It's spring, and that means clean, dry, crisp wines that pair well with light spring menus. Here are a few wines to try off of Norfolk area wine lists.
1. Clean Slate Riesling, Germany (Freemason Abbey): This award-winning Riesling is only $6.75 a glass at Freemason Abbey, and even if it were more expensive it's easy to recommend it. It's on the dryer side for a Riesling, but still has a hint of sweetness. Its mineral quality somehow manages to shine through notes of peach and lime, making it the perfect complement to fresh spring food.
2. Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand (Todd Jurich's Bistro): This is a personal favorite of many. It's light, clean, gently acidic and retains a grassy quality without being overly so. It's an easy crowd pleaser and the type of wine that you drink on a patio with friends.
3. Rausse vin Gris de Pinot Noir, Virginia (Boot): This interesting white is actually 85 percent pinot noir (a typically red varietal) and 15 percent pinot grigio. It's on the sweeter side and has rich notes of apple. It's a little rich for a spring wine, but if you're into red typically it's an interesting white to try.
4. Marquis de la Tour Rose Sparkling, Loire (Press 626 Cafe & Wine Bar): It's rare to find a French sparkling rose in a restaurant nowadays, and even rarer to find one at only $8 a glass and less than $30 a bottle. Sparkling roses are often sweet and sugary, but French regulations keep this wine balanced. It's comprised of primarily strawberry notes and is perfect for an unseasonably warm summer day.
5. Gloria Ferrer Etesian Pinot Noir, California (Press 626 Cafe & Wine Bar): Pinot noir is an easy sell during this time of the year because it's light, has bright berry notes and is an easy red to drink when it's hot, even slightly chilled. This pinot noir is popular at many local restaurants for its cherry notes and slight tannins. Try it instead of a heavier cab sauv with lamb or other, heavier spring meats.
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