A new season, especially one that immediately follows winter, ought to take a load off. Spring is all about just that, whether it’s swapping the hearty stews for tacos or subbing barrel-aged beers during the coldest of winter nights for a good pale ale.
In the wine world, there tends to be a natural transition too. The big and bold options that filled our glasses during the holidays tend to give way to lighter, sprightlier options that greet the warmer days with arms outstretched. And that doesn’t just mean countless Rose wines, as much as we love the pink wine.
Spring calls for invigorating, refreshing wines that echo spring itself. Bright and floral wines, with intriguing aromatics and lingering acidity. You know, like bone dry Rieslings or chillable red wines.
Read on for some of our favorite light wines for spring.
William Chris Mary Ruth
This white blend from Texas is as bright and sunny as the region it was born in. It also demonstrates the level of seriousness and versatility coming out of the Lone Star State at the moment. Don’t overlook this still-burgeoning scene, led by the likes of William Chris Vineyards. The future of American wine may just reside in states like Texas, Virginia, even Vermont.
Cadre Albarino
A punchy Spanish white from San Luis Obispo, the Cadre Albarino won us over at first sip. This is a great varietal for spring, as it pairs wonderfully with things like grilled vegetables and seafood. And this version of the grape is a true model citizen, with a clean profile and nice minerality. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the label on the wine is a work of art in its own right.
White Porto
As in the white cousin of the fortified red stuff Portugal made famous? You bet. It makes for a nice sipper that’s a bit lighter and more food-friendly than the red version, which also mixes well. So, do as they do in Lisbon and have a splash with olives and salted almonds or mix it up with some tonic. We are especially fond of the work of Baronesa de Vilar, a family-owned operation that’s been at it since the early 18th Century.
Beurer Trollinger Trocken
This chillable German red is teeming with bramble notes. We love it on its own on a mild evening or alongside barbecued poultry. The unctuous wine comes to us from a great wine region in Germany that borders France and Switzerland. A dry Riesling from Germany is an excellent route too, but we can’t get over just how fun and vibrant this wine is. Spring in a glass.
Appassionata Chardonnay
If you haven’t heard, Oregon Chardonnay is very much where it’s at. As in some of the very best versions of the varietal on planet earth are happening there, namely the Willamette Valley. Here’s a prime example, luminous and full of character. This is arguably the greatest place and time for the varietal, tasting nothing like the over-oaked stuff your mother likely drank a generation ago. Oregon Chardonnay, by and large, is refined stuff with lasting mouthfeel, not to mention great with things like tinned fish or fried chicken.
New York Riesling
Among the lightest and most flavorful in the U.S., Riesling is New York state is real and revered. Labels we appreciate include Empire Estate, The Grapes of Roth, and Wolffer Estate. Some of the best fruit is coming out of cooler regions like the Finger Lakes and Long Island (speaking of regions, check out our helpful American Viticultural Area feature). Next time you go to NYC, extend your stay and get out and about to explore wine country. You won’t regret it.
Georgian Sun Kindzmarauli
A semi-sweet red from the republic of Georgia? You know it. The nation boasts a wine scene that’s some 8,000 years old so it’s fair to say they know what they’re doing. We like this one with a slight chill, alongside dishes or snacks like spicy Asian food or a chunk of dark chocolate. It’s made entirely of Saparavi, a famed Georgian red grape with a tremendous history, a bit like Malbec.
Our selection process
We taste a lot of wine here at The Manual. This writer in particular benefits from nearly two decades in the wine industry, on both the production and retail sides of the coin. I’ve sharpened my palate over the years and look forward to showing off worthwhile new wine discoveries with readers. Perhaps you’ll find a new favorite grape or vintner. Perhaps you’ll just look at a wine in a new way.
The above wines have stood out for one way or another from the pack. Sure, sometimes they garner high scores or capture an internet following. But we mostly just appreciate the way they taste and accompany food.
