Spring’s Must-Sip Wines, According To Sommeliers

Spring is finally showing face. Which means winter coats are going away for the season, winter wines are going back in the cellar, and plans are being made for park drinking and other al fresco entertainment.

And as the seasons change, so should your wine. Something chilled and rosy is likely called for, as are crisper whites that quench and counter the weather well.

I’m partial to bouncy, chillable reds (like Tarpon Cellars’ Cambaro red, Sziegl Prince Babel, or Tiberio’s Cerasuolo) or almost-salty, high-toned whites (Garcia & Valencia Verdejo, Laura Lorenzo’s crunchy Galician whites, or anything Txakoli). Patrick Cappiello’s Skull wines are easy, breezy, budget-friendly and pair well with being absolutely lazy on a beach, and I forgot how fun Lambrusco this time of year — I recently opened a bottle (Cantina Arceto Migliolungo Lambrusco, made with 21 (!!) different types of Lambrusco) in the backyard with friends while feasting on spiced lamb ribs. Its charms haven’t faded!

But what are some of the country’s most savvy sommeliers sipping this time of year? Here are their top picks.

Massican Hyde Vineyard Chardonnay, Napa Valley, USA – $50

“Napa Chardonnay on the other hand is often a hard sell, especially with younger wine drinkers today who expect those wines to be flabby, overwrought, and maybe a touch saccharine. This wine from Massican, the only winery in Napa that exclusively makes white wines, couldn’t be further from this stereotype. This drinks like Puligny Montrachet for a fraction of the price; stony minerality, tart-yet-creamy citrus and bright-yet-round texture. It may convince you and your friends to reconsider the ‘wine mom’ cliche of this grape.” — Camille Lindsley, Sommelier and Co-Owner of HAGS, New York City

Stéphane and Bénédicte Tissot Crémant du Jura Rosé, Jura, France — $33

“Spring weather shifts one’s taste to fresh, bright, invigorating flavors. A favorite bottle of mine for the season is Crémant du Jura rosé from Stéphane and Bénédicte Tissot. This zippy Pinot Noir-dominant wine has notes of ripe, red orchard fruit and a clean limestone finish, with a generous amount of bubbles. It’s a sophisticated and elegant choice for sipping outside in the 70-degree heat.” — Caden Worely, Beverage Manager at Don Angie, New York City

Homoky Dorka ‘Homoky’ Pét-Nat, Tokaj, Hungary — $32

“I’m a firm believer that bubbles can be enjoyed any time and for any occasion, but there’s something about a bottle of bubbly at the park surrounded by flowers that can’t be beat. One of my current obsessions is Homoky Dorka ‘Homoky’ Pét-Nat. Dorka Homoky’s winery is located outside of Tokaj, Hungary and within the last several years, she became the fourth generation to run the family estate while overseeing the conversion of the vineyards to biodynamic practices and the winemaking to a more natural style. Her ‘Homoky’ Pét-Nat is made of Furmint and Hárslevelű grapes and is bursting with flavors of peach, ripe pear, and tart quince.” — Libby Burk, Wine Director and General Manager of Common Thread in Savannah

Pierre Arnold Vin Nature, Alsace, France – $22

“Aromatic varietals such as Gewurztraminer, Riesling, and Pinot Gris completely transform when fermented in contact with the grape’s skins. A touch of texture from the natural tannin adds a beautiful complexity to the floral, elegant nature of these grapes. Coming out of winter, I’m not quite ready for super lean whites, but the spring blooms have me craving wines that are reminiscent of early blossoms and the jasmine that pops up all over Charleston.” — Bethany Heinze, Co-Owner and Beverage Director of Vern’s in Charleston.

Domaine de l’Epinay ‘Primula’ Sauvignon Blanc, Loire Valley, France – $18

“The moment I picked up the glass to taste this for the first time I was instantly drawn in by jasmine, flint and fresh torn herbs. The grapes are grown organically and the wine is fermented and raised in underground cement tanks, giving it an energetic texture and preserving those bright, fresh aromas and flavors of spring to dance on the palate and stick around for an extended finish. The care and intention of Cyrille and Sylvain Paquereau is evident and the quality that is achieved in this wine makes it a remarkable value.” — Megan Mina, beverage director of Zero Restaurant + Bar in Charleston, SC
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Ptujska Klet ‘Pullus’ Pinot Grigio Ramato, Slovenia — $22

“This is one of my favorite spring wines — a cool option for people who love springtime roses but want something different. It’s aromatic, medium bodied, great acidity, and a touch of structure from the maceration period, with a faint blush color from the slight skin contact of the grapes. It’s incredible with food, thanks to the slight tannic structure from the skin contact, but beautiful and light enough to drink on its own.” — Leonora Varvoutis, Sommelier at Coltivare in Houston

