Spring is a time of re-birth. Trees, flowers, grass, all come alive again after a long, cold winter. A time of new beginnings and embracing what is light, fresh, and vibrant. After a delicious winter of hearty cuisine and heavy red wines it is time to lighten up a bit and prepare for shorts, tank tops, and bathing suits. Spring is also a time to dine al fresco with friends and family with delicious food and wine.
The following wines are perfect for spring. They are all light, full of flavor, and very food friendly. Bonterra and Loveblock wineries embrace organic and/or biodynamic practices. While Falesco states their philosophy as, “Passion for viticulture and a strong sense of belonging to the land of origin.” Each of these three wineries minimal intervention, stewardship of the land philosophies are woven into their clean, refreshing, elegant, and highly pleasing wines. I thoroughly enjoyed all three of these wines, am happy to recommend them, and would gladly drink them again.
2015 Falesco Tellus Chardonnay Umbria IGT Italy ($16): clear, medium lemon; clean medium aromas of tropical fruit, juicy citrus, lime zest, grass, fresh picked savory herbs; this stainless steel fermented Chardonnay offers racy medium+ acidity, crisp and light body with a long, tart finish; very refreshing and perfect for spring.
Latin for Earth, Tellus serves to reference our place in the world and beyond. Labels for the Tellus line were created during a crowdsourcing contest in 2008. At this event in Rome, painters were paired with passionate wine lovers to translate the crowd’s wine impressions into visual form.
I paired this wine with Sweet Potato Cakes with Chicken and Poblano Relish. It was light and fun take on a spring dish filled with flavors all married together with this crisp and highly refreshing Chardonnay.
2016 Bonterra Rosé Mendocino County California ($15): this Provençal style rosé is a blend of 74% Grenache, with smaller amounts of Sangiovese and Nebbiolo; clear, pale peché; clean medium+ aromas of under-ripe strawberries, tart Rainier cherries, key lime zest, quince, and a tickle of tropical fruit; dry medium acidity, light body and finish; this is a great food wine but also ideal as a porch sipper to take you right into summer
Bonterra is 100% organically farmed grapes with three vineyards certified biodynamic. It is also the 2016 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star “American Winery of the Year” award winner. The passion driven Bonterra team ensures their organic mission is reflected in everything they do, providing the highest quality wine while honoring their respectful collaboration with the land.
I paired this wine with a lighter take on a Carne Asada Bowl that was delicious, filling, and blended beautifully with the crisp rosé.
2013 Loveblock Pinot Noir Central Otago New Zealand ($37): clear pale ruby; clean medium aromas of fresh picked blackberries, black raspberries, currants, white mushrooms, damp underbrush, kiss of spice and smokiness; dry, balanced wine with medium acidity, silky tannins, light body, and medium finish; elegant and easy to drink and enjoy.
Loveblock is founded by renowned veterans of New Zealand wine, Kim and Erica Crawford. It was “forged from a love affair with a view and a challenge. Loveblock is perched on top of the hill overlooking Marlborough’s Awetere Valley, far removed from the agricultural bustle below. You can almost see the end of the planet; the peace lifts you above your troubles. Loveblock is charged with creating the best wine to express this special place through embracing organic practices.”
I paired this delicious and versatile wine with Miso-Ginger Braised Chicken with Bok Choy and Barley for a delicious winter into spring meal.
*Disclosure: I received these wines as media samples, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
My Song Selection: These wines were light, elegant, fun, and melodic.
Get your own bottles of Tellus Chardonnay, Bonterra Rosé, and Loveblock Pinot Noir and let me know what song you pair with them. Cheers.
