Unique, Refreshing White Wines Perfect for Spring

The weather is getting brighter, the days are getting longer, and that just means more white wine coming into your rotation, right? But instead of always reaching for the same Riesling or Sauv Blanc (no offence to either of those grapes!), how about switching things up and keeping it interesting? Here are a few patio-worthy suggestions next time you’re feeling adventurous at the bottle shop. 

Albariño

Aside from being fun to say (who doesn’t like rolling their r’s?!), this is one of my warm weather favorites! It’s a super refreshing, high acid coastal wine that can be found in Northwest Spain and Portugal (although finding styles from Spain are a bit more common). Citrus notes dominate this wine with supporting aromas coming from stone fruits (nectarines and honeydew). Because of its high acidity, it’s such a food friendly wine - from soft cheese and lighter meat and seafood dishes to grilled vegetables and salads. 

Sylvaner/Silvaner

Grown in a few different regions, I do feel that sometimes Sylvaner is overlooked - but I’m here to tell you that it definitely deserves some recognition. This varietal is most common in Germany, but I’ve seen excellent versions of this wine in Alsace (France) as well as Northern Italy. This dry white wine carries aromas of stone fruits, herbs and distinct minerality (think wet stones). And the medium to medium-high acidity is balanced nicely against the sweetness of the fruit aromas. It’s a medium bodied wine so it makes a great match with summer salads, seafoods, and even tofu! 

Cortese

The most famous style of this grape is made in Gavi which is an appellation in Piedmont, Northwestern Italy. It’s a dry white wine with refreshing acidity making it the perfect quencher for a warm patio afternoon. Floral, citrus and green fruits making up most of the primary aromas, although sometimes you can get lucky with notes of nuts, honeydew and apricot. And because it’s a light bodied wine, it’s perfect to sip on its own or any light summery dishes that include lemon flavours.