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Spring is here, and the brighter days and longer evenings are worth raising a glass to. With the crisp, bracing weather comes the arrival of bright, vibrant produce – and while much of it goes perfectly with a light and refreshing wine, spring weather is famously unpredictable. So you might not want to push all your reds to the back of the cupboard just yet!
If you’re looking to build a collection of springtime wines, you might be interested to learn more about which bottles go best with different foods. The key is diversity, so to get you inspired and looking forward to the months ahead, we’ve partnered with The Wine Society, the world’s oldest member-owned community of wine lovers.
Since 1874, The Wine Society has been educating hundreds of thousands of wine enthusiasts around the globe. So if you’re looking to learn more about the best seasonal wines – and what to pair them with – you’re in good hands.
Here are 10 of the best springtime wines to enjoy!
WHITE WINES
1. Grüner Veltliner
If you’re a fan of bright and refreshing white wine, picking up a few bottles of Grüner Veltliner this spring is a good idea. This Austrian wine sings with crisp, citrusy notes, and has hints of peppercorn and herbs. And while it’s similar to Sauvignon Blanc, it’s different enough to set it apart.
The zesty notes of Grüner Veltliner wine beautifully complement the sometimes-bitter flavours of spring vegetables, so it goes wonderfully with a whole host of seasonal dishes. Asparagus is one of the most iconic spring vegetables, and whether you like grilling, roasting, or steaming it, a crisp glass of Grüner served alongside asparagus is sure to satisfy.
We love this Weingut Wess Grüner Veltliner, Kremstal 2023, which is £11.50 a bottle, and £138.00 for a case of 12. As well as going with seasonal veggies, this wine also pairs with ham, prawns, vegetable curries, and certain French cheeses like Livarot and Tomme de Savoie.
2. Sauvignon Blanc
Crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice for spring, and its zesty, herbaceous flavours are evocative of gardens in bloom. Light-to-medium bodied, its natural acidity gives it a fresh, lively character and, as you sip, you may be able to detect all kinds of flavours – from citrus notes to floral accents, and perhaps even hints of tropical fruits.
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine, but pairs wonderfully with light, fresh dishes. It’s at its best served chilled, but not too cold – otherwise the flavours become muted. Shellfish like oysters are a popular pairing with seafood pasta – although it also pairs with simple spaghetti dishes with lemon and herbs, veggies like asparagus and peppers, and dishes like ratatouille.
This Stoneburn Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2023 is the perfect springtime wine – attractive and elegant on the nose, with a smooth, refreshing palate, and zingy gooseberry and citrus notes. At £9.95 for a bottle and £119.00 for a case of 12, it’s an affordable introduction to New Zealand whites – and goes fabulously with a whole host of spring produce.
3. Riesling
Riesling is another light and refreshing white that’s ideal for the months ahead. Its crisp, fruity character means it’s versatile and suited to pretty much every occasion – although it’s perhaps at its most delicious enjoyed outdoors. There are many different styles of Riesling, from dry to sweet, and light to medium.
Typically, Riesling’s vibrant flavours make it a great match for balancing out spicier or richer dishes, whether that’s spicy Asian and Indian foods, or creamy, indulgent sauces. However, it’s also a nice accompaniment to shellfish and roasted meat – particularly pork, ham, and chicken. If you want to enjoy it with a veggie dish, try a glass with roasted seasonal vegetables, or even vegetable soup.
This Winkel Riesling, August Eser 2022 is £14.50 for a bottle and £174.00 for a case of 12, and it’s special enough to bring out for guests. Packed with flavour and character, it has a refreshing citrus twist that makes it lovely for spring. It pairs well with fish dishes, particularly sushi, trout, and pickled herring, as well as seafood like crab and prawns, and cold meats.
4. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is another classic white that’s perfect for spring. This typically fruit-forward wine has a rich, buttery flavour that pairs beautifully with seafood or poultry dishes. If you’re cooking a roast chicken on a Sunday, a versatile Chardonnay is a match for the meaty, herby flavours – but its buttery finish means it pairs well with acidic dressings on your favourite salad too.
Chardonnay also goes well with sweeter flavours. Acidic, sweet fruits like peaches and pears are delicious on a sunny spring day, either in desserts or by themselves, but they’re even tastier with a chilled glass of Chardonnay in hand!
For something different, why not treat yourself to this ‘Pygmalion’ Chardonnay, Blackbook 2020? Not only does this wine have gorgeous rich apple and hazelnut flavours, but it’s also made in England, with the grapes sourced from Essex’s Crouch Valley. At £28 per bottle, it’s a great choice for a special occasion, and goes well with fresh green salads, smoked fish, and soft, crumbly cheeses.
ROSE WINES
5. Languedoc-Roussillon Rosé
A crisp, dry rosé is a quintessential crowd-pleaser throughout spring and summer – and can be enjoyed in autumn and winter too! Rosé is one of the most versatile wines when it comes to pairing, but because it goes so beautifully with fruit – and has fabulous thirst-quenching qualities – it’s become synonymous with warm, sunny days.
Mid-weight rosé is excellent with salmon or a Niçoise salad and, if you prefer lighter styles, a crisp strawberry salad can’t be beaten. Rosé’s high-acidity and red fruit flavours go perfectly with juicy strawberries, as well as crunchy greens and olive-oil-based vinaigrettes. Plus, its versatility means it’ll probably pair just as well with whatever else you throw in, whether that’s feta cheese or nuts.
The Society’s Rosé, Pays d’Oc 2023 is a crisp, dry, well-rounded pink from the Languedoc that’s as appetising as it is refreshing. A single sip transports you to the French Riviera – a bargain considering it’s only £7.50 a bottle! So if you’re savouring spring but also looking forward to summer, this could be the wine for you.
