What are the best wines to enjoy in Spring?

Selecting the best red wine, white wine and rosé wine for spring is easy when you know what to look for. The transition from the cold of winter to warmer, sunnier days calls for lighter wines with plenty of freshness and acidity.

In this article we’ll dig into why we often crave different types of wines during spring as well as which specific grape varieties to look out for when you buy spring wines online.

Tips on Selecting Perfect Wines for Spring

Spring sees the thermometer start to rise and daylight hours increase. It’s a time when we naturally crave wines which are easy-drinking and refreshing to help beat the heat. Luckily there are plenty of red wine, white wine and rosé wine options on the market to suit every taste and budget.

As a general rule of thumb, our Bottle Barn experts recommend picking wines which are a bit lighter-bodied or higher in acidity than your winter favorites. You might choose to swap hearty red wines for a crisp rosé, or an oaky California Chardonnay for a light and aromatic Pinot Grigio or Riesling. These refreshing wines match the lighter mood of spring days especially when you’re relaxing outside in your backyard or lounging by the pool.

Sparkling wines are some of the best wines for spring to buy since they’ve both fun and refreshing. Who doesn’t love popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly on a gorgeous spring afternoon? These wines also tend to be lower in alcohol which makes them more refreshing and easier to drink on hotter days.

Spring is also a good time to try something new. Why not try a zingy Txakolina, a Spanish white wine that’s low in alcohol and packed with lively acidity, or an elegant Falanghina, an Italian grape that often has hints of Sorrento lemon. Red wine lovers can also look to Spain for this delicious La Bruja de Rozas Grenache with hints of pink grapefruit or the Graci Etna Rosso made from the little-known Nerello Mascalese grape grown on the flanks of the Etna volcano.

Also Read: Go Pink – Spring Buying Guide To Rosé Wine

The Best Wines for Spring Parties

Spring is the perfect time for the first barbecue of the year, so if you’re planning to light up those coals remember to pick out wines that complement the food you’re serving.

Crisp and refreshing rosé wines are a great choice since they pair perfectly with everything from fresh seafood, salads, and grilled vegetables to richer dishes like chicken curries, chicken wings, and even lobster. Meat lovers should pick something heavier, like a medium-bodied Grenache, Tempranillo, or a richer-style Pinot Noir to match with grilled sausages, burgers, and barbecued ribs. 

The temperatures can creep up on sunny spring afternoons, so don’t forget to chill your white and rosé wines to keep them at their best. You might want to store them in a large bucket or chest with ice and some water to keep them cool all day long. Red wines can also benefit from being kept in a cooler place like a pantry rather than being kept outside.

If you’re hosting or attending a spring party, it’s a good idea to order wine online in advance to make sure you secure the bottles you’re looking for. Bottle Barn’s wine delivery service ships your bottles direct to your door so there’s no need for that last minute run to the liquor store.

The Best Red Wines for Spring

If you plan to buy red wine, look for lighter-bodied reds made from Pinot Noir, Gamay, Grenache or Tempranillo. Full-bodied red wines are often less appealing when it’s hot out and can make you feel dehydrated and sluggish.

Why not try this juicy Pax Alpine Peaks Gamay Noir from the Sierra Foothills in California, or the legendary The Grenachista Grenache Noir made with top-quality fruit from a special vineyard in the Sonoma Valley. Both can even be served slightly chilled to make them even more refreshing. Buy red wine that has medium or low tannins and plenty of fruity flavors if you plan to chill it.

The Best White Wines for Spring

The best wines for spring parties are crisp, light-bodied, fairly low in alcohol and with plenty of fruity, aromatic or even floral notes. Most are fermented and matured in stainless steel tanks rather than oak barrels to highlight the pure character of the grape variety and the terroir.

Kobler Gewurztraminer from California’s Russian River Valley is a fragrant spring choice with notes of jasmine, lychee, and honeysuckle. Another great option is Brooks Note Pinot Blanc from Mendocino County with crisp citrusy notes.

The Best Rosé Wines for Spring

Affordable rosé wine options for spring include this Balletto Vineyards Estate Rose of Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley and the McFadden Family Vineyard Fontaine Dry Rose. Both are light and fresh with subtle hints of strawberries, raspberries and citrus from the Pinot Noir grape. Or for a richer style, try this Rio Madre Rioja Rose from Spain which is made from 100% Grenache grapes.

Conclusion

While we’ve given you plenty of tips to help you buy spring wines online, don’t forget to pick something you’ll like. If you love powerful, full-bodied red wines, make sure you buy red wine that’s on the heavier end of the scale. At the end of the day, the best wine is always the bottle you actually enjoy.