Fresh New Wines for Spring Celebrations
Spring on the island means open windows, salty breezes, and the return of long, leisurely meals with friends and family. As beach houses are prepped for another season, it’s the perfect time to refresh your wine selection with bottles that complement the bright, vibrant flavors of spring.
With Easter, Passover, and other seasonal gatherings around the corner, we’ve selected a lineup of wines that pair beautifully with traditional holiday dishes. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or a casual seaside brunch, these wines offer something for every table – each with a story worth sharing.
Domaine de la Potine Sauvignon Blanc Touraine 2023
Hailing from the Touraine region in France’s Loire Valley, Domaine de la Potine crafts Sauvignon Blanc in its purest form – zesty, mineral-driven, and full of crisp green fruit. Touraine is often considered the more approachable, everyday alternative to Sancerre, but the quality remains outstanding. This 2023 vintage offers notes of lime, green apple, and fresh herbs, with a bright, flinty minerality that makes it a natural match for spring vegetables, goat cheese, and lemony seafood. For Passover, pour it alongside matzo ball soup or a fresh herb salad.
Ponga Sauvignon Blanc
New Zealand’s Marlborough region set the gold standard for modern Sauvignon Blanc, and Ponga exemplifies why. Named after the indigenous Ponga fern, this wine bursts with the region’s signature aromas of passion fruit, gooseberry, and freshly cut grass, balanced by mouthwatering acidity. Unlike the more restrained Loire Valley style, Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc leans into tropical fruit flavors, making it a perfect match for citrus-marinated seafood, spring peas, or asparagus risotto. Its crisp profile also complements Easter brunch staples like smoked salmon and deviled eggs.
Eric Kent Appellation Series Chardonnay Sonoma Coast 2022
Eric Kent Wines is known for its small-batch, handcrafted wines that showcase top vineyard sites in Sonoma. This Chardonnay is sourced from 100% sustainably farmed sites and whole-cluster pressed before being barrel-fermented for 16 months. It delivers a beautifully balanced profile of bright citrus, ripe pear, and a hint of baking spice, with a creamy yet refreshing texture. Pair this with roasted chicken, scalloped potatoes, or a buttery lobster dish for an elegant holiday meal.
Domaine Bart Marsannay Rosé 2023
The Marsannay appellation has been making rosé wines since 1919, and Domaine Bart is a benchmark producer in the region. This rosé, made primarily from Pinot Noir, is more refined than typical summer rosés, offering a delicate balance of wild strawberry, crushed raspberry, and floral notes. With its crisp acidity and mineral backbone, it pairs beautifully with glazed ham, grilled seafood, or fresh spring salads. It’s also a fantastic choice for those looking to elevate their Easter or Passover wine selection with something a little unexpected.
Ca’ La Bionda Valpolicella Classico 2023
For those seeking a lighter-bodied red with incredible food versatility, Valpolicella is a must-have. Ca’ La Bionda, an esteemed organic producer in the Veneto region, specializes in traditional winemaking, allowing Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara grapes to shine. The Valpolicella Classico bursts with fresh red cherry, wild strawberry, and a touch of white pepper, framed by vibrant acidity. It’s a fantastic red for Easter lamb, roast chicken, or mushroom dishes, and it can even be served slightly chilled to highlight its bright, juicy character.
Louis Claude Desvignes Morgon La Voûte Saint-Vincent
From the famed Beaujolais cru of Morgon, this 100% Gamay is structured, expressive, and deeply rooted in terroir. The Desvignes family has been making wine for generations, and its La Voûte Saint-Vincent is a standout, showing bright red fruit, earthy spice, and a touch of dried floral notes. This is a great red for those who love a balance between elegance and depth. It pairs well with lamb, duck, or even a mushroom and truffle risotto – perfect for a refined spring holiday meal.
Benoni Pinot Noir Red Hill Douglas County, Oregon 2023
Oregon’s Umpqua Valley may not be as famous as the Willamette, but Red Hill Douglas County is one of its hidden gems for Pinot Noir. The region’s unique iron-rich soils lend a distinct mineral edge to this wine, which offers flavors of ripe raspberry, cranberry, and subtle baking spice. Elegant and silky, Benoni’s 2023 Pinot Noir is a crowd-pleaser, pairing effortlessly with everything from Easter ham to grilled salmon. Its earthiness also makes it an ideal match for mushroom-based Passover dishes.
Welcome Back to the Island
Spring is a season of renewal, and what better way to celebrate than with a glass of something special? Whether you prefer crisp whites, silky reds, or a little of both, these wines bring the perfect balance of freshness and depth to holiday meals. As the island comes back to life, stop by Fred’s Avalon Liquor to stock up and welcome the season in style.
Please drink responsibly!
