Springtime Wines
(by Raymond R. Wells, EdD, CSW)
In the Spring a person’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of lighter wines (with apologies to Alfred Lord Tennyson). As the weather warms, many wine drinkers think more about drinking refreshing white and rosé wines, whether still or sparkling. In fact, the sparkling IL Prosecco, Moscato, and Rosato wines that were sampled at The Cork at the first Thursday of March Sampling event would be great choices for sipping on the patio or paired with lighter foods.
Off-dry or slightly sweet Rieslings and Gewürztraminers pair well with oriental foods, spicy foods, and just about anything else with which you would normally pair a white wine. Don’t neglect dry examples of the previously mentioned wines, Pinot Grigios, Sauvignon Blancs, Chardonnays, or Viogniers if your tastes run to dryer white wines. For the more adventuresome, try some other dry whites such as a Torrontes from Argentina, a Verdejo from Spain, or a Muscadet from France.
For red wine drinkers, try a Beaujolais or other light, fruity red (very lightly chilled). And, don’t turn up your nose at the idea of a rosé. Try the Red Guitar Old Vine Rosé from Spain made with the Garnacha grape, the Care rosé from Cabernet/Tempranillo grapes also from Spain, the Vida Orgánica Malbec Rosé from Argentina, or the Domaine Chandon unoaked Pinot Noir Rosé from the Carneros region of California. And of course, bubbles make wines even more fun! Enjoy the warmer weather with the lighter wines of your choice.
In wine, truth and health!