Spring is a wonderful season to enjoy wine, especially if you know how to choose the right bottles and pair them with delicious dishes. Here are some tips and recommendations for drinking wine in spring and making the most of this beautiful time of the year.

Light whites

When the weather warms up, nothing beats a chilled light white wine that refreshes your palate and complements fresh and light foods. Some of the best light whites to drink in spring are:

• Skin-contact white wines: These are white wines that are fermented with the grape skins, giving them a slightly orange hue and a complex aroma and flavor. They are perfect for pairing with seafood, cheese and charcuterie boards, or spicy dishes. Some examples are Rkatsiteli-Mtsvane from Georgia, Pinot Gris from Alsace, or Cuvée Marguerite from France.
• Riesling: This is a versatile grape that can produce dry, off-dry, or sweet wines, depending on the region and style. Riesling wines have a high acidity and a floral and fruity character that can balance rich or spicy foods. Some of the best regions for Riesling are Germany, Austria, Alsace, and Australia.
• Albariño: This is a Spanish grape that produces crisp and aromatic wines with notes of citrus, peach, and apricot. Albariño wines are ideal for pairing with seafood, especially shellfish, as well as salads and grilled vegetables.
• Assyrtiko: This is a Greek grape that grows on the volcanic island of Santorini. Assyrtiko wines have a high minerality and acidity, as well as a lemony and herbal flavor. They are great for pairing with fish, chicken, or lamb dishes with Mediterranean herbs.

Rosés

Rosé wines are not only pretty to look at, but also delicious to drink in spring. They have a light body and a fruity flavor that can match a variety of foods, from salads and sandwiches to grilled meats and cheeses. Some of the best rosés to drink in spring are:

• Provence rosés: These are the quintessential rosés from France, with a pale pink color and a delicate flavor of strawberries, raspberries, and flowers. They are dry and refreshing, and pair well with almost anything.
• Pineau d'Aunis rosés: These are rosés made from an ancient grape variety that is native to the Loire Valley in France. They have a darker pink color and a spicy flavor of black pepper, red currants, and roses. They are dry and lively, and pair well with Asian or Middle Eastern dishes.
• California rosés: These are rosés made from different grape varieties that grow in California, such as Zinfandel, Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Syrah. They have a bright pink color and a fruity flavor of cherries, watermelon, and citrus. They are usually off-dry or slightly sweet, and pair well with barbecue or Mexican food.

Light reds

Red wines are not only for winter; there are many light reds that can be enjoyed in spring as well. These are red wines that have a low tannin level and a high acidity level, making them easy to drink and versatile with food. Some of the best light reds to drink in spring are:

• Beaujolais: This is a French wine region that produces red wines from the Gamay grape. Beaujolais wines have a bright ruby color and a fruity flavor of red berries, banana, and bubblegum. They are light-bodied and smooth, and pair well with charcuterie, cheese, or roasted chicken.
• Bardolino: This is an Italian wine region that produces red wines from the Corvina grape. Bardolino wines have a garnet color and a floral and spicy flavor of roses, cherries, and cloves. They are medium-bodied and elegant, and pair well with pasta, pizza, or risotto.
• Mencia: This is a Spanish grape that produces red wines from the northwest region of Galicia. Mencia wines have a violet color and an earthy and herbal flavor of blackberries, licorice, and mint. They are medium-bodied and complex, and pair well with lamb, beef, or mushrooms.

How to enjoy wine more in spring

Drinking wine in spring is not only about choosing the right bottles, but also about creating the right atmosphere and mood. Here are some suggestions on how to enjoy wine more in spring:

• Drink wine outdoors: Spring is the perfect time to take your wine outside and enjoy the fresh air and the sunshine. You can have a picnic in the park, a barbecue in the backyard, or a rooftop party with your friends. Just make sure to keep your wine cool and protected from direct sunlight, and use proper glasses or cups to avoid spills or breakage.
• Drink wine with seasonal foods: Spring is also the perfect time to enjoy the bounty of seasonal produce and ingredients that are available at the farmers' market or your local grocery store. You can create delicious dishes with asparagus, artichokes, peas, strawberries, rhubarb, and more, and pair them with your favorite wines. You can also experiment with different herbs, spices, sauces, and dressings to enhance the flavors of your food and wine.
• Drink wine with a sense of adventure: Spring is a season of renewal and discovery, so why not apply that to your wine drinking as well? You can try new wines that you have never tasted before, or revisit old favorites that you have forgotten about. You can also join a wine club, attend a wine tasting, or visit a winery to learn more about wine and meet other wine lovers. You can also challenge yourself to pair wine with unusual or exotic foods, or create your own wine cocktails or sangrias.

Spring is a wonderful season to enjoy wine, especially if you follow these tips and recommendations. Cheers!