Hello, April! With spring comes flowers, sunshine, and the beginnings of a season of picnics in the parks and on balconies or patios (if you’re lucky enough to have one!) We’ve compiled a quick list of delicious spring wines whose vintages are coming into their own this season, and we think you should check them out.
2012 Napa Zinfandel
Honestly, you can’t go wrong with a red or white Zin from Napa, especially for a springtime bev. A red will be great for those nights when it’s not totally warm yet and you want the spicy, fruity flavors that pair with the steaks you just had on the grill. Or, you can go the route of a white for the middle of the day when the sun is high and all you want is something delightfully sweet and refreshing. California, especially Napa, does both of these extremely well, so have fun with it.
2013 Willamette Valley Whites
Although the Willamette Valley is primarily associated with reds, like most incredible wine regions, they also produce gorgeous whites, specifically Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. It’s not easy to grow grapes in this very wet, cool corner of the world but these two varietals have improved significantly through recent years.
2013 Mendoza Red
If there’s something Argentina does well, it’s reds, particularly Malbec. They’re oaky and full of rich, juice fruits not to mention hints of tasty things like chocolate and tobacco. It’s probably not the ideal choice for a hot day but if you are sitting on a patio having an after dinner drink by a fire or under the stars, this is absolutely a fabulous choice. Mendoza Malbec’s age incredibly well so you’ll be in for a good bottle.
2010/2015 Finger Lakes Whites
By now, you know how obsessed with are with the Finger Lakes and one of the specialties of the region is the Riesling. This classic white is bred to be dry and aromatic with a delicate sweetness rather than being overwhelmingly sugary like others can be. It’s ideal for your springtime picnic because of its exciting acidity that is unlike many Rieslings around the world.
2012 Russian River Valley Chardonnay
The RRV makes Chardonnay look like that classy woman sitting at the bar by herself, cloaked in elegant clothes, sipping a well made drink. You know the one. This isn’t your average $10 bottle that you drank in college- it’s so much more than that. The Chardonnays of this region can be rich and buttery or slick and crisp from steel-aging. Either way, it’s a perfect springtime wine that you really shouldn’t miss.
