LIGHT AND LIVELY WINES FOR SPRING

From crisp whites to refreshing reds, here’s a selection to set mood for the season

After what seemed like an endless winter, spring has arrived! If that means spring weather, well, that’s another thing.

But I am a snowbank halfmelted kind of guy. Warmer temperatures are on the way. Soon you will be able to put your snow scraper back in the garage and bring out the patio furniture.

With the monotonous winter behind us, it’s time to lighten up — to embrace fresh wines that revive our palates as we dream of evenings on the patio.

Here are some light and lively wines to jolt you into the spring mood.

HACIENDA LOPEZ DE HARO 2014 CRIANZARIOJA, SPAIN

It’s hard to go wrong with Rioja when you’re looking for a great wine. Probably Spain’s most famous wine region, Rioja produces great red and white wines of different styles in a wide variety of prices.

One of the cool things about Rioja is the extended maturation process. They hold the wines at the winery longer than those in other regions, meaning when you buy them they are ready to go.

Crianzas are younger, fresher styles of red from Rioja that require 24 months of maturation before release. Tempranillo is the key grape of Rioja, though some other grapes are allowed. This tasty treat from Hacienda Lopez de Haro is a blend of 90 per cent Tempranillo, seven per cent Garnacha/Grenache and three per cent Graciano.

It’s medium-bodied, with soft tannins, a zip of acid and lots of fruit flavours such as black cherry, vanilla, black raspberry, black licorice and allspice.

Price: $17. Check at Aspen Wine and Spirits, Cap Liquor, Co-op Wines Spirits Beer, Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, Heritage Wine and Spirits, Highlander Wine and Spirits, J. Webb Market Wines, Kensington Liquor Cellar, Kensington Wine Market, Vine Arts Wine and Spirits, Willow Park Wines & Spirits and Zyn the Wine Market.

Drink: Now. Try it with pizza, grilled meats or charcuterie. Nothing too fancy. This is a fun, casual, unpretentious wine. Cork; 14.5 per cent alc./vol.

MONTES 2016 TWINS WHITE WINE ACONCAGUA COAST, CHILE

Montes, named after cofounder Aurelio Montes, is one of Chile’s most important wineries. Started in 1987, the winery has helped build the South American nation’s international reputation as a source of quality wines at reasonable prices.

While some of their elite wines get serious scores and come with prices to match, most Montes wines are between $15 and $25. The Twins White Blend is as fresh as a spring breeze.

Combining Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Viognier, this dry blend bursts with fresh cut grass, gooseberry, green pepper, spice, apricot and lemon flavours. The acidity is pronounced, but not aggressive. A great bottle for dinner on the patio.

Price: $18. Inquire about it at Bin 905, Co-op Wines Spirits Beer, Eastport Liquor Store, Kensington Liquor Cellar, The Cellar, Willow Park Wines & Spirits and Zyn on 9th.

Drink: Now. Pair with a creamy white fish, risotto or lemon chicken. Screw cap; 13.5 per cent alc./vol.

TE MATA ESTATE 2017 GAMAY NOIR HAWKE’S BAY, NEW ZEALAND

Te Mata Estate is one of New Zealand’s oldest wineries, producing wines since 1896. The independently owned, certified-sustainable winery is in Hawke’s Bay — New Zealand’s second-largest wine region — roughly halfway up the North Island, near the coast on the drier east side.

This Gamay Noir is made with a grape clone brought from Beaujolais in France, the spiritual home of Gamay. Forty per cent of the wine was fermented like any other red wine, while the other 60 per cent underwent what’s called carbonic maceration, a technique common with the wines of Beaujolais Nouveau. The process produces wines with lots of colour and fruit flavour, but not too much tannin.

This is a delightfully refreshing red, with crisp flavours of strawberry, violet, raspberry, cherry and a bit of herb such as rosemary. Lighter in body and tannin, it’s dry with a pleasant, crisp finish. Serve it slightly chilled. Price: About $25. Check for it at Bin 905, Bricks Wine Co., Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, Highlander Wine and Spirits, J. Webb Wine Merchant, Kensington Wine Merchant, Rocky Mountain Wine Spirits Beer, Zyn the Wine Market.

Drink: Now. Try it with sushi, Chinese dishes, roast pork or chicken. Screw cap; 12.5 per cent alc./vol.

LAKE BREEZE 2017 SAUVIGNON BLANC OKANAGAN VALLEY, B.C.

Owned by Calgarians Drew and Barbara MacIntyre, Lake Breeze produces bold and vibrant wines, both red and white.

South African expat Garron Elmes has been winemaker of the Naramata Bench winery since the start and recently added the title of president. The labels have also been given a bold refresh, with big lettering and orange and gold colouring.

This Sauvignon Blanc’s flavours of fresh cut grass, passion fruit, gooseberry, thyme and mandarin orange are delivered in the bouquet and on the palate. The acid is prominent, too, making this zippy wine a great food match for oysters on the half shell.

Price: About $25. Aspen Wine and Spirits, Crowfoot Wine and Spirits, Highfield Liquor, Highlander Wine and Spirits, J. Webb Market Wines, Kensington Liquor Cellar, Vine Arts Wine and Spirits, Willow Park Wines & Spirits and Zyn the Wine Market. Drink: Now. It would pair well with tuna poke, grilled shrimp/ scallops or citrus braised pork tacos. Screw cap; 13 per cent alc./ vol.