March 11, 2019

What Type of Wine Pairs Best With Springtime?

springtime wine cork restaurantCan you feel the change in the air? Spring is coming, and it can’t get here soon enough! With warmer weather only around the corner, our tastes in food and drink will be changing. No longer do we want to drink full-bodied reds but instead crave lighter, aromatic wines that make our taste buds sing.

But with so many wines on the market, how do you know which one you should be sipping in the springtime? We’ve provided a quick rundown of the perfect springtime wines you should be enjoying this season.

Meet the Classics

Springtime is a time of rebirth. Nature comes into full bloom with blossoming flowers and budding trees. The air is full of life – and so, too, should be your wine!

These three wines are refreshing, aromatic, and pair well with lighter dishes.

Rosé – Perfect any time of the year, nothing says spring than a glass of chilled rosé while relaxing on your deck or patio. Despite what you make think, rosé is not a mixture of red and white wine. Winemakers create rosé by juicing red grapes then allow the juice to soak with the skins for only a couple of days.

The flavor of rosé can vary, depending on the fruits used in the winemaking process. For example, Italian Rosato wine is made with cherry and orange zest flavors whereas a Grenache rose from France will have melon, lemon, and celery.

Sauvignon Blanc – A bight, citrusy flavored wine, this white wine originates from the Bordeaux region of France. It can be either a dry or sweet wine, depending on the winemaker’s preference. The primary flavors in a sauvignon blanc are lime, green apple, passion fruit, and white peach.

It is known for its herbaceous notes – such as rosemary, parsley, and basil – making it the perfect wine to pair with fish, chicken, or pork.

Pinot Grigio – A mutant clone of pinot noir, pinot grigio is generally a white wine with a light and crisp taste. Depending on where the wine comes from, pinot grigio can be broken down into three types:

  • Minerally and dry – Coming from northern parts of Italy, Austria, and colder climate regions, this type is known for its high acidity levels and lack of fruit.
  • Fruity and dry – You’ll be able to detect hints of lemon, apple, and white peach in this fruit-driven style of wine.
  • Fruity and sweet – From Alsace, France, you’ll be able to detect the delectable flavors of honeycomb, honey crisp apples, and lemony goodness.

Thinking Outside the Box

Looking for something a little different? Here are a few choices that may hit the spot:

  • Grüner Veltliner – a bright, spritzy dry white wine, this would be perfect to pair with green veggies.
  • Zibibbo – Also known as the “Muscat of Alexandria,” this sweet, aromatic wine has an intense white floral scent.
  • Castelao – The most widely-grown red grape in Portugal, it is a fresh, bright wine with clean acidity.
  • Cabernet Franc – Though known as a full-bodied red wine, a cab franc is best when grilling with a bunch of friends. It stands up well with fatty foods.

Springtime Wines Available at Cork

Still not sure what wine pairs well with your meal? Then you’ll want to reserve a spot for our next Winter Wine Series! Reserve your spot today!

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