As the days stretch out and the frosty curtain of winter finally begins to lift, the first day of spring emerges with a promise of renewal and celebration. In the UK, this isn’t just a turn of the calendar; it’s an entire shift in mood and atmosphere, with gardens waking up and people eagerly stepping outside. What better way to toast to this seasonal shift than with wines that capture the essence of spring? Here’s a guide to selecting the perfect vinos for your spring celebrations, complete with anecdotes from the wine world’s luminaries, practical tips, and a dollop of British charm.
A Toast to Renewal: Sparkling and Light
Nothing says “celebration” quite like a bottle of sparkling wine, and as the flowers start to bloom, a glass of something fizzy feels just right. For a quintessentially British spring, why not opt for an English sparkling wine? The UK’s sparkling wine industry has been catching the eyes – and palates – of international critics, with many comparing them favourably to the famed bubbles of Champagne.
Food Pairing Tip: English sparkling wine and a platter of fresh, local seafood is a match made in springtime heaven. The wine’s crisp acidity cuts beautifully through the richness of oysters or smoked salmon.
Sir Ian Botham, the cricket legend turned winemaker, once quipped, “A good English sparkling is like a sunny spring day in a bottle.” Indeed, these wines, with their vibrant acidity and complex flavours, encapsulate the bright optimism of spring.
Light and Aromatic Whites: A Whiff of Spring Air
As we say cheerio to the heavy reds of winter, the floral and aromatic white wines come into their own. Think of a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or an aromatic Albariño; these wines are like a breath of fresh spring air, reviving the senses after winter’s slumber.
Storage Tip: Keep your white wines in a cool, dark place and chill to around 8-10°C before serving. This temperature highlights the wine’s crispness and aromatic profile, perfect for a spring day.
Alice Feiring, an advocate for natural wines, often highlights the connection between wine and the land it comes from. In the context of spring, choosing a wine made with minimal intervention can feel like a closer step to nature itself – just as spring intended.
Rosé: Not Just for Summer
While rosé has become synonymous with summer sipping, its versatility and range of styles make it a fantastic choice for spring as well. From the light, almost ethereal Provence rosés to the more structured examples from Spain, there’s a rosé to suit the transitional nature of spring.
Food Pairing Tip: A dry rosé pairs splendidly with spring salads, especially those featuring early strawberries or goat cheese, bridging the gap between the freshness of the ingredients and the wine’s own lively character.
Jancis Robinson, one of Britain’s most respected wine critics, has often noted the underrated complexity of rosé, suggesting that its charm lies in its ability to adapt to various food pairings and occasions – much like spring itself.
Reds for Cooler Evenings: Pinot Noir and Gamay
Even with the arrival of spring, the evenings can still have a nip in the air. A light-bodied red like Pinot Noir or Gamay offers the perfect transition from the hearty reds of winter, with enough body to warm you up and a freshness to match the season.
Service Tip: Serve these lighter reds slightly chilled, around 12-14°C, to enhance their fruity and floral characteristics.
Oz Clarke, a titan of wine education, often emphasises the joy of discovering the right wine for the moment. On a brisk spring evening, a glass of Pinot Noir, with its hints of cherry blossom and earth, can be just the ticket.
In Conclusion
Celebrating the first day of spring with the right wine is about more than just taste; it’s about marking a moment of change, of welcoming new beginnings and the promise of sunny days ahead. Whether it’s the pop of a sparkling wine cork, the floral bouquet of a white, the refreshing sip of a rosé, or the comforting embrace of a light red, these wines offer a way to celebrate the season’s arrival in style.