Spring has sprung and as we cast off the heavy sweaters and coats, it’s also time to lighten up our wine wardrobe.
On CTV News, we chat about what’s in liquid fashion this season.
Can you give us a bit of an overview of what trends we’re seeing in the wine world this spring?
Everything’s coming up Rosé, Riesling and Pinot Grigio! They’re all wines meant to be consumed young, and I do mean the wines not the people. They’re fresh and lively, perfect for spring and throughout the summer.
We’re starting with a German Riesling. Why have you chosen it to kick things off?
Riesling is experiencing a re-birth: it’s no longer sugary sweet and insipid, but now made in styles that are dry or off-dry with just an itsy bitsy bit of natural sweetness like these wines we have here today. They’re among the most versatile wines when it comes to food pairing like this one from Deinhard.
Deinhard Winery Green Label Riesling
Mosel, Koblenz, Germany
Germany is considered the benchmark for Riesling as it’s the country’s iconic white wine grape and planted in one quarter of vineyards there. The country actually produces 45% of all Riesling in the world.
You also have a Pinot Grigio there. Tell us about it.
Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing like this one from Beringer Main & Vine.
Beringer Main & Vine Pinot Grigio
California, United States
It has a clean crisp taste and vibrant lime zest aromas that’s perfect for the deck, dock or dinghy and the lighter fare we eat in the spring like field greens and seafood. You’ll want to serve it chilled for refreshment.
Next up is a Quebec Rosé. Rosé never seems to go out of style. Why is that?
It’s true, rosé is always en vogue. Rosé all day, right? But it’s never more popular than as winter-weary wine lovers welcome spring. There’s no need to age them, they’re ready to drink when you are.
Coteau Rougemont Versant Rosé
Montérégie, Québec, Canada
This one is from Coteau Rougemont and has lovely aromas of fresh field strawberries. It’s perfect as an aperitif or companion to delicate seafood dishes and fresh cheeses.
You have a Californian red blend for us to try.
Yes. The Walking Fool from the Caymus Family is a blend of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah but there’s nothing petite about this.
Caymus-Suisun The Walking Fool Red Blend 2020
Suisun Valley, California, United States
It has aromas of fleshy ripe berries and spice without any big furry tannins, oak and alcohol. Perfect with spring barbecues featuring grilled steak or chicken.
Last up showing us another red blend, this one from Chile. Why did you pick it?
Coyam from Emiliana is an organic red wine blend of mostly Syrah and Carmenère. It’s named for the oak forests surrounding the vineyards.
Emiliana Coyam Organic Red Blend
Rapel Valley, Chile
This wine is smooth and full-bodied with aromas of cassis and mocha. It would be perfect with grilled Portobello mushrooms or burgers.
Which of these wines would pair well with your upcoming memoir, Wine Witch on Fire, that’s available for pre-order now?
Definitely the Rosé with its notes of hope and optimism. The book’s subtitle is, “Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking too Much”. Believe it or not, it has lots of humour and a happy ending.
Great talking with you, Natalie see you again soon.
Posted with permission of CTV.