Argiolas ‘Cardanera’ Carignano, Sardinia — $23

“My other favorite wine that I’m crushing right now is a cool Sardinian producer, Argiolas. Sardinia is having its time in the sun right now in the wine world, and the Argiolas family is making their Carignan for the first time as a winery. It’s so crushable on a nice spring day. It’s medium bodied and sees no oak treatment, so the fruit is exceptionally fresh — it tastes like pomegranate juice. Very easy, fruit-forward, and such a great bottle with or without food, before or during dinner!” — Leonora Varvoutis, Sommelier at Coltivare in Houston

Iruai ‘Bloom Phase’ Red Wine, California — $23

“The light-hearted, chillable red trend may be mainstream now, but for a good reason. Red and white grapes fermented or blended together really add a bright lift to the juice, and Iruai always delivers wines that are both punchy and refined. For this blend, a touch of Muscat layers in a subtle floral nose alongside the high-toned Grenache & Syrah tart raspberry fruit. There is a slight effervescence when you first open the bottle, giving the zingy electric pop on your tongue. I’m absolutely in love.” — Bethany Heinze, Co-Owner and Beverage Director of Vern’s in Charleston.

Fontsainte Gris de Gris, Corbieres, France — $20

“I know everyone is going to say rosé here, but one of the wines I most turn to when the weather turns and we start moving outside is the Fonsainte Gris de Gris from Corbieres in southern France. It’s lively and textured, with great flavors of watermelon and fresh rhubarb. I always have this chilled in warm weather.” — Thomas M. Price, Master Sommelier at 1856 in Auburn

Union Sacré ‘Edelzwicker’, Santa Maria Valley, California — $23

“I was able to taste Union Sacré’s ‘Edelzwicker’ recently and it reminded me of everything that I love about springtime. Union Sacré is rooted in California but is completely inspired by Alsace and the grape varieties found in this incredible region. ‘Edelzwicker’ translates to ‘noble blend’ and consists of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Sylvaner, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Moscatel Ottonel. The grapes see 48 hours of skin maceration which causes the wine to radiate this beautiful baby pink hue. It drinks crisp and clean with notes of lilies, jasmine, tangerine, and Asian pears.” — Libby Burk, Wine Director and General Manager of Common Thread in Savannah

Terra Santa Rose, Corsica, France — $12

“This is a beautiful rosé that hails from the isle of beauty, Corsica. A French, occasionally Italian, island that shares the same IGP Méditérranée regional designation as Provence. With similar minerality and acidy to its northern cousin region, this rosé acquires greater body and red berry expression by using the Italian grape Sciacarellu. Affordable and niche is one of my favorite combos, and Terra Santa is one of my favorite spring drinks.” — Bill Cox, Wine Director of Counter- in Charlotte

Kalche Wine Co. ‘Mimeomia’ Petite Pearl, Marquette, and Frontenac Noir, Vermont — $54

“Chilled reds have gained a tremendous amount of popularity in the last few years- and for good reason! I’m a firm believer no wine should ever be served at room temperature, especially red wines in warmer weather. The ‘Mimeomia’ — made from cool hybrid grapes you may be unfamiliar with — is the platonic ideal of a chilled red, perfect for a grill out, BBQ, salty snacks, or just in the company of your besties. This Vermont winemaking co-operative, run by Justine Belle Lambright, Kathline Chery, and Grace Meyer, is a name to watch.” — Camille Lindsley, Sommelier and Co-Owner of HAGS

Whitcraft ‘Syrache’ Syrah and Grenache, Ballard Canyon, California — $32

“Drake Whitcraft’s wines are the quintessence of handcrafted and unadulterated, and the ‘Syrache’ is no exception. The grapes are sourced from Organic and Biodynamic sites and are lightly foot trodden to ensure gentle extraction with maximum aromas and flavors. This juicy light red is perfect with a slight chill for those warmer days. It is packed with brambly spring berries, a hint of lilac and white pepper and is extremely versatile with food — especially anything you want to throw on the grill!” — Megan Mina, beverage director of Zero Restaurant + Bar in Charleston

Coquerel Verdelho, Napa Valley, California — $24

“Christine Barbe and her Coquerelwinery, are defying expectations of Calistoga, and I love supporting this brand. Everything they do is excellent, but on warm spring days after gardening, I’m reaching for her Verdelho. A pretty and aromatic white wine with mouthwatering acidity, Verdelho also pairs well with grilled fish.” — Bill Cox, Wine Director of Counter- in Charlotte