5 AROMATIC WHITE WINES FOR SPRING!
Yes, we love breaking the rules and drinking reds in the summer and rosés in the winter, but some wines let’s be honest simply have their season. And now, as the temperature starts to creep up and the first “balcony sessions” begin, aromatic, fresh white wines take center stage. Why? Because their floral temperament and juicy fruit lift our spirits and make us dream of the summer ahead.
1. Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2024 – Blank Canvas
Naturally, we begin with Sauvignon and specifically New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. It’s no secret that Marlborough has taken the variety to a completely different level, and that Blank Canvas’ Holdaway Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc is one of the brightest examples out there, earning rave reviews from Robert Parker, Jancis Robinson MW, and James Suckling. In this fantastic single‑vineyard Sauvignon, the typical aromas of the variety are placed under a magnifying glass, highlighted by a salty minerality that carries the unmistakable imprint of the vineyard. Enjoy it at the right temperature alongside a lemony sea bass ceviche with coriander and jalapeño.
2. Semissis 2025 – Zidianakis Winery
What stands out in this modern, juicy white from Zidianakis Winery is the handling of Vilana and its unbeatable pairing with the aromatic Malvasia di Candia Aromatica. Yes, we know you might not expect much from Vilana, but here the ugly duckling turns into a swan, offering ripe peach, banana, and pear, along with an elegant creaminess perfectly balanced by the lemony acidity and sophisticated floral character of Malvasia. And all this at an incredible value‑for‑money price. Pair Semissis with Cretan graviera and pear chutney.
3. Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2019 – Gustave Lorentz
Traveling into the depths of Alsace, we arrive at the empire of opulence none other than Gewürztraminer. The family legacy of Gustave Lorentz, forged through fire and iron since 1836, includes some of the oldest vineyards in the region, where grape quality and ripeness reach almost unreal levels. The Gewürztraminer Grand Cru Altenberg de Bergheim 2019 delivers a masterclass in complexity, with aromas of candied orange, lychee, ripe peaches, and rose petals. Its balance is exemplary, gracefully walking the tightrope between lavish ripeness and unmatched finesse. It pairs wonderfully on a warm spring afternoon with Époisses de Bourgogne, or in the evening with friends and spicy Chinese delivery. You can wait months, years, even decades. It will be just as explosive then.
4. Salto Mavrofilero Wild Yeast 2024 – Skouras Estate
Mavrofilero is the “little devil” of the Fileri family, making its siblings seem “boring” and overly comme il faut. Lemon blossom, jasmine, verbena, hints of mint, and white peach are just some of the aromatic elements that make it special capturing all of spring in a single bottle. If you grew up in the ’80s, you’ll remember the classic Athenian salad. If not, think mayonnaise, poached fish, fresh herbs, and diced boiled potatoes. The pairing with Salto Mavrofilero is dreamy.
5. Riesling Trocken 2023 – Weingut Dönnhoff
It’s universally known that Riesling is the Holy Grail of sommeliers worldwide, thanks to its countless expressions and diverse styles, while remaining their Swiss Army knife when it comes to food pairing. Dönnhoff is one of the producers who put Nahe on the map in a truly sweeping way. We’re pretty sure even Robert Parker didn’t expect to hand out so many 100‑point scores to a single winery year after year. And yet, it happened. Fast‑forward to today, and we have the chance to enjoy a true masterpiece with seductive aromas of nectarine, pineapple, honeysuckle, grapefruit, and lemon, along with the variety’s signature cheeky petrol notes on the finish. Drink it around 10°C, but as the temperature rises, the fruit becomes even more expressive just like your heartbeat. Enjoy Riesling Trocken it with red snapper cooked with artichokes and lemon, or in its sashimi version with soy sauce and ginger.
Christina Tsogka
Wine Specialist
