There is so much to love about spring – fresh flowers, amazing fashion and of course enjoying some amazing wines and bubbles while hosting barbecues, boozy lunches and spring racing events.
I was fortunate enough to sample some of the most divine wines that are sure to be a hit this season from my favourite wine merchant Winebubble – and what a delight it was.
From the rosie boldness in the Willow Bridge Estate Rosé to the richness of the Beetle Juice Pinot Noir there is something for every pallet.
I’m a huge fan of bubbles during the warm seasons – and winebbuble has that covered. Their Anticavigna Prosecco is a perfectly light with a touch of fruitiness, while the Chassenay d’Arce is the epitome of the best in champagne and is sure to become a connoisseur’s cellar item favourite.
The list of wines seems endless and I was curious to sit down with founder Red Norrie to get an insider’s guide to what we should be sipping.
1. What are the biggest spring wine trends?
Rosé and Beaujolais are big.
Rosé is the new Sauvignon Blanc I think and we expect it to push through Summer. Think Australian rosé and Southern France.
People are finding Beaujolais again. Not the simple Noveau wines but rather the light yet more complex Beaujolais Village wines or richer wines from the communes/villages in the Beaujolais region (eg. Moulin-a-vent, Morgon, Fleurie).
Much like Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Beaujolais is better value and more readily available – it’s weather is warmer and less inclement than central Burgundy
2. What is your top pick for a white, rose and sparkling?
For spring a rich sparkling white or rosé is perfect. Champagne is everyone’s immediate thought but out of many people’s price point. Adelaide Hills sparkling is a great alternative, or Crémant from other regions in France (it is Champagne from outside of that region, at less than half the price).
These are both richer than more summery Cava and Prosecco
White – luscious Italian whites like Soave or Arneis are my picks. You can find great Arneis here in Australia but great prices Italian originals are a treat. Soave from north-east Italy in the Veneto region, or Arneis from the north-west in Piedmont
Red – Pinot or Gamay. Neither are as heavy as Shiraz and Cabernet yet very fragrant, food friendly and easy to drink on warmer days. Also typically 1-2% lower in alcohol.
3. What are your favourite regions?
That’s a big question for a global wine nut. I think Chile offers some amazing wines so similar to Australian wines, yet it is not well known or accessed in Australia. Think aromatic Sauvignon Blanc and ripe Chardonnay from the Casablanca and Aconcagua Valleys for whites. Fragrant Pinot, and rich Cabernet, Merlot and the local Carmènere from the Central Valley (Maipo, Cachapoal and Maule valleys) for reds.
It has a similar ocean-effected climate to Australia in many ways.
Locally, I’m really excited by the Victorian Alpine region and its surrounding cooler climate regions in northern Victorian – some fantastic Italian varietal wines, and very region and varietal expressive “Australian” wines come from here. It’s also postcard beautiful all year round.
4. Which new wine should we all be sipping this spring?
Italian whites (Soave, Arneis and Fiano) day in and day out. Offers so much enjoyment when you find one you like, and you can visualise sitting in an Italian village or by the Mediterranean in the sun. That’s what wine should do – offer memories, adventure, enjoyment.
