What to drink this Spring: Top wines and food pairings
The magnolias are blooming, and the weather is warming up. It can only mean one thing; that Spring is finally upon us. As we enter the season of light, it’s time to leave behind the big, heavy reds and refresh our palates with brighter wines that go down gently. And so, we present to you our favourite wine and food pairings for Spring, 2024.
Picnics in the park
Pack up your basket with crusty bread, mild cheeses like brie or goat cheese, fresh fruit, and cured meats. The perfect wine pairing for a Spring picnic is a crisp, mineral-driven Sauvignon Blanc or a light, fruit-forward rosé. The high acidity in these wines will cut through the richness of the cheese but complement the fresh fruits.
You can find some delectable Sauvignon Blancs here. For the rosé, we recommend this South African one crafted by a boutique Swartland winery.
Pasta Primavera lunch
The season’s tender vegetables such as asparagus, peas and fava beans make for an ideal lunch of Pasta Primavera. The brightness of Pinot Grigio or herbal Vermentino pairs beautifully with this dish full of sweet veggies and cheese. If you prefer a red pairing, why not try an earthy, medium-bodied Sangiovese?
For a more unusual choice, we recommend this category-defying Bulgarian wine made with Pinot Grigio grapes right next to the Madara Rider UNESCO cultural and natural heritage site – this wine is neither red, nor white nor rosé, so it’s a fitting match for Spring’s time of new beginnings.
Al fresco seafood dinners
Grilled scallops, shrimp skewers and poached halibut are perfect dishes for Spring. Uncork a bottle of Chablis, Sancerre or Albariño to match the briny seafood flavors. The high acidity and salinity in these wines stands up wonderfully to the strong umami flavours of seafood.
We recommend this Chablis, or you can find highly recommended Sancerres here and Albariños here.
Weeknight backyard chicken
If you want an easy weeknight meal, roast a chicken with artichokes, carrots and fresh thyme and rosemary. A versatile and light Chardonnay will be a perfect match for the chicken’s meatiness and the herby flavours.
Look no further than this list for the best Chardonnays on the market.
Green salads quick bite
Make a microgreen salad with lamb lettuce, watercress sprouts, nuts, and cheese. Dress with tangy and acidic balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Riesling matches the flavours with plenty of texture and acidity of its own. Alternatively, you can try pairing it with Grüner Veltliner, with its white pepper and herby notes.
You can find spectacular Rieslings here and classic Grüner Veltliner here.
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