Spring Sipping

Now that spring seems to have actually arrived and the weather is starting to warm up, it’s time to turn our palates to fresher, easier-drinking wines. Forget about big, oaky numbers and tannic buggers suited for the cooler months. They will only weigh you down. They’re not what you need at this time of year. For both whites and reds, look to selections that refresh with good acidity. Varietals like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté, Alvarinho, Malvasia, Muscadet, Pinot Grigio, Trebbiano, Verdicchio, Garganega and Vidal will do the job nicely. In the red category, check out Gamay, Barbera, Dolcetto, Grignolino, Pinot Noir and Sangiovese. All of these suggestions will also carry nicely into the heat of summer.