Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts, and what better way to celebrate the brighter weather than with a glass of wine? Whether you’re looking to enjoy a leisurely brunch in the garden, a picnic in the park, or an evening meal with friends, there’s a wine to match every occasion. Spring is all about lighter, brighter, and fresher flavours, and the same can be said for wine. As the days get warmer and the sun shines, it’s time to put away the heavier red wines of winter and embrace the lighter, more refreshing whites and rosés. These wines are perfect for enjoying in the sunshine, either on their own or paired with lighter dishes.
The best place to start your search for these fresher styles of wine is in the cooler climate regions of northern Europe, such as Germany and France, where the grapes can retain their acidity for longer and benefit from an elongated growing season. France is one of the biggest and most diverse winemaking countries in the world – there’s so much to explore!
One of the most popular grape varieties for spring is Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp, zesty wine is known for its floral and herbaceous notes; think freshly-cut grass and elderflower. It makes a perfect match for spring salads and seafood dishes. The UK is the biggest export market for New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc, but the grapes spiritual home is in the Loire Valley. Look for the sub-regions of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume for some top examples of the French Sauvignon style.
Another great option for the season is the much-maligned Riesling. Forget the cheap, sickly sweet wines of the past (Blue Nun has a lot to answer for!). In fact it makes wines that are all the way from bone dry to icewein, an incredible dessert wine made from frozen grapes. It keeps its high acidity no matter what the sweetness level so is very well balanced. For a style that is light and fresh and just off-dry, look for the word Kabinett on German labels. Riesling can be a great option that pairs well with Asian-inspired dishes and spicy food.
For those looking for something a little more unusual, there are a number of grape varieties that are well worth trying. Venture to Austria where you can find the native Grüner Veltliner grape, with a crisp, mineral flavour that often tastes like biting into a Granny Smith apple. It’s a great match for spring greens like asparagus and peas.
Whilst lighter whites and rosés tend to be the most popular choices for spring, there are still plenty of red wines that are well-suited to the season. One option to consider is the Gamay grape, which makes a light-bodied red wine known for its bright, juicy red fruit flavours. Its home is in Beaujolais in the south of Burgundy. This classic French wine is not too dissimilar from Pinot Noir but comes without the often-hefty price tag. There are different levels of quality, so your best bet would be a Beaujolais Villages or villages named on the label such as Fleurie. On a warm day, you could even chill it down and pair it with barbecued ribs or grilled vegetables.
To help you get started on your spring wine journey, we’ve put together a list of four of the best cool-climate wines to try...
Les Caillottes Sancerre (£16, Sainsbury’s)
Quintessential French Sauvignon with ripe citrus fruits and fresh, grassy aromas and flavours which finish with a refreshing zippiness. It’s a great choice for sipping on a warm day and pairs especially well with goats cheese!
Era Gruner Veltliner (£9, Tesco)
- A typical Austrian Grüner Veltliner with balanced flavours of apple and zingy citrus with a long refreshing finish.
Dr. Loosen Ürziger Würzgarten Riesling Kabinett (£15.99, Waitrose)
Made from grapes grown on the precipitously steep slopes of the Mosel Valley. Light-bodied and slightly off-dry but with great concentration of flavour from this classic producer. Trust me and try it with thai food!
The Best Fleurie (£11, Morrisons)
The name “Fleurie” comes from the floral character of this pretty, fruity light bodied red. It’s made from Gamay grapes in one of the top cru villages in Beaujolais.
