4 Spring Floral White Wines You Need to Try This Season
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work!Spring is in the air, and with it comes the desire for fresh, vibrant flavors that perfectly capture the essence of the season. If you're looking for the perfect wines to sip as the flowers bloom, you're in the right place! Today, we're exploring four exquisite floral wines that are ideal for spring: Pinot Gris, Torrontés, Xarel·lo, and Vermentino. These wines are known for their aromatic qualities, crisp acidity, and food-friendly versatility. Whether you enjoy a light picnic, a garden party, or a simple evening on the patio, these wines will elevate your experience.
1. Pinot Blanc: The Elegant and Refreshing White
Flavor Profile
Pinot Blanc is a crisp and lively white wine with flavors of green apple, pear, citrus, and white flowers. It often has a subtle, creamy texture with bright acidity, making it refreshing yet slightly round on the palate.
Origin
Pinot blanc originates from France’s Alsace region but is also widely cultivated in Germany, Italy, and Austria. The Alsatian version tends to be fuller-bodied and aromatic, whereas Italian and German versions lean toward a lighter, crisper style.
Food Pairing
A perfect match for Pinot Blanc is a spring grazing board, filled with fresh cheeses, crisp vegetables, and delicate dips. The wine’s acidity and floral notes enhance the freshness of the ingredients, making it a delightful springtime pairing.
2. Torrontés: Argentina’s Floral Gem
Flavor Profile
Did someone say lychee? I can’t resist wines with lychee flavors, and Torrontés can have loads of it. It is one of the most floral wines you’ll ever encounter. It boasts intense aromas of jasmine, orange blossom, and rose petals, with flavors of apricot, citrus, and lychee. Despite its highly aromatic nature, it typically has a crisp and dry finish.
Origin
This grape variety is native to Argentina and thrives in the high-altitude vineyards of Salta. Torrontés is actually the result of three varieties crossed with Muscat. The result is a wine that smells sweet but tastes crisp and delicious. The cool climate and elevation enhance its bright acidity and aromatic intensity.
Food Pairing
Torrontés pairs wonderfully with Lemon Garlic Aspragus Tart, a plant-based food and wine pairing featured in my upcoming Spring Equinox Plant-Based Food and Wine Pairing Guide. The wine’s floral and citrus notes highlight the asparagus's freshness and the almonds' nutty richness.
3. Xarel·lo: The Floral Backbone of Cava
Flavor Profile
Xarel·lo (pronounced "sha-rel-lo") is often used in Spain’s famous Cava sparkling wines, but it also shines as a still white wine. It delivers flavors of green apple, lemon zest, honeysuckle, and almond, with a beautiful minerality that adds depth.
Origin
Xarel·lo is a Spanish grape primarily grown in Catalonia, where it plays a key role in Cava production. When vinified on its own, it offers a wonderful balance of fruit, floral, and earthy notes.
There was recent drama in Catalonia and the Cava DO, resulting in some Cava houses leaving the DO and starting their own denomination, Clàssic Penedés. This will hopefully result in more of these fabulous wines being in the American market soon.
Food Pairing
My lemon-roasted veggies and chickpea sheet-pan dinner is a stunning pairing for Xarel·lo. The wine’s acidity and herbal undertones enhance the dish’s citrus and earthy elements. You can get the recipe by joining the waitlist for my wine and food pairing guide here.
4. Vermentino: The Mediterranean’s Sunshine Wine
Flavor Profile
Vermentino is a zesty, floral white wine with notes of lime, green apple, white flowers, and a hint of salinity. It often has a refreshing, slightly oily texture that makes it feel luxurious on the palate.
Origin
This grape is primarily grown in Italy (Sardinia and Liguria) and the south of France (Provence and Languedoc-Roussillon). Its Mediterranean roots give it a wonderful balance of crispness and richness. If you like rosé from Provence, you’ll like Vermentino. The wine is used in many Provence rosé blends.
Food Pairing
Vermentino is a fantastic match for spring pea and mint pasta, a light yet flavorful dish also featured in my upcoming ebook. The wine’s citrus and floral notes enhance the freshness of the peas and mint.
How to Elevate Your Spring Wine Experience
Host a Spring Wine Tasting: Gather some friends and try all four wines to compare their aromas and flavors.
Pair with Seasonal Foods: Fresh spring vegetables, light seafood dishes, and herb-infused recipes will bring out the best in these wines.
Enjoy Outdoors: Whether it’s a garden party, rooftop gathering, or picnic in the park, these wines are best enjoyed in the fresh spring air.
Get More Spring Wine Pairings in My Free Ebook: SPring Equinox Plant-based food and wine paring guide
Love these pairings? Make sure to join the waitlist for my new Spring Equinox Plant-Based Food and Wine Pairing Guide. It comes out on the Spring Equinox, March 20, 2025. There are 15 recipes, ALL with wine pairings. Plus, there are tips on incorporating more plants into your diet, table decorating tips, and more.
Sign up HERE to have this awesome guide sent right to your inbox on March 20th.
Lush Lounge
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Lush Lounge 〰️
Join The Lush Lounge – Launching March 13!
Exciting news! The Lush Lounge, my private wine community, is launching on March 13! Whether you’re a casual wine lover or a budding connoisseur, The Lush Lounge is your space to learn, sip, and connect with like-minded wine enthusiasts.
What You’ll Get in The Lush Lounge:
Virtual tastings twice a month
Weekly wine education tips
24/7 community chat
Exclusive wine pairings, recipes, and recommendations
Games, challenges, and more!
The first virtual tasting is happening on March 20th – the Spring Equinox, and we’ll be tasting some of these floral spring wines together!
Join The Lush Lounge today and sip your way into spring!
Spring is a season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of beautifully aromatic white wine? Whether you’re drawn to the bright florals of Torrontés, the crisp elegance of Pinot Gris, the minerality of Xarel·lo, or the Mediterranean charm of Vermentino, there’s a perfect spring wine for you.
Let me know in the comments: Which spring floral wine are you most excited to try? 🍷🌸
Cheers,
Courtney