"Spring has sprung". to use an old phrase to open this month's obvious topic of wines for the Spring. Spring, in my mind, is a time of renewal and new discovery as flowers bloom, leaves reappear on trees and once again we all venture out of the cozy warmth of our homes to clean up the outside or maybe reignite our passion for grilling. The world of wine is ever changing and the thought of discovering new and exciting wines is on the top of my mind. No longer will I be plucking stored treasures from my cellar; now I will be on the prowl for new gems in which to put my faith. My palate leans more toward brighter and lighter wines for warmer weather as seemingly so does that of the entire populace. Interestingly enough, one would find that in restaurants all over, it is as though someone flicked a switch and red wines are off, white wines are turned on.

White Wines seem to be lost over the winter and now that Spring is here, I think that we should celebrate what we have overlooked, for those chilly days and nights are almost behind us now. There are so many interesting wines out there it makes the challenge of discovery and buying something new something that can be enjoyed every single trip to the store. Salads, grilled foods, and fresh fish call for Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris and even Chardonnay albeit the unoaked style is more to my liking for this time of year. Right now I'm thinking of Sparkling Wine, of course I am always thinking of sparkling wine, it goes with everything! Think brilliant fruit and bracing acidity, these racy, sexy wines are just the thing for the lighter fair we all start to eat as the weather warms. These are the great wines to enjoy instead of wines visited by the "Oak Monster".

Lighter Red Wines are also something that is found to be in vogue now as well. While Beaujolais Nouveau is released in November, the grape is the light bodied Gammay Noir, a perfect wine for this warming season. A little Italian Barbera instead of massive Barolo or Amarone, Rhone wines instead of Australian Shiraz, delicate Pinot Noir will always be a worthwhile selection. Lastly, one of my absolute favorite wines is rosé. Dry and crisp, full of fruit, these wines are as exciting as wine can be. People are often confused by the pink colour and assume that they will be sticky sweet, the stuff of white zinfandel. Dry rosé is quite the opposite, layered and complex and works so well with food. Just as real men eat quiche, they also drink rosé without fear of reprise. Well, I have been picked on a little, but I can take it. It's just wine, right.

Gouguenheim Malbec Rose @ 8.99 - in Specialty Stores
Blue Fish Riesling @ 8.63 - in Most Stores
Smoking Loon Viognier @ 10.55 - in Most Stores
Martinborough Te Tera Sauvignon Blanc @ 14.99 - in Specialty Stores
Daniel Gehrs Chardonnay No Oak @ 13.99 - in Specialty Stores
Cristalino Brut Cava @ 10.55 - in Most Stores

Enjoy these Wines of Spring and all of the new found tastes they offer, even if it means we have to cut the grass.Cheers!