Spring calls for colorful, acidic wines
Apr. 26—Spring finally feels like it arrived after a weak winter with bright evenings, which allows for outside entertainment. It's time to welcome spring with a new wine lineup.
The versatility of rosé continues to be unmatched. As colors explode in yards and gardens, add some color to your glass. An Australian rosé made from an Italian grape stands out. Suitable for sipping and food pairing, Yalumba "The Y Series" 2021 Sangiovese Rosé is bright, peachy and berry flavored with a lime streak and strong acidity. PLCB $14.
I pulled two grape varieties that I thought would fit the bill of wine with weight and fruitiness: a pinot blanc and chenin blanc.
These varieties are a rare find in the Pennsylvania state store system. The two I found were both underwhelming. I'm sharing some alternatives.
J. Wilkes 2020 Santa Maria Valley Pinot Blanc shows some passionfruit and lime zest and is quite acidic. The wine is simple and shows signs of sulfur reduction. PLCB: $13. 1/2
For a plan B, try a pinot blanc from Alsace. Better yet, get three rieslings. Riesling is a year-round fixture for me, so it's hard to pigeonhole it into a time or place. It's a solid choice with so many fine rieslings made close to home.
Chenin Blanc is one of the world's underrated grape varieties and a cornerstone of South Africa's wine industry. I cut a break to Ken Forrester South African Chenin Blanc 2021, which comes off as though it wants to be a sauvignon blanc. The wine has a bubbly zing, bright lime and sharp acidity. PLCB: $13.50. 1/2
Try chenin blanc from chenin blanc's European base: France's Loire Valley, where you will find it under place names such as a white Anjou, Saumur or Vouvray or give another South African chenin blanc a try.
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