Flowers have started blooming and the sun is shining longer, which means spring has finally arrived. And that also means summer is right around the corner. Discovering new wines to enjoy when the seasons change is my favorite thing to do. Whether you prefer a medium-bodied red or a crisp, dry white, there’s a food-friendly wine for everyone to enjoy during the spring and summer months. Here’s a list of wines that embody the very essence of spring and summer.
Rosé de Loire
Not only is Loire Valley beautiful, it is also one of France’s most unique, wine-making regions. Loire Valley has four key sub-regions — Nantes, Anjou-Saumur, Touraine and the Central Vineyards. One of my favorite rosés to enjoy when the flowers start to bloom is Château Soucherie’s rosé, located in the heart of the Anjou. Exquisitely blended, the 2018 vintage is made from Groeau, Gamay, and Cab Franc varieties, it’s lightly sweet on the palate and boasts aromas of red and black cherries and tropical fruit. You can enjoy a glass of Loire Valley rosé anytime of day.
Mirabella Franciacorta
Mirabella is a family-operated winery located in Franciacorta, a wine zone located in the Lombardy region that is devoted to producing traditional method sparkling wines. Though Franciacorta’s history with wine dates back to the Middle Ages, it wasn’t until 1967 that the region was granted DOC status. Then in 1997, the wine zone was awarded the elite DOCG status for its sparkling. Not only are Mirabella wines organic, but since 2012 all of the energy used at the winery has been renewable, which contributes to their exceptional winemaking. One of my favorite Mirabella’s sparkling wines is Satèn. This elegant wine is 100% Chardonnay with light notes of exotic fruit and hints of vanilla. It’s well balanced, with no sugar added. It beautifully pairs with seafood, cheese, fruit and fresh salads.
Loire Valley Quincy
I love Sauvignon Blanc, but I especially love drinking it during the warmer months of the year. Located on the left bank of the Cher river sits a lesser-known appellation in Loire Valley known as Quincy. The appellation is known for its exquisite Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The Domaine Mardon Très Vieilles Vignes 2018 is perfect for the upcoming warmer months because it’s bursting with aromas of white flowers and citrus grapefruit, and yet, quite dry on the palate. Quincy charmingly pairs with goat cheeses, salads and seafood.
Sans Wine Company Riesling
A preposition meaning without, ‘sans’ is a great way to describe the eco-friendly and natural wine brand. Sans Wines are without additives and chemicals. Situated in Napa Valley, Sans Wine Company goes “beyond organic” with their vegan canned natural wines. With nothing added or removed during the fermentation and aging process, Sans offers many varieties, including one of my favorites, riesling. All seven varieties are packaged in fully recyclable aluminum cans, making a significantly lower carbon footprint, as well as easier to bring along to the pool! Sans Riesling is drier than your typical Riesling so it doesn’t overpower your lighter dishes.
Le Fraghe Bardolino Chiaretto
Young and crisp, Bardolino Chiaretto wines are light in alcohol, which makes them great for enjoying during the spring and summer months. Produced in the surrounding areas of Lake Garda, Chiaretto is blended with Corvina and Rondinella grapes. Their aromas are reminiscent of fresh raspberry, blueberry, and black cherry, with hints of spice. With its floral bouquet and light citrus notes, chiaretto rosé is a great accompaniment to just about any type of food. Easy to drink, a great one to try is Le Fraghe “Ròdon”
Jordan Winery Chardonnay
The Jordan Winery, a family-owned winery, is situated in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma County. The Jordan 2018 Russian River Valley (will be released on May 1st) is produced on the east side of the Russian River in Sonoma County. The unique gravel deposits found in the soils help give its elegance and minerality. Not your typical California chardonnay, Jordan Chardonnay is more reminiscent of a European-style version. Its balance and acidity make it pair well with a wide range of foods, including delectable cheeses, salmon, grilled chicken and pastas with cream sauce.
Bodegas LAN Tempranillo
Red wines can just as easily be enjoyed during the warmer months, especially for those of us that enjoy grilling our meals. Tempranillo is the dominant grape found in Spain and it’s extremely versatile. Established in 1972, Bodegas LAN wines are an excellent reflection of the land. The name LAN comprises the initials of the three provinces that make up the D.O.Ca. Rioja: Logroño (now La Rioja), Álava and Navarra. The Viña Lanciano Reserva is bright cherry red with predominant notes of blackberry and black current and hints of violets. And the tannins are pleasantly sweet on the palate. Known for its strong structure, a tempranillo not only pairs well with a grilled steak, it also pairs well with anything you want to throw on the grill, including skewered vegetables, bbq chicken, and spicy sausages.
Château Thieuley White Bordeau
Bordeaux is most well known for their exquisite red wines, but the region produces lovely whites, as well. A blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris, the Château Thieuley White Bordeaux is well-balanced and bursting with flavor. The rich blend pairs beautifully with grilled fish, shellfish and cheese.
