Top Wine Picks! Spring Has Sprung

I think dependant on where you find yourself across the country, saying that springtime is upon us has potentially been fightin’ words as of late. Well, the blustery winter weather is beginning to subside for the most part and we’re starting to lighten things up a little. If you’re trading in stews for salads, shedding shoes for slip-ons and swapping your couch for the patio, here are three wines available right here at My Wine Canada that will suit the season well.

Thornhaven 2013 Gewürztraminer

There are a handful of wineries and grapes varieties that are synonymous with one another in the Okanagan. Meyer Family Vineyards' Pinot Noir and Le Vieux Pin's Syrah are a couple classic examples. Another one that's top of mind for many is Thornhaven's Gewürztraminer from Summerland. Many textbook elements come together wonderfully; lychee, citrus and floral elements all sing in harmony with a gentle kiss of sweetness on the finish that steps up to spicy foods well.

Oxley Estate Winery 2012 Chardonnay

From Lake Erie North Shore in Ontario comes this fascinating, charismatic Chardonnay, overflowing with white flowers, guava, lemon peel and peaches. A quintessential cool-climate Chardonnay, it shines with bright acidity and gleams with an abundance of fruit. Think cobb salad, a little niçoise, or similar lighter fare.

Trail Estate Winery 2013 Pinot Noir Rosé

My only concern with recommending pink wines for spring or summer is that it could perpetuate the myth that they’re not suitable for winter months. That couldn’t be further from the truth, but I’ll be constantly reminding you of that when the snow starts falling again. In the meantime, get on this sunny ode to rhubarb and cherries, and start firing up the barbecue.

Kurtis Kolt is a Vancouver-based wine consultant, writer, competition judge and enthusiast. Track him down at KurtisKolt.com, or on Twitter and Instagram @KurtisKolt