Chill out with five light & fresh wines this spring
| 30th April 2024
Spring may have been something of a wash out so far, but surely longer hazy days are round the corner and what is better than a perfect wine to make the most of the unpredictable season.
That’s why VIVA has found five of the best vinos full of vitality and charm and wonderfully priced from priced from £13.50 to £15. Ever thought of a chilled Red? Well this can be a gorgeous tipple if served -Cold (but not ice cold) and paired with grilled meats for when we’re ready to the BBQ out.
Spring Rosé has lighter styles for this time of year and is paired with Niçoise salad. Rieslings also work for a spring day and have lower levels of alcohol with a crisp citrus palate that works well with Asian salads.
And Crémant adds fizz because it’s made using the same methods of Champagne but is a fraction of the price.
Want to try something new, because a new season is a great excuse to try a new wine! Look at South Africa for a barrel-fermented Chenin blanc. Perfect with asparagus. Here’s VIVA’s handpicked choices:
1. Chilled Red
Wine: Moillard Bourgogne Gamay
Tasting Notes: Since its creation in 1850, Moillard produces wines of a rare fineness, elegance and well-structured. On the palate this wine reveals delicate red fruits aromas that will match perfectly with grilled meats.
Chilling Tip: A chilled red should be around 6°C. A fridge is set to between 3-5°C so ten minutes or so out of the fridge should put your bottle at the perfect temperature. Price: £11.50. Retailer: Tesco
2. Spring Rosé
Wine: Screaming Devil Côtes de Provence Rosé
Tasting Notes: Perfumed white peach, bright mango, and passion fruit aromas, along with some rhubarb notes on the nose. A really lively vibrant palate, a fresh and saline structure, beautiful zesty length, with intense aromas. A lovely pairing for a Niçoise Salad.
Priced at £15 from Ocado.
3. Riesling
Wine: Arthur Metz Alsace Riesling
Tasting Notes: This is a fresh and well rounded style of wine with aromas of orange and mandarin, finishing off with typical mineral notes. Lower ABV at 13% this is the perfect partner for zippy Asian salads. Arthur Metz Riesling is proof that despite its reputation, Riesling is not all sweet.
Price: £13.25. Retailer: Ocado
4. Crémant
Wine: Arthur Metz Organic Cremant d’Alsace
Tasting Notes: This Organic Crémant d’Alsace, hailing from Alsace in Northern France, is a sparkling wine made in the same way as Champagne. It has flavours of citrus, apples, pears, complexity of flavour and fine bubbles. This wine is best served as an aperitif and also works with fish dishes. Priced at £15.
5. Something new!
Wine: Villiera Barrel Fermented Chenin Blanc
Tasting Notes: This Chenin Blanc was made by Nathan Valentine, who earned his stripes at the renowned De Morgenzon winery, as well as in California and the south of France. You can taste his expertise in every sip. It’s spent time on its lees. This process transforms the wine into something more textured and complex. It’s full-bodied with a balancing fresh finish and is the perfect match with asparagus, the classic spring vegetable!
Price: £12.99 mix six (or £14.99)
Retailer: Majestic