Paired Up: Spring Wines + Spring Recipes

By Food + Drink Contributor Sara Little

Spring is coming! I realize that I have no room to complain here. Winter in Sonoma is pretty much like any other time of the year with a few anticipated and welcomed days of rain. However, I know this is not the case for most of the country, and having spent my childhood in Indiana, I'm well aware of how eager you become for spring after a few months of schlepping through the snow. Here is a little hope - spring wine picks to stock up on now and share on sunny days ahead, each paired up with a delicious spring recipe.

ROSE
1. 2012 Peay Vineyards Russian River Rosé of Pinot Noir
2. 2010 Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado
3. Jansz Brut Rosé NV

Let's face it, there is always an occasion for rosé regardless of the time of year. Rosés work for me as a compliment to fall, winter, spring, and summer fare. Try any of these rosé picks with a simple roasted veggies recipe, and enjoy!

ALBARINO
4. Do Ferreiro Albariño 2013
5. 2014 Parejas Cellars Albariño
6. 2010 Martin Codax Albariño

Albariño is a Spanish varietal that is typically light, high is acidity and minerality, and very aromatic. It's a great alternative to Pinot Gris or Sauvignon Blanc. It’s my 'go to' when picking a white wine off a wine list and a perfect pairing for this rich, creamy spring pea soup recipe.

PINOT NOIR
7. 2010 Littorai Mays Canyon Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
8. 2010 Hirsch Vineyards Bohan Dillon Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
9. 2011 Stoller Family Estate Reserve Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir is a transitional wine for me. I love it moving into the fall and again from winter to spring as a medium bodied red that can really pair with a wide variety of dishes. There is a ton of diversity in Pinot Noirs and I think that young Pinots really lend themselves to be great spring picks as they are a little more fruit forward. Try these Pinot Noirs with a simple grilled meat and a yummy rhubarb chutney like this one.

Which spring wines are your favorites? Do you enjoy pairing them with any specific foods? -Sara

Thank you Sara for getting us in the spring spirit with these delicious recommendations! I'm all about trying one of those Albariño picks with that spring pea soup. Yum. Sara is an event planner and "expert in indulgence" who has lived in the heart of Sonoma County California's wine country for 12 years.  In addition to sharing her favorite foods and wines, recipes and more as our Food and Drink Contributor, she plans unique, personalized getaways to and events in wine country for her hospitality business, Wine Country Goodness, and travels the country in search of the best places to stay, explore, eat, and drink. You can also find Sara on her blog, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn.

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