We can keep an eye on our sun-squinting plants as they wake up, and generally be all light-hearted and uplifted by the thought of warmer days ahead.
My spring so far has consisted of birds dismantling my hanging baskets (for their nests) and the dog deciding to dig to Australia where I’d popped some bulbs in the fading days of autumn.
She’s also just “christened” some bluebells.
I’ll keep my outlook optimistic and bring you eight spring white wines to sip in the garden, all crisp and vibrant and juicy.
If you choose to go back inside after 15 minutes, that’s your call.
5. Sea Change Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc
Sometimes a wine can't stop giving, and this Sea Change sauvignon blanc is one of those. It gives, gives, gives, on aromas, with notes of passion fruit, lychee, guava, gooseberry, pears, citrus … then the flavours pack with a memory of the same. With every bottle sold, the producers donate to its charity partners who are working to protect oceans and marine life. £16.99, online at seachangewine.com Photo: One Foot in the Grapes
6. Yealands Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc
And so, while we’re on the subject of sauvignon blanc from New Zealand, I bring you this wine which isn’t backward in coming forward with its characterful NZ vibrancy. Yealands Single Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is made by winemaker Natalie Christensen from select sites within their beautifully biodiverse coastal vineyard. I know, I’ve been there; it’s a beautiful part of the world and a beautiful wine which makes a pronounced sauvignon blanc statement. RRP £13.99 (£11.99 in a buy six offer) at Majestic. Photo: One Foot in the Grapes
7. The Blind Spot King Valley Garganega 2021
Online merchant The Wine Society doesn't want people to miss out on good grapes and wines which could otherwise be destined to be ‘hidden’ and ‘soaked up’ in blends and big brand names in Australia. And so its people on the ground spot them, and give them a life in their own right. Here we have garganega - a grape variety which creates Soave wines. You’ve probably heard of Italian Soave, but not so much the grape at its heart. Think pears, citrus and herbs. £11.50, online at The Wine Society. Photo: One Foot in the Grapes
8. Familia Torres Celeste Verdejo 2019
Well I guess I was pretty much starstruck by this wine, and not just by the beautiful bottle label. It’s that grape variety again - verdejo. The grapes were picked at night when, (I’d like to think, poetically,) the stars were in the sky. Even if they weren’t, the stars were in my eyes as I tasted yet another vibrant, crisp, palate-hugging, wine of citrus laced with tropical fruits. RRP £12.99 (Wine Direct, Soho Wines, Handford Wines) Photo: One Foot in the Grapes