Soon the snow will all be melted and friends and family will be stopping by for some witty conversation and a glass of vino. Decks will be brushed off and cleaned and picnic tables will pop up in the backyards. The smell of grilled foods will permeate in the air and smiles will be on the faces of all Minnesotans. Some of my favorite springtime sippers are white wines that are crisp and refreshing. Sauvignon Blanc’s are always a first choice and Italian whites are a good second choice. Nowadays you can find fabulous SB’s from all over the world. New Zealand, Chile, California and Washington State are all crafting fabulous Sauvignon Blanc’s at prices very affordable. Italian Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Orvieto, Soave and Trebbiano based whites are all fun refreshing deck wines that pair well with a wide array of cuisines. For the lovers of whites with some sweetness to them check out Rieslings and Vouvrays. Both have excellent acidity and work well with many foods or just by themselves. You can find dry versions of these last two varietals but most stocked in stores will have some sweetness to them. Spanish whites are also fun and crisp and if you have not checked out the Albarinos from this country then its time. This Spanish grape is the ultimate pairing for shrimp and lighter white fish off the grill. Here’s a list of some of my favorites sippers to start out spring.

1) Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand 2008 – This is a great SB from Marlborough every vintage. If you want to check out a textbook Sauvignon Blanc from the country that put the SB back on the map then you must give this one a try. Pale green with aromas of tropical fruits and gooseberry. Crisp and clean on the palate with flavors of citrus and grapefruit. Pair with fresh green summer salads, light fish dishes and grilled asparagus. 

2) Ottella Lugana, Italy 2007 – This wine comes from around the Lake Garda area of Verona and is a springtime favorite. The grape is the Trebbiano di Lugana and is thirst quenching, crisp and clean. Aromas of orange blossom and citrus with flavors of grapefruit and fruit cocktail on the palate. A real winner for the spring! Pair with a friend or some oysters. 

3) Salneval Albarino, Spain 2007 – If you need a change from your everyday Pinot Grigio then give this one a try. The Albarino grape is starting to gain popularity and is a favorite of mine with fish and seafood. Aromas of honeydew and peach explode out of the glass and are accompanied by flavors of pineapple, apple and citrus. Pair with tilapia, shrimp skewers and scallops. 

4) Montes Sauvignon Blanc, Chile 2008 – The SB’s coming from the cooler region of the Casablanca Valley in Chile are awesome. This wine is under 15 bucks and delivers the goods. Brilliant pale yellow and green in color with aromas of peach and passion fruit. Mouthwatering flavors of gooseberry and grapefruit coat the palate with a zesty finish.
Pair with shrimp cocktail, goat cheese or just as a sipper. 

Easter is just around the corner so I will include a handful of food and wine pairings for the holiday.

Ham – for reds I like Pinot Noirs, Tempranillo from Spain and Beaujolais. Whites that work well for this meat are Riesling, Viongier, Gewurztraminer and Chardonnays.

Turkey – this is a food friendly meat and goes great with lighter reds. Bardolinos from Italy, lighter Pinot Noirs and Lemberger are fun accompaniments. Whites with some sweetness are Riesling, Vouvray and Gewurztraminer. For fuller bodied whites check out some of the Chardonnays from California.

Prime Rib – the outstanding Malbecs from Argentina are excellent with this cut. One you can’t miss is the 2007 Dona Paula. Cabs, Syrah and a nice Bordeaux are also great picks.

Light Deserts – go for a nice Moscato d’ Asti.

Heavy Deserts – Tawny Port or Australian Sticky

Hoppy Easter!
Sommelier
Jeff Anderson