The first signs of Spring have started to arrive; the snowdrops are in bloom, splashes of colour from the crocuses have started to appear and the daffodils will not be far behind. With warmer weather on its way, it is the perfect time to replenish your wine rack for the season and pop a few bright and vibrant wines into your own home cellar.
Here are our top wine picks to take you into Spring:
Cantina di Negrar Garganega, Veneto, Italy 2021
Made with 100% Garganega grapes grown on volcanic soils on vines which are an average of 25-year-old. Fermented in steel vats without skin contact to preserve the freshness in the wine. The same variety is used in the famous wines of nearby Soave. Delightful and delicate aromas of lemon, peach, and apricot with a touch of ripe nectarine. Crisp, clean and vibrant on the palate with zesty, bright acidity that provides focus and direction, leading into a core of further citrus fruit with a wonderful bitter almond-tinged finish. Delicious! Pair with shellfish, asparagus, Chicken Parmigiana, risotto, cauliflower soup or Pasta Primavera.
Vinas del Vero Colección Gewurztraminer, Somontano, Spain 2021
This beautiful Gewurztraminer comes from high altitude vineyards, planted in the foothills of the Pyrenees mountains. The grapes enjoy long warm days and cool nights which allows for a long ripening period, creating perfectly ripe fruit whilst preserving the acidity and aromatics of this unique variety. The floral aroma is true to the variety, with classic rose petal, lychee and Turkish delight, with a long spicy finish. Full-flavoured and fragrant without being heavy. Perfect with a spicy Thai or Chinese meal.
Camille de Labrie Chardonnay, Vin de France, 2020
Chardonnay is not a permitted grape variety in Bordeaux, so this must be designated as a `Vin de France`. However, don`t let that fool you as this is an excellent white Bordeaux made by Chateau Croix de Labrie in St Emilion. A real hidden gem, this should not be overlooked! Rich and round yet superbly balanced, offering a core of exotic fruit and integrated oak with a great finish. A fantastic match for chicken or pork in a creamy sauce.
Chenas Vielle Vignes Stephane Aviron, Beaujolais, France 2020
This is a great example of one of the Beaujolais regions lesser-known crus, Chenas. Soils here are mainly granite, with some areas of schist and fertile alluvial clay. Produced from old vines (`Vielles Vignes`), some of which are 100 years old. The wine has a bright, fresh red fruit character, excellent depth of flavour and an impressive length on the palate. Vibrant, ripe red berry nose. Wonderful energy with loads of vibrant fruit dancing across the palate. Pleasantly cleansing tannins and an uplifting, crisp finish. Great with game bird dishes such as roast duck with a dark cherry sauce, creamed cauliflower and roasted vegetables.
Kumeu River Village Pinot Noir, Auckland, New Zealand 2020
Kumeu River are more well-known for their Chardonnay, however, they also create excellent Pinot Noir such as this Village offering. Bright, charming aromas of red cherry, raspberry and a touch of blackberry. Soft, silky and luscious on the palate with ripe, rounded tannins that envelop a core of further red and black fruit with a touch of black pepper spice on the finish. A great alternative to Bourgogne Pinot Noir. A perfect match for richer chicken dishes or a rack of lamb.
Herdade de Esporao, Organic Reserva Tinto, Alentejo, Portugal 2019
This organic red reserva is made from the native varietals of Alicante Bouschet, Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Aragonez, Trincadeira, as well as the international varietals of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, which spend twelve months in American oak (60%) and French oak (40%) barrels followed by eight months ageing on bottle before release. Intense and complex aromas of blackcurrant, cassis and black plum fused with added liquorice and nutmeg spice. Rich, round and ample on the mid-palate with ripe, smooth tannins that wrap around a core of further blackcurrant and hedgerow fruits underpinned by a sprinkling of black pepper and nutmeg spice on the persistent finish. Serve with Roast Lamb and roast potatoes infused with garlic and rosemary.
For more Spring food pairing advice or recommendations, please get in touch, we would love to hear from you. Drop us a note at wine@bcfw.co.uk.
