We’re getting a little bit excited here at Lockett Bros as the winter weather seems to have finally abated and spring is ready to make an appearance.
Have we just spoken too soon and jinxed it? Probably. But let’s just pretend that we’ve finally seen the back of winter. It’s time to get excited about spring and summer and the delicious bounty of wines that will be just perfect for enjoying on those long, warm evenings.
Now you’re getting a wee bit excited too aren’t you? Spring is a great time to enjoy wine – let’s be honest, there’s no bad time for wine – but as nights stretch and everything seems to waken from its winter slumber, there’s an added buzz in the air.
With the change in weather, we suddenly want to eat and drink differently. Hearty stews and big, bold reds tend to be less appealing as the mercury starts to rise; but let’s not discount them completely.
The word ‘crisp’ begins to appear in wine circles and with good reason. Crisp wines are fresh and light, usually with plenty of acidity, making them just perfect for this time of year.
Many wine merchants and even the supermarkets often seem revitalised at this time of year too. Suddenly you’ll see ranges of very good wine that were not previously stocked. Yes, this fine weather makes everybody work a bit harder to produce their best it seems… or are we looking into this weather thing too much?
What to drink though? There’s so much to choose from. Our old friend the Sauvignon Blanc is a no brainer for this time of year. We know that might make some of you groan.
Okay, so perhaps it’s not the most inventive choice but there are some exceptional Sauvignon Blanc wines out there and we at Lockett Bros think they have to be celebrated and enjoyed at this time of year.
If the idea of wheeling out a good Sauv again isn’t quite doing it for you, then no problem. There are plenty more excellent options for you to enjoy in the garden with a zesty tossed salad and some grilled fish, perhaps.
We’d suggest going down the Riesling route. A lively, aromatic offering can make a lazy Saturday afternoon in the garden all the more enjoyable. Accompany it with a platter of some smoked meats, cheeses and olives and it really doesn’t get much better. Did we mention we love spring?
Another fine option for us at this time of year is the Pinot Grigio. There are so many incredible Grigios out there that it’s almost embarrassing. Seafood is so unbelievably good at this time of year and a good Pinot Grigio is simply stunning with just about all seafood, especially shellfish.
It’s easy to get all hot and bothered about whites at this time of year but we don’t want to neglect the reds. What would we suggest? Well, it’s not always an obvious one but a Pinot Noir can be a fresh, exciting option to enjoy.
If you want to take the road less travelled, you could even plump for a Cabernet Franc. It’s one that’s discounted too quickly by many as the lesser cousin of the Sauvignon Blanc but we don’t agree. Get the right one and you won’t regret it.
Lockett Bros recommends…
Leeuwin Estate The Siblings Semillon Sauvignon Blanc
Signature freshness and vibrancy are key here, with a stunning profile of fruit and a texture that slips ever so gently across the palate.
A fragrantly composed wine exuding delicate aromas of apple blossom, the lusciousness of sweet melon and the headiness of lemon sherbet.
Fresh and floral on the nose with aromas of apples, pears and elderflower.
Nice opened nose with juicy red fruits and a touch of spice.
Domaine De Brau Pure Cabernet Franc
An abundance of fruit, plus the hallmark aromatics, savoury complexity and the all-important freshness that makes it such an enjoyable, easy drinking wine.