6. Rosato Veronese
Rosato – Italian rosé – is a wonderful springtime wine, best sipped on a sunny spring day or crisp evening. The beautiful pale pink colour will remind you that the days are getting warmer, and the fresh aromas of strawberries and red cherry will get you excited about summer. Dry on the palate, with a slightly mineral finish, Rosato Veronese is the perfect aperitivo.
But if you’re looking to pair this wine with food, it goes especially well with vibrant pasta dishes. Pasta primavera is one of the most versatile pasta dishes around, and it’s a great way to showcase the best of spring veg. It goes marvellously with Rosato Veronese – although if you’re looking for an even speedier supper, pasta and pesto is just as great a pairing!
We recommend this Alpha Zeta Rosato Veronese 2023, which at £7.50 for a bottle and £45.00 for a case, is very reasonably priced. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, you’ll be pleased to learn that this wine goes with a whole array of different foods – just check out its food matches!
RED WINES
7. Pinot Noir
Spring is the time for light-bodied reds – and Pinot Noir is a classic choice. This springy, elegant red is ideal for light evenings, particularly when you’re in the mood for something a bit heavier than white or rosé. Pinot Noir’s flavours tend to range from bright red fruits to black cherries, although its hallmark is a clear, savoury note.
While Burgundy is the go-to region for Pinot Noir, New Zealand, California, and Oregon also have outstanding options – so why not try something new for the new season? Thanks to its bright acidity and fine-grained tannins, Pinot Noir usually goes beautifully with grilled fish, lighter meats, duck, pork, and pâtés or terrines.
Made from pinot grown in California’s Central Coast, the Parker Station Pinot Noir 2019 is a silky, cranberry and cherry-scented pinot that’s special, but, at £14.95 a bottle, won’t break the bank. While it complements many meat dishes, it’s also delicious with mushroom dishes, particularly mushroom linguine and wild mushroom risotto, so vegetarians will be just as happy.
8. Right Bank Bordeaux Red
While lighter reds feel more seasonal, spring weather is very changeable – and on a cold, dark day, you might be in the mood for something a little heavier. Bordeaux reds tend to be medium-to full-bodied with bold aromas of plums and black cherries, as well as a characteristic earthiness to them – like smelling fresh, damp soil.
The right bank of Bordeaux includes the famous appellations of Saint-Émilion and Pomerol, and the merlot-dominant blends from this region are a slightly more luxurious style of wine. With softer tannins than wines made on the left bank, these wines go well with grilled meats and fish, as well as cheese – but they’re also right for when you want a hug in a glass!
If you’re looking for a bold, grown-up Bordeaux that’s special enough to give as a generous gift, or enjoy with friends, this Château Haut-Brisson, Saint-Emilion 2011 could be for you. At £28.00 per bottle, it has the typical structure of the 2011 vintage, a distinct sweet-sour character, and notes of coffee and leather. Enjoy it with comforting food like roast dinner, stews, pies, or an indulgent cheese board.
9. Languedoc-Roussillon Reds
Easter may have been and gone, but if you’re a fan of Easter Sunday-style lunches, picking up some reds from France’s Languedoc-Roussillon makes sense. Reds from this region are usually medium to full-bodied, with notes of candied red and black fruits, plum, and peppery spices, and they’ve been giving Côtes du Rhône wines a run for their money.
Typically, Languedoc-Roussillon reds pair with grilled meats and roasted vegetables, which means it’s an excellent choice for Sunday-style roasts and family gatherings. Grenache is the main red grape variety in the Roussillon, and we especially love The Society’s French Grenache, Côtes Catalanes 2022, which is £7.75 for a bottle and £93.00 for a case of 12.
While this wine goes well with a variety of meat dishes, from gourmet burgers and sausages to steak and beef kebabs, it can also be enjoyed by itself – and the deliciously full and fruity flavours can be served cool too.
SPARKLING WINE
10. Lambrusco
If you’re looking for a special sparkling wine this spring, why not forget the usual sparkling white wine – or even sparkling rosé – and go for sparkling red wine? Lambrusco hails from Italy’s Emilia-Romagna, the region just north of Tuscany, and if you’re looking to impress guests with your wine knowledge, it makes a lovely change from the more common sparkling wines.
Lambrusco is incredibly refreshing and subtly sparkling, with notes of bright red fruit and high acidity. These wines are meant to be drunk young, and the light tannins seamlessly cut through richness and complement fattiness – so it’s excellent with heavy meats and creamy pastas. If it’s a warm day, you might want to take a bottle out and enjoy it as part of a picnic!
This Vecchio Moro Lambrusco Grasparossa Rinaldini has deep-purple bubbles, a fragrant, fresh palate, and a lovely refreshing finish. At £12.31 for a bottle, and £73.86 for a case of six, it’s an adventurous aperitif, not to mention an excellent match for both lamb ragu and cold cuts.
Final thoughts…
Spring is a time for new beginnings – and also a time for trying new wine.
Whether you’re looking forward to drinking more crisp white wines or refreshing rosés, or hoping to try some lighter, brighter reds, the longer evenings and warmer days are the ideal time to get experimenting.
We hope this article has piqued your interest and given you some inspiration, whether you’re looking to enjoy a new bottle at home, find something special to bring out at dinner parties, or give a gift to friends and family.
If you’re looking to take your passion for wine to new heights, you might want to think about joining The Wine Society. For just £40, you can become a lifetime member, and take advantage of the many powerful benefits that membership gives you – from food pairing suggestions to events and tastings, and – of course – access to some of the best, and most reasonably priced, wines in the world.
Did any of these wines catch your eye? Are you thinking of joining The Wine Society? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.