Five wines that are perfect for spring

Spring is a funny old season, carrying the promise of warmth and endless sunshine yet puncturing our hope with frosty, drizzly and downright chilly days in between.

So that’s why a springtime wine collection should be equally varied, with light-to-medium-bodied reds suitable for when winter lingers, while it pays to have some crisp and aromatic whites on hand for those afternoons when the sun does pop its head out.

Here are five wines we recommend trying this spring.

Te Hana Rosé

It wouldn’t be a warm spring evening without bubbles, which is why we’ve included the Champion rosé at this year’s New World Wine Awards – a beautiful sparkling rosé boasting strawberry and cherry notes.

An absolute joy to sip on, especially with summer picnics just around the corner.

Starborough Sauvignon Blanc 2019

This citrus-driven sauvignon blanc from Starborough boasts flavours of feijoa, lime peel and passionfruit.

Try it with Marlborough green-lipped steamed mussels (a nod to its provenance) or even perhaps rock melon and prosciutto on a light evening.

Coopers Creek Select Vineyards ‘Bell-Ringer’ Albariño 2019

We’re seeing a lot more albariño pop up over the past few years as New Zealand dabbles with new varietals, and this is a wonderful springtime tipple.

Another Gold Medal Champion from the New World Wine Awards, this would provide a great match for seafood, fish and chicken with its high acid and bold fruity aromas.

Yalumba Y Series Tempranillo 2018

Carefully crafted from the tempranillo vineyards of Yalumba in Australia, this is a wine to keep on the rack for one of spring’s less spectacular weather days.

It’s a tempranillo that boasts dark fruit flavours and spice, carrying a big, rich texture.

This would provide a great match for red meat, ham and roasted vegetables. 

Saint Clair James Sinclair Chardonnay 2018

We’ve chosen this wine for its versatility and quality.

An exceptionally well-balanced Chardonnay, this expression will go with just about any food, any weather and any occasion.

According to the judges’ tasting notes at this year’s New World Wine Awards – which gave it Champion status with a score of 95 – it boasts a “distinct flinty minerality and crisp acidity with gorgeous aromas of golden peach, vanilla and flavours of creamy nougat”.

“A super versatile wine that enhances all sorts of foods from the Sunday roast, pot-luck dinners, Mexican dishes, burger and ribs, pizza and pasta, as well as light lunches and of course picnics.”