The aroma of cherry blossoms, sweetness of bursting strawberries, and hints of fresh garden earth remind me of springtime and a great Grenache. Spring awakens all of your senses with its smells, tastes, and outdoor activities. Springtime in the vineyard is truly miraculous as the vines begin to come alive from winter dormancy. Our menus begin to lighten up as fresh vegetables begin to hit the farmer’s markets. Though we love all types of wines year-round, here are some great spring wines to try.

Spotlight Wine - Grenache Nothing embodies spring like wonderful Grenache. Grenache (greh-NAHSH) is a drought and heat resistant grape varietal ideal for Arizona’s wine regions. Grenache is grown worldwide and is especially prevalent in France, Spain, Australia, California, and Washington. Characteristics often used to describe Grenache include fruity and spicy with soft tannins. The vibrant red fruits, low tannins, and the wine’s earthiness make a perfect springtime pairing. Try making a sauce with some dried cherries, strawberries, or cranberries to serve with your meat and fish. This will really bring out the same Grenache flavors. 

Spring Wine Pairings Here are five perfect springtime wine and food pairings.

1. Spring Greens and Viognier (or Sauvignon Blanc) – The wine should have more acidity than the salad to balance the bitterness of the leafy greens. LDV 2015 Sky Island Viognier has a nose of lemongrass and honeysuckle with refreshing flavors of pink grapefruit and minerality enhancing a spring salad that is lightly dressed.
2. Seared Ahi Tuna and Grenache (or Pinot Noir) – The richness of the tuna and the lush fruit, spice, and kiss of toasty oak of LDV’s 2015 Grenache makes this a perfect match. 
3. Grilled Rack of Provençal Lamb and Syrah – Herbes du Provence (lavender, marjoram, rosemary, thyme, oregano) highlights the lamb’s richness while the smoky flavors created by grilling sing in perfect harmony with LDV’s 2015 Syrah. Syrah typically has black and blue fruit characteristics that synchronize with herbed encrusted lamb.
4. Red Wine Marinated Flap Steak and Petite Sirah (or Cabernet Sauvignon) – A wine with a strong tannin structure can croon along with a sizzling perfectly grilled steak. Use the wine you are going to drink to marinate the steak. LDV’s 2014 “The Signature” Petite Sirah creates a symphony in the mouth alongside the marinated steak.
5. Strawberry Shortcake and Rosé – Wines with floral notes tend to enhance fresh fruit. LDV’s 2018 Rosé of Grenache has intense fruit flavors with zero residual sugar that will play off the sweetness of the strawberries and slice through the cream.