Rodolphe and Nicole, our wine merchants, have put together their top 10 selections for you to enjoy this spring. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park or a formal celebratory dinner, you’ll find something to love on our list. Check them out and try them all!
1) Domaine La Croix St Laurent Sancerre Blanc (This Spring’s Must-Try Sancerre)
Nothing captures spring’s gestalt quite like Sancerre. The vibrant combination of zesty citrus, floral and mineral aromas and flavors reminds us that outdoor lunches, long afternoons by the pool, and summer Seafood are just around the corner. Sauvignon Blanc lovers rejoice—your latest wine crush is here!
2) Domaine La Croix Belle Chardonnay (Our New Favorite French Chard)
Unoaked Chardonnay is a perennial favorite, but we were surprised to find our latest crush in the South of France. With vibrant fruit notes balanced by crisp acidity, this surefire crowd-pleaser should be your go to white for entertaining this spring and summer.
3) Domaine Le Garrigon Cotes du Rhone Wineberry Box (Think Inside the Box)
We’ve gotten Domaine Le Garrigon, one of our top-selling Cotes du Rhones, to offer us their wine in a 3 liter (4 bottles equivalent) box. With a 4-month shelf life once tapped—and a convenient carrying handle—this box opens up a lot of possibilities. As a bonus, you get a neat reuseable box to keep when the wine is done.
4) Hahn Cabernet Sauvignon (Can’t Miss Cabernet)
Dreaming about grilling and BBQ yet? Then you’ll need some of this Cabernet with blueberry, plum and spice flavors and plush tannins to stand up to the finest carnivorous creations.
5) Domaine Saint-Lannes Cotes de Gascogne Blanc (Unsung Hero from Gascony)
You may not be acquainted with the Colombard or Gros-Manseng grapes, but don’t let that get in the way of enjoying this amazing wine. Bursting with floral and tropical fruit notes, this refreshing white amply rewards those willing to go beyond the familiar Chardonnay and Sauvignon.
6) Casal de Ventozela Vinho Verde Rose (YES WAY, Rosé!)
This 2014 Portuguese rosé is our latest pink discovery. If you love dry rosé from France’s Provence region, the vibrant berry flavors and smooth finish of this rosé will delight your palate.
7) Angeline Pinot Noir (Soft, Supple Pinot Noir)
With its versatile combination of luscious red fruit and elegance, it’s no wonder that Pinot Noir is our top-selling red variety. Angeline’s example has the right mix of fresh fruit and oak refinement for whatever the spring throws at you.
8) Whispering Angel Cotes de Provence Rose (Touched by an Angel)
Sacha Lichine sold his family’s estates in Bordeaux and moved to Provence with the goal of making the world’s best rosé. Try Whispering Angel to witness the heavenly fruits of his labors.
9) Steinschaden Gruner Veltliner (Gruner by the Box)
We love Gruner Veltliner’s combination of exotic fruits and peppery spices, but too often feel let down by the watery-tasting, less expensive examples. Not so with Steinshader. This white offers amazing value and comes in a convenient 1.5L box that will keep for at least three months once tapped.
10) Ciacci Piccolomini Rosso di Montalcino (Upgrade Your Spring)
Ciacci Piccolomini has long been one of Tuscany’s top wineries. Their Rosso di Montalcino is a revelation for under $20. Enjoy this baby Brunello with everything from roasts and BBQ to charcuterie and picnic fare.