It’s Getting Warm in Here!
SPRING HAS SPRUNG! We know there’s bound to be a bizarre April blizzard but for now, we’re making like Sheryll Crow and soaking up the sun! couch + cork has been more like lawn + cork, lately! We’re lying in the grass, we’re breathing in the spring air, and we’re taking pictures of crocuses! We’re also sharing with you a delightful array of the best wines for spring.
But what’s a list of wine without some pairings, amirite? And what’s a pairing without a recipe, you know? Not to worry! Your friendly, neighborhood wine experts have got you! So sit back, scroll down and get excited!
What Comes First?
The wine? Or the food? Most people will consider the wine first, thinking spring = light wine, but we say let’s be more adventurous! To determine the best wines for spring, we recommend starting with what you want to eat. Think about the flavors of spring, what do you love, what do you want to cook, what have you been waiting to indulge in for the past 11 months? We’re in the northeast and this is our time for apples, carrots, ramps, snap peas and some delicious mushrooms.
Pair these warm weather wines with spring’s bounty:
Apples: California oaked Chardonnay, Sauternes
Carrots: California oaked Chardonnay, off-dry Riesling, Sauternes, Sémillon
Ramps: Pinot Noir, Garnacha (grenache)
Snap peas: Torrontés, Pinot Noir
Mushrooms: Nebbiolo, Pinot Noir, Xinomavro
The best wines for your spring rack! Slide open that sunroof, play Soak Up the Sun by Sheryll Crow (our spring anthem!) loud on the stereo, and make a trip to your local wine store! You should stock up on some Vinho Verde, both white as well as rosé, a few bottles of California oaked Chardonnay and a couple of Sauternes. For the reds, we recommend going fruity - Malbec, Garnacha (Grenache), and a Lambrusco.
We love demystifying wine for you! If you’re thirsty for more warm weather wine knowledge, you can join us for some extra education! Wednesdays, 7pm, via zoom. Super cazh, super fun!
Ramped Up Taters + More
As promised, some scrumptious recipes to go with the best wines for spring!
Chef Mariam Shah loves combining flavors of the east (specifically Pakistan) with ingredients of the west. Aloo ‘Ramp’ Bhujia (potatoes with ramps & coriander seeds) and Snap Pea Raita (snap peas in Greek yogurt with fried, whole spices) are a couple of our favorites to pair with Pinot Noir!