The In-Between Season: Whites for the Shift from Winter to Spring
It’s not quite spring yet, but you can feel it coming. The days are stretching a little longer, the light feels softer, and suddenly we’re craving wines that are refreshing without being too lean, expressive without feeling heavy. This is the season of transition wines...bottles that bridge winter comfort and spring brightness beautifully.
These white wines do exactly that. They bring vibrant acidity, mineral-driven structure, and aromatic lift, while still offering enough depth and texture to pair effortlessly with meals that straddle the seasons. Whether you’re still cooking seafood with butter and lemon, easing into lighter vegetables, or flirting with Asian-inspired spice, these wines have you covered.
Jim Barry Watervale Riesling 2023 — Barossa, South Australia
Bone-dry, laser-focused, and endlessly refreshing, this Riesling is a masterclass in balance and precision. This is proof that value and quality can absolutely coexist.
Enticing aromas of citrus blossom, wildflowers, and a whisper of wet stone pull you in immediately. Take a moment here because this wine rewards patience before the first sip. On the palate, pristine minerality and vibrant acidity lead the way, supported by a clean, linear structure that feels both energetic and polished. Lime, lemon, pink grapefruit, and orange zest burst across the palate, with subtle layers of white peach and ginger tucked quietly beneath the surface.
There’s real depth and complexity here, yet nothing feels out of place. At just 12% alcohol, it’s an easy choice for weeknight sipping, long lunches, or pairing with food that leans bright and flavorful.
Perfect Pairings:
Pan-fried cod with lemon, baked vegetables, shellfish, or spicy Asian dishes like Pad Thai with chicken especially shines alongside this wine.
Jean-Luc Colombo Terroirs du Vent ‘La Violette’ Viognier 2023 — France
This is Viognier doing what it does best: aromatic, expressive, and beautifully balanced without tipping into heaviness.
The nose is immediately inviting with white stone fruit, violets, elderflower, and a soft hint of citrus. On the palate, crisp acidity keeps everything fresh, while a rounded mouthfeel adds just enough richness to make this wine incredibly satisfying. Layers of ripe peach, apricot, pear, and crisp red apple unfold gracefully, finishing with subtle notes of wax and honey that are classic for the varietal.
While Viognier can age modestly, this bottling truly shines in its youth, when its vibrancy and floral character are at their peak.
Perfect Pairings:
Stir-fry dishes, Thai chicken, seared scallops or shrimp with citrus butter, sushi, crab or lobster cakes, coconut-based chicken curries, roast chicken, and even turkey.
La Chablisienne Le Finage Chablis 2023 — France
If you love Chablis, this bottle is an absolute no-brainer and at a price point that makes it even more appealing.
Classic and unmistakable, the aromatics offer citrus, green apple, wet stone, and that signature saline minerality that defines the region. The palate is crisp and clean with a pristine mouthfeel, showcasing lemon, lime, and a touch of pink grapefruit layered over green apple, pear, and subtle stone fruit. Everything is held together by that restrained elegance and mineral tension Chablis lovers crave.
This is a wine that feels refreshing yet serious, making it incredibly versatile at the table.
Perfect Pairings:
Oysters, sushi, scallops, white fish, and shellfish prepared any way—pan-fried, baked, or grilled. Chicken Piccata works beautifully, and for a vegetarian option, spanakopita with a squeeze of lemon or a classic Greek salad is a standout match.
Why These Wines Work Right Now
These whites are about balance, having brightness without sharpness, texture without weight, and freshness without sacrificing flavor. They’re ideal for this “in-between” season when meals are evolving and our palates are craving something a little lighter, a little livelier, but still deeply satisfying.
If spring is just around the corner, consider this your invitation to start drinking like it!