Spring is the season of new beginnings and what better way to celebrate than by popping the cork on a fresh bottle of wine? Whether you're enjoying a crisp white on the patio or a lively red with a springtime barbecue, there’s a perfect pour for the season. Here are six exceptional wines, hand-selected by our wine experts, that deserve a spot in your glass this spring.
Pecorino isn’t just a cheese—it’s also a fantastic white wine grape from Italy’s Abruzzo region. The Riporta Pecorino is a hidden gem that overdelivers on quality and value. This refreshing wine bursts with notes of white peach and jasmine, balanced by crisp acidity. A great pick for sauvignon blanc lovers looking for a dry, easy-drinking alternative without the intense green notes.
The name “pecorino” comes from the Italian word for sheep, as legend has it that shepherds would let their flocks graze in vineyards, where they developed a particular taste for these delicious grapes. The grape itself is said to be an ancient variety that nearly went extinct but resurged in the 1990s.
Pairing Tip: A natural match for light seafood dishes, fresh salads, or a simple cheese plate.
This elegant white wine hails from a small, family-owned winery in Chablis, a region known for its pure and mineral-driven chardonnays. Unlike the rich, oaky chardonnays of California, this Chablis is made in stainless steel tanks, preserving its crisp freshness. Expect lively acidity with notes of quince, citrus, and a lingering saline finish.
This Chablis undergoes malolactic fermentation on fine lees, giving it a subtly creamy mouthfeel without the heavy butteriness some associate with chardonnay. The most recently known rating is 90 points from Wine Spectator for the 2022 vintage.
Pairing Tip: Ideal with oysters, shellfish or creamy goat cheese.
Looking for a red wine that suits spring’s unpredictable weather? This Australian shiraz (a.k.a. syrah) strikes the perfect balance. It’s rich yet refreshing, with jammy blackberry and mulberry notes, hints of mint and herbs, and a smooth cedar finish. Its layered complexity makes it a great conversation starter at any gathering.
Syrah, known as shiraz in Australia, is a red wine that often gets less attention than it deserves. This particular one from Serafino offers a rich and chocolatey finish with depth and character, making it a perfect choice for those who appreciate a wine with a story to tell.
Pairing Tip: Pair with grilled lamb chops or a hearty mushroom risotto.
Spring and rosé go hand in hand, and this Italian sparkling rosé is a must-try. Though made in the Prosecco region, it doesn’t carry the name due to its use of the Manzoni Moscato grape. With a gorgeous peony-pink hue and bright acidity, this wine is lively, refreshing, and perfect for celebrations.
This wine is crafted by Princess Isabella Collalto, whose family has owned their estate for over 1,000 years. The wine is dedicated to her daughter, Violette, making it a truly special creation. Despite being labeled “extra dry,” this wine is actually slightly sweeter than brut, though it remains perfectly balanced.
Pairing Tip: Serve chilled with fresh berries, charcuterie or light pasta dishes.
For those who love a good red blend, this Côtes du Rhône is a standout. Made with grenache noir, mourvèdre, syrah, cinsault, and carignan, it delivers bold flavors of blackberry and plum, accented by olive notes from the syrah and a touch of spice.
Estate-grown wines like this one tend to have a higher dedication to quality, as winemakers oversee every step from vine to bottle. This hands-on approach ensures that the wine maintains a deep connection to the land it comes from.
Pairing Tip: Perfect for backyard barbecues, charcuterie boards, and grilled meats.
A still rosé that screams spring, this wine comes from the lesser-known Pays d’Oc region, offering fantastic quality at a great price. It’s bursting with bright berry aromas, vibrant freshness, and zippy acidity.
Pays d'Oc is an appellation known for offering an amazing quality-to-price ratio, making wines like this one hidden gems worth discovering. The winemaker behind this rosé, known for producing premium Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines, personally enjoys this selection enough to bring a massive 3L bottle of it to casual gatherings.
Pairing Tip: Pair with grilled fish, light pastas or a fresh spring salad.
