs perfectly with the spoils of the ocean, from light whitefish to grilled langoustines.

How much will they set us back?
Expect to pay between $15 and $25. Much less than you might pay for a comparable domestic. Are you thirsty yet?