Spring is finally here! The sun is shining, the birds are chirping and it’s time for a picnic. You know what that means; it’s time to break out that favorite bottle of spring picnic wine!
I’m so excited for the warmer weather and all of the fun outdoor activities that come with it. We love going with our friends to listen to live music and have picnics in the park. And of course we love bringing along a good wine to enjoy. If you’re like me you might be asking yourself what kind we should bring to this year’s spring picnic?
Here are three wine recommendations for this spring that you shouldn’t overlook. Also, it’s important to keep in mind that not all wines are created equal, especially when it comes to pairing with food. So here are some great wines to drink this spring as well as some good food pairing recommendations.
Grenache Blanc: This is a great wine that’s perfect for your spring picnics
It’s hard to know where the wine world is going, but one thing that you can be sure of is that it will be interesting. With all the new wine regions opening up and making names for themselves, we are in an era of exciting wines from all over the world, and for that reason today I’m focusing on a grape variety called Grenache Blanc and its origins in both Spain and France. Grenache Blanc is a white wine grape, famously known from the Rhône Valley in France and recently also in California.
Grenache Blanc grape produces wines that are bright with low to medium acidity, full body, and medium (+) in alcohol content. This amazing grape is primarily used in blends that will bring out lovely toasty aromatics, brightness and rich mouth feel.
Since it’s time of the year to start thinking about what you’re going to be drinking on the weekends and at your spring picnics. This wine just might cover all your bases – Grenache Blanc. The sun-drenched grape has just the right amount of acidity to go with grilled chicken, or fish, and light salads. It also makes a great pairing for creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert.
Domaine le Clos des Lumieres, Côtes du Rhône (blanc) 2019
Appellation: Côtes du Rhône
Region: Rhône, Southern Rhône
Grapes: 40% Grenache Blanc, 40% Viognier, 20% Bourboulenc
Tasting notes: Crisp, clean, and aromatic. floral aromas, soft pear, sweet apples and just a dash of cooking spices.
Pair this wine with a Spanish paella that includes prawns and saffron, Grenache Blanc’s salinity showcases the prawns while its citrus spice reflects saffron spice and lemon in the dish. Pork Chops with Spiced Apples or a delicious Greek Chicken.
Courtesy of Mirabelle Selects
Sauvignon Blanc: A bit more robust than the Pinot Grigio, this wine goes great with mango salsa and seafood
Sauvignon Blanc is one of the most popular wines in the world, but what do you know about Sauvignon Blanc? What are its different types and how does it taste?
The type of the Sauvignon Blanc I drink will determine the type of food I’m eating. For example, if I’m drinking Sauvignon Blanc from the Old World (France) then they’re usually more terroir driven and light alcohol, these wines will pair perfectly with fish, goat cheese, and chicken. Verses from New World like California which are often fuller-bodied or fruit-driven will pair with dishes that have tropical flavors such as a mango salsa sea bass.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy a California Sauvignon Blanc is on the patio on a warm spring afternoon paired with some chips and mango salsa! It’s crisp, refreshing taste pairs well with a variety of dishes.
<<Not released yet>>
Patland Estate Vineyards 2017 Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation: Napa Valley
Region: California
Grapes: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
Tasting notes: Full Body, bright and aromatic. Tropical flavors, mango, pineapple, over ripe lemon, and kiwi.
Pair this wine with a grilled salmon and top it with mango salsa.
Albariño: A light, crisp wine that pairs excellent with oysters
Albariño is a white wine grape primarily grown in Spain’s Rías Baixas region, also grown in Portugal in the Vinho Verde region (known as Alvarinho) and in Coastal Mountains in San Luis Obispo County, California’s central coast. Albariño wines are refreshing, crisp, and fresh with hints of salinity, melon, peach and citrus flavors. The grape’s high acidity levels make it an ideal food wine that pairs well with seafood or other light fare such as salads when served chilled.
The grape has been grown for centuries in the Galicia region of Northwest Spain where it was used to produce both red and white wines.
This next wine is insanely good, and probably one of my favorite Albariños of all times. It’s the perfect way to enjoy an afternoon on the beach or by the pool. Pairing: SEAFOOD, SEAFOOD and more SEAFOOD!
Eladio Pineiro Envidia Cochina Tete de Cuvee Albariño 2019
Appellation: Rias Baixas
Region: Galicia, Spain
Grapes: 100% Albariño
Tasting notes: Mouthwatering acidity, extremely refreshing, medium body and a taste of salinity. Lemon, lime, marine and white flowers.
Pair this wine with fresh oysters, octopus, fish tacos and scallops.
You’ll be able to enjoy these delicious wines with your friends or family while enjoying the great outdoors. What could be better? These three wines are guaranteed to make any spring or summer day a little more enjoyable. So what are you waiting for? Get outside and try some new wine today! You won’t regret trying any of these delicious wines this spring. They’ll be sure to impress even the pickiest of palates.
