March 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM PST
Red wines are ideal for hearty winter foods and cozy nights curled under a blanket. It’s easy to think of them as simply the wine of the colder months, and while they are perfect for the season, they’re not limited to it. As we move into spring and warmer weather, there are lots of red wines perfect for the transition. They’re just as fragrant and flavorful as your favorite wintertime Cabernet but have a wide range of fresh aromas to offer. The key is finding a light-bodied grape that won’t overpower the delicate flavors of spring.
Pinot Noir is probably the most popular choice—with juicy, fruity aromas and hints of baking spices, it’s an excellent option for casual sipping or dining. But others work well, too. Hailing from France, Gamay is similar in body to Pinot Noir and offers a bouquet of fresh florals and earthy notes, while Grenache and Zinfandel bring decadent notes of dark fruits and fresh berries. These flavors pair perfectly with the freshness of spring, making these wines ideal for the season’s best dishes. From herby cheeses, crisp salads with balsamic drizzle, poultry, grilled meats and veggies, and even seafood, the options are limitless.
If you’re ready to pour a glass of delicious red wine this spring, we’ve gathered five bottles you’re bound to enjoy. Keep reading to find a new favorite or two.
In this coastal Pinot, you'll find a medley of ripe red berries and subtle notes of spice, like cinnamon sticks and crushed star anise. But it's far from heavy. Instead, the palette offers a silky and vibrant palate reminiscent of a fresh berry dessert. Sip it on its own or pair it with gamey meats, woody mushrooms, and fresh, herby cheeses.
Latour wines are some of the most respected bottles in Burgundy. Like their Pinots, this Gamay is an elegant sip and offers a delightful palate of lush red fruits. But you'll find some tannins that give it structure and enhance the grape's fresh taste. Between the flavors and the beautiful ruby color, this wine looks and drinks well above its $23 price point.
This is the perfect bottle to pair with seasonal vegetables, charcuterie boards with fruits and interesting cheeses, or smoky and peppery meats. It has a deep garnet color that's indicative of its tangy, sweet taste and offers notes of balsamic and fresh cherries on the palate. It can even be lightly chilled for a more refreshing experience.
This Grenache-driven wine expertly showcases how flavorful and complex the grape can be in a red blend. On the nose, you're met with juicy berry notes and a medley of wildflowers and herbs. The palate has a similar vibe and gives way to luscious fruit flavors, such as preserved cherries and blueberry, but finishes smoothly thanks to hints of peppery spice from the other grapes.
While some Zinfandels can be too juicy, this one is well-balanced with aromas of wet clay, which gives it a light mineral finish. It's also medium-bodied with zesty and savory herb flavors that complement the crushed red fruit notes nicely.
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by Karina Young | August 11, 2023
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