Spring Has Sprung
As the chill of winter melts away and nature begins to bloom, there’s no better time to swap out those full-bodied reds for something a little lighter, crisper, and perfect for sunny afternoons. Spring is all about renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with wines that embody freshness and vibrancy?
When winemakers farm thoughtfully, harvest carefully, and let the fruit shine, the result is wines that feel pure, energetic, and alive... just like spring itself! Let's take a stroll through some of the season’s best lighter-bodied wines, while exploring the stories behind the wineries and the sustainable practices that make each sip even more enjoyable.
1. Domaine Pierre Martin Chavignol Sancerre (France)
Bright citrus, white flowers, and a mineral-driven finish
From the revered village of Chavignol in the Loire Valley, Domaine Pierre Martin crafts Sancerre that feels like a breath of fresh air. Farming is done sustainably, and the flinty, limestone-rich soils add a signature minerality to the Sauvignon Blanc. Pierre Martin favors minimal intervention in the cellar, letting the terroir express itself purely. The result is an electric, refreshing wine — perfect for goat cheese, spring salads, or simply sipping in the sun.
2. Ethero Albariño (Spain)
Zesty lime, ripe peach, and a salty ocean breeze finish
Produced in the Rías Baixas region of Spain’s Galicia coast, Ethero Albariño captures the energy of the Atlantic in a bottle. This Albariño is vibrant and juicy, thanks to the cool coastal breezes and the winery’s commitment to low-intervention farming. Ethero focuses on preserving the grape's natural freshness, avoiding heavy oak or manipulation. This is the kind of white wine that begs for a seafood picnic or a sunny patio afternoon.
3. Buchegger Grüner Veltliner Holzgasse (Austria)
Fresh green apple, white pepper, and a crisp mineral edge
Buchegger, a small family estate in Austria’s Kremstal region, is known for letting nature take the lead. Holzgasse is a single-vineyard Grüner Veltliner grown sustainably on gravel and loess soils, which help give the wine its clean, chiseled profile. Winemaker Walter Buchegger (and now his daughter) prioritize eco-friendly farming and a gentle touch in the cellar, creating wines that taste pure, lively, and exceptionally balanced — a true spring staple.
4. Broadbent Vinho Verde (Portugal)
Light, fizzy, with lemon-lime zest and a splash of orchard fruit
This crowd-pleaser is everything spring should be — uncomplicated, joyful, and refreshing. Imported by the Broadbent family, this Vinho Verde comes from sustainably farmed vineyards in northern Portugal where the cool Atlantic climate preserves the wine’s brisk acidity. Broadbent Vinho Verde is low in alcohol, slightly spritzy, and practically demands an afternoon picnic or poolside gathering. Hint: they also come in cans which is great for outdoor activities!
5. Domaine Salvard Cheverny Rosé (France)
Wild strawberries, rose petals, and a crisp, mouthwatering finish
This delightful rosé hails from the lesser-known Cheverny AOC in the Loire Valley. Domaine Salvard is run by the fifth generation of the Delaille family, who have committed to organic farming and gentle winemaking practices. A blend of mostly Pinot Noir and Gamay, this rosé is lean, vibrant, and refreshingly dry, making it a dream pairing for fresh spring vegetables, shellfish, or just a sunny afternoon.
6. Bellenos Heritage Red Blend (France) or Jean Foillard Côte du Py Morgon Gamay (France)
Crushed red berries, floral hints, and soft, earthy complexity
- Bellenos Heritage Red Blend — A fresh, fruit-driven blend from Burgundy’s Mâconnais region. It’s sustainable, juicy, and flexible enough for a spring barbecue.
- Jean Foillard Côte du Py Morgon — If you want something extraordinary, Foillard is a legend of natural winemaking. His Gamay comes from old vines grown organically on the famed Côte du Py hill, resulting in a wine that's simultaneously light on its feet and deeply complex. Earth, spice, cherries — a whole spring forest in a glass.
Spring Wines: Grown with Care and Bursting with Flavor
What makes spring wines so irresistible isn’t just the bright flavors, it’s the spirit behind them. Hand-harvesting, sustainable farming, and low-intervention winemaking don’t just protect the earth — they bring out the purest, most vibrant expression of the grape and the season. When you open one of these bottles, you're not just tasting wine, you're tasting nature, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for both.
Here’s to drinking fresh, lively wines that do good...and taste even better! We would be happy to help guide you in the right direction for some spring sippers, so call ahead or pop into the store!