Whites are ‘SPRING’ing Back
by Douglas J. Nevins
WineWise

The excitement of changing weather and longer lasting daylight brings a huge smile to my face. This has been one tough winter and I think most people would agree that it’s time for some relief…sun, brightness, warmth, and that little push of stronger energy that Spring so beautifully provides. With this new season upon us, many of our palates shift gears; from drinking the big, bold, tannic reds to sipping on delightful, crisp, fruit-driven whites. There are so many wonderful, exciting white varietals from all over the globe to be enjoyed throughout the Spring season. What’s better than a perfectly chilled glass of white on a warm evening, whether on its own or with lighter salads and shellfish/seafood, or simply just gathering with friends and family.

White wines can range from bone dry to very sweet; crisp to oaky, and light to rich. Over the next few months, I suggest those wines that are drier, crisper in nature, and have subtle to medium fruit richness. This category contains numerous wines made from a range of different grape varieties within several countries around the world. My personal favorite varietals and countries include Sauvignon Blanc from France, Alvarinho from Portugal, Tocai Friulano from Italy, White Garnacha from Spain, and Gruner Veltliner from Austria. There are also a couple of lighter style reds that make for a perfect match during Spring, such as Cannanou from Italy and Pinot Meunier from California.

I feel it is more important than ever to spend time on researching, tasting, and ultimately seeking out the gems of the wine world. These “gems” are wines that offer the same high-quality characteristics as the big name, expensive producers but at a much more everyday, affordable price. They are certainly harder to find, but the effort is well worth it as you can see for yourself in all these exceptional wines listed below.

Clemen ‘Reserva’ – Vinho Verde, Portugal 2007
(50% Alvarinho and 50% Trajadura) Light-bodied with fresh, vibrant citrus and tropical fruits, bright acidity
$15.95

Las Colinas del Ebro ‘White Garnacha’ – Terra Alta, Spain 2007
(100% White Garnacha) Light to medium-bodied, melon and orchard fruit flavors, stony minerality
$16.95

Nigl ‘Freiheit’ Gruner Veltliner – Kamptal, Austria 2008
(100% Gruner Veltliner) Medium-bodied, citrus, yellow apple, herbaceous spice, clean acidity
$25.95

Jean-Francois Merieau ‘Touraine’ – Loire, France 2007
(100% Sauvignon Blanc) Touraine is a region just west of Sancerre and Pouilly-Fume Medium to full-bodied, grapefruit undertones, juicy acidity
$18.95

Midolini ‘Rosacroce’ – Friuli, Italy 2007
(Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc) Full bodied, golden color, stone fruit flavors, succulent minerality
$29.95

Sella y Mosca ‘Cannonau Riserva’ – Sardegna, Italy 2005
(100% Cannonau, same grape as Grenache) Light to medium-bodied, dried cherry tones, rustic earthiness, elegant finish
$18.95

Domaine Chandon ‘Pinot Meunier’ – Carneros, CA 2006
(100% Pinot Meunier) Medium-bodied, juniper berry and strawberry flavors, soft spice, silky tannins
$38.95

*Come into WineWise and receive 20% off all these and other still wines everyday (Monday through Saturday).*

All of these wines are available to taste before you purchase them at WineWise located at 122 East Putnam Avenue in Greenwich, CT 203.340.2440 (just across the parking lot from Whole Foods). At WineWise, you can taste virtually any wine in the store before you buy it as we are the only premier wine shop in the country to offer so. We specialize in smaller, boutique producers whom specialize in making handcrafted wines at affordable prices. Our knowledgeable staff can assist you with any questions you may have as well as supply you with incredible suggestions to pair with your meals. Please visit and let us make your wine season more enjoyable and merrier!

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