Spring Wines Are Having a Main Character Moment—Here’s What to Sip Now
Spring is officially in the air, and your wine glass should reflect it. This is the season to leave behind the big, brooding reds and embrace something lighter, brighter, and utterly sippable. Whether you're planning alfresco brunches, sunny picnics, or just want something to match the longer days and blooming flowers, a perfect spring wine is a must. One standout? A crisp, expressive Pinot Gris that’s practically made for golden hour.
Experience the bold elegance of the 2022 Clos Mogador, a benchmark Priorat crafted by the legendary René Barbier, one of the founding pioneers of the region’s revival. Grown organically on slate-rich “llicorella” soils in Catalonia’s rugged hillsides, this wine captures the wild soul of Priorat in every sip. A powerful blend—primarily Garnacha, with Syrah, Cariñena, and Cabernet Sauvignon—this vintage reveals dark fruit, earthy spice, and iron-rich minerality with finesse and intensity.
On the nose, expect brooding aromas of blackcurrant, plum, and wild herbs, followed by savory hints of blood and stone. The palate is textured and dry, grounded by fine tannins and a dusty grip, yet elevated by layers of complexity that unfold with each glass. Made with the utmost respect for nature and tradition, Clos Mogador 2022 is both a tribute to the land and to René Barbier’s visionary legacy. Perfect for pairing with grilled meats, aged cheeses, or savoring solo as it continues to evolve in the glass.
The 2023 Baldacci Elizabeth Pinot Noir is a vibrant, elegant choice for spring, including celebrations like Easter or Mother’s Day. Aromas of cherry, raspberry, and soft earth lead into a silky palate of black cherry, cranberry, and plum. Balanced by gentle tannins and a hint of oak and vanilla, it’s both refined and approachable. Perfect with glazed ham, salmon, or spring greens, this wine adds a joyful, polished touch to any springtime celebration.
With its brilliant straw color, SurSur 2024 has a fresh bouquet with notes of peach and tropical fruit, together with hints of wildflowers. In the mouth, it is fresh and savory with fruity notes. Onomatopoeic word of Arabic origin which means "cricket". This label is a reminder of the beauty of spring, seen through the eyes of a little girl. Gabriella (founder of Donnafugata together with her husband Giacomo) is the little girl who is running barefoot among the flowers and fresh grass, following the song of the crickets that to her ears sounds as sweet as a thousand "SurSurs ..."
Celebrate spring with this refined Chardonnay from vineyards nestled at the base of the Mayacamas Mountains, gently influenced by Petaluma Gap's morning fog. Sustainably farmed and traditionally crafted, it boasts vibrant aromas of ripe pear, green apple, and citrus blossom with delicate undertones of toasted almond and vanilla. Its palate beautifully balances fresh acidity and creamy texture, highlighting flavors of lemon curd, honeycomb, and subtle minerality—perfect alongside your favorite charcuterie.
Rombauer’s Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied, yet rich red wine that is perfect for sipping at an outdoor dinner party. This wine displays raspberry and red cherry aromas with light floral notes that give a taste of springtime flowers.
J Brut Rosé opens with layered characteristics of ripe raspberries, rose petals and a savory note of slivered almonds. The palate is elegant and flavorful, with notes of fresh mandarin orange, roasted strawberries and crème fraîche. Lively acidity and steely minerality frame a crisp, lingering finish. Pair this elegant sparkling rosé with traditional Spanish seafood paella, salmon tartare or camembert with candied kumquats and lavender almonds.
Embrace the elegance of Carneros with the 2022 Etude Grace Benoist Ranch Pinot Gris, a vibrant white wine shaped by cool coastal breezes and the winemaking vision of Jon Priest. Grown in deep, well-drained loamy soils on Etude’s sustainably certified estate vineyard, this Pinot Gris is a masterclass in purity and balance—harvested at night, fermented with native yeasts, and gently aged to showcase its fresh, expressive character.
On the nose, it bursts with bright aromas of lime zest, kiwi, and honeysuckle, backed by hints of marzipan and wet stone. The palate is equally enchanting, offering tropical notes of Granny Smith apple and white peach, layered with citrus blossom and mineral depth. Crisp and textural with a fine thread of acidity, this is a beautifully balanced, food-friendly wine that delivers both charm and structure. A refreshing standout from Napa Valley, this vintage is a true expression of Etude’s commitment to site, sustainability, and style.
Released in 2024, Réserve de la Terre showcases the brand’s commitment ‘in the name of mother nature’. Proof that it is possible to craft one of the best champagnes with no compromise when it comes to sustainability – it is the future of the house. This trailblazing wine is made with organic grapes and comes in the lightest champagne bottle at 800 grams with only 2.5 g/l of sugar. Réserve de la Terre is aged for 36 months and is a blend of three magnificent years: 2020 at 70%, 2019 at 15%, and 2018 at 15%. The champagne is a balanced blend of Meunier at 44%, Chardonnay at 34% and Pinot Noir at 22%. The first nose detects a bouquet of spiced almonds and violet floral tones, which precedes the revelation of a richer aroma, that of baked mirabelle.
Beringer Vineyards' 2021 Knights Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is perfect for dinner guests looking to sip a bold red for a cozy evening. In the glass, this wine reveals a deep ruby hue with a core that edges toward purple. Aromas of black and blue fruits, including currant, crème de cassis, brambleberry, and plum rise from the glass, with a hint of clove. If your readers want to show off their wine knowledge, recommend that they decant this red for richer notes of vanilla and clove. This wine is great on its own or with a hearty meal like a wagyu beef burger topped with gouda cheese.
Society De La Rassi presents a premium, dealcoholized sparkling wine, offering an elegant alternative to traditional wine. This exquisite wine is gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, low-calorie and has no added sugars. Made exclusively from 100% Chardonnay grapes grown in La Mancha, Alcázar de San Juan, Spain, the wine undergoes vacuum distillation to preserve its authentic body and essence. The "Neue Brut" reintroduces a touch of natural grape must (1.2g per liter), delivering the depth and sophistication of a premium sparkling wine with less than 0.5% alcohol content. Inspired by his journey to sobriety, Founder and Creative Director Steve Jackson brought in Marketing Director Wesley Davis, who brings a wealth of marketing and fashion expertise, to redefine luxury without limits. Blending tradition with innovation, every glass poured from their 750ml bottles celebrates bold encounters and the art of connection.
If you're looking for a wine that captures the energy of the season—fresh, fragrant, and completely effortless—Etude’s Pinot Gris is your go-to pour. It’s more than just a bottle; it’s a spring mood. So go ahead, pop it open, cue your favorite playlist, and toast to longer days and lighter sips.
