THE TOP WINES FOR SPRING
Spring and Summer lends itself towards lighter and more refreshing wines. Some say white wines offer the same quenching freshness of an ice cold beer! Whether you’re relaxing poolside or entertaining outdoors white wine should always be handy! Although people like what they like when it comes to wine, you just can’t beat the crisp, fruity flavors white and rose’ wines have to offer.
Light & Zesty
Chenin Blanc
In South Africa, Chenin Blanc is the most planted wine grape and, in recent years, a great deal of effort has been put into researching how to make South African Chenin compete with the best in the world. What’s really cool is that even though South Africa is turning out incredible Chenin Blanc wines (particularly from old vineyards), the prices are still quite competitive. This is an awesome spot to look for value. Think Sweet and Sour. Because of Chenin Blanc’s awesome acidity and inherently sweet flavor, you’ll find it pairs well with foods that have a sweet and sour element. Southeast Asian cuisine or pork chops with apples paired with a richer and sweeter style Chenin Blanc will blow your mind
Pinot Grigio
The primary fruit flavors in Pinot Grigio are lime, lemon, pear, white nectarine and apple. Depending on where the grapes are grown, Pinot Grigio can take on faint honeyed notes; floral aromas like honeysuckle; and a saline-like minerality. Pinot Grigio doesn’t have a strikingly unique flavor the way Moscato or Riesling do, but it does offer a refreshing twinkle of acidity and a weighty feeling on the middle of your tongue – like licking wax paper.Pinot Grigio with its zesty and refeshing acidity pairs really well with fresh vegetables, raw fish and lighter meals. Fish and shellfish are classic pairing partners with Pinot Grigio.
Light & Sweet
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer is like the grown-up version of Moscato. While aromatic sweet wines like Gewürztraminer are slightly out of fashion, we see it as an opportunity to find some of the most outstanding values on the planet. In this guide you will learn how Gewürztraminer wine tastes, where it comes from, and food pairing recommendations that will blow your mind. When pairing Gewürztraminer with food think about how the wine’s floral aromas and notes of ginger will bring out actual ginger and rose water used in a dish.
Celebrate – White Wine Gift Basket
Riesling
Tasting Riesling starts with intense aromas that rise from the glass (even when the wine is ice cold). This aromatic wine offers primary fruit aromas of orchard fruits like nectarine, apricot, honey-crisp apple, and pear. Besides fruit, you’ll often smell things like honeycomb, jasmine, or lime peel, along with a striking aroma that smells similar to petrol . Think Spice. Because of Riesling’s sweetness and acidity, it makes the perfect accompaniment to spicy food. Strong Indian and Asian spices are a perfect match with Riesling.
Bold & Dry
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is the world’s most popular varietal wine and the Queen of all white wines. It is successfully produced and enjoyed around the globe in many different styles that vary widely depending on where it is grown and how it is treated by the winemaker. You can pick up apple, pineapple, or the hint of peach. The warmer climate Chardonnays may have less of the fruits but develop wonderful honey, vanilla, and roasted flavors that really fill the mouth. It is most commonly paired with roast chicken and other white meats such as turkey.
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Viognier
Most loved for its perfumed aromas of peach, tangerine and honeysuckle, Viognier can also be oak-aged to add a rich creamy taste with hints of vanilla. If you love to brood over bolder white wines like Chardonnay, Viognier is definitely something you’ll like to swirl.Good examples should feel round, rich and intense in flavours. But it is important the wines also have good acidity. For poultry dishes, think rather rich, creamy poultry dishes. If you go for fish, go for meatier fish such as Monkfish or Mahi-Mahi.
From lean and crisp to oaky and buttery, white wine and all of it’s delicious-ness makes for a great gift! Design It Yourself Gifts & Baskets offers a wide variety of Wine Baskets to choose from. Some of our favorites include South Texas Wine Country Gift Basket and A Toast to You Wine Gift Basket and the best part is, YOU get to pick your wine.
