Springtime is opening her sleepy eyes in the northern hemisphere. The bloom of snowdrop flowers signal the passing of cold weather as it makes way for the approaching warmth of longer, sunnier days. With the equinox – and Easter, and Ostara, and Nowruz, and any number of celebrations ringing in the end of the winter months – just (and we mean just) around the corner, we foodies are transitioning out of our heartier, rootier, denser menus and into something more seasonally appropriate.
Wine is a beverage for all seasons, we think you’ll agree. And yet, in the same way we start to crave smoothies to replace our heavy December soups and stews, we find ourselves leaning away from the bolder reds we leaned on for fireside comfort and into bottles that look right at home tucked into the folds of a gingham-lined picnic basket.
We’re thinking bubbles, pinks, dry whites, floral notes, fruit, cocktail-friendlies, and anything you can put on ice.
Best wines for springtime
- 2020 Gouchas Luján de Cuyo Carbonic Malbec – $22
We’re starting off with a red because we want to make it perfectly clear – especially for our more vampy customers, that you do not need to give up your favorite deep-and-dark bottles just because the sun’s coming out. This isn’t just any red, however: the carbonic Malbec is effervescent, giving it an uncharacteristic but utterly delightful lightness and buoyancy that uplifts velvety notes of inky fruits, cocoa, and leather. Serve slightly chilled, and with whatever snacks your little heart desires.
- 2017 William Fevre Chablis ‘Bougros’ Grand Cru – $175
We love a Chablis in the spring. One of the traditions of this storied winemaking region is a distinct lack of oak barrels in the Chardonnay aging process. The result is a fruity, citrus-and-flower forward expression that drinks like a spritzer. This gorgeous grand cru iteration is a vision in lime and stone fruit with a seductive mineral finish. She’s sustainably grown in France’s highest-quality soil and perfect for an outdoor engagement party or graduation in late May.
- 2020 Hundred Suns ‘Old Eight Cut’ Chardonnay – $38
Speaking of Chardonnay. And what a Chardonnay – the plucky up-and-coming Oregonian wine culture has done it again, blending drinkability with quality with accessibility with just utter deliciousness. Wintry notes of apple, citrus, evergreen and vanilla come together to create something timeless. Have it now, have it later, have it all throughout the summer – we promise this is about to become your new favorite Chard.
- 2020 Les Athlètes du Vin Touraine Sauvignon Blanc – $25
It’s a quintessential Sauvy B that sips like a gatorade on a hot (hot, hot) SoCal springtime afternoon. We see her sitting parkside while you and your besties watch your dogs wrestle in the grass. Or, consider popping the cork for the start of baseball season, and pair with your obligatory spread of ill-advised (but so, so good) snacks.
- 2021 Origin Santa Cruz Mountains Rosé – $30
For those of you who prefer retreating to the shelter of an old-growth forest canopy when the warmer months begin to rear their heads, this is the bottle to reach for. The Origin rosé was grown in the Santa Cruz mountains, surrounded by tall and moisture-loving California Coastal Redwoods bending in the winds of the Pacific. A lesson in terroir, the flavors and textures are evocative of the land, with notes of strawberry, citrus, and hibiscus.
- NV Sorelle Bronca Extra Dry Prosecco – $22
How about some bubbles to get the spring back in your step? This sister-driven project is ideal for making more complex springtime creations like a fizzy sangria blanco or a fruity spritz. An ideal match for your favorite charcuterie spread, she’s a classic conversation starter that acts as a lovely lead-in to longer dinner experiences.
- 2020 Edaphos ‘Alder Springs’ Petite Arvine – $46
Rare and extraordinary, and one of our very favorites here in the Argaux collection. The season is in the name, and we think this is a wine you’ll discover you can drink all season long. Citrus, stone fruits and tea greet the palate and promise to pair deliciously with springtime fare such as a cold pesto and farfalle.
Other offerings from Argaux
The Spring equinox just happens to coincide with Women’s History Month here on Turtle Island, and we think it’s a perfect excuse to sample some of the most sippable examples of the brilliance of the world’s women.
As a special treat, Argaux is offering a special collection showcasing two very different but equally genius wines from female-owned-and-operated vineyards in our Women in Wine Tasting Set.
From Megan Glaab and Australia’s RYME Cellars comes 2021 Uphold Wines Rosé ‘For the Women’, a very special bottle from which 100% of the proceeds are delivered to a variety of charity organizations that support women’s rights and liberation across the globe.
And from Ntsiki Byela – the first black female winemaker in South Africa – comes the 2020 Aslina Stellenbosch Cabernet Sauvignon, offering a robust drinking experience to match the impact of its creator. Ntsiki intentionally employs the women living in her village to both create better wines and a better future for them all.
In the spirit of the season, let us recommend this kit for a springtime picnic – which you can complete with edible treats from Argaux including a jar of Pommery Meaux Mustard, Jacobsen Salt Co. Wildflower Honey, and a drizzle of Caprili EVOO.
Cheers!
