March 2nd Picks: Spring on the Horizon

As we start to move out of winter and into the first signs of spring, the wines we reach for naturally begin to shift. Brighter bottles, fresher profiles, and versatile pours that work just as well at the table as they do on a casual weeknight.

This week’s Weekly Pour reflects that transition, with a lineup chosen by our team that ranges from lifted Northern Rhône Syrah and crisp sparkling Chardonnay to White Port, Oregon Pinot Gris, and a vibrant Canary Islands rosado.

Caitlin Peter's Pick

Francois Villard L’Appel des Sereines Syrah 2022, Vin de France

One of the Northern Rhône’s modern masters, François Villard crafts wines that balance purity and polish. L’Appel des Sereines comes from younger Syrah vines grown on granite-rich soils, showcasing a fresher, more lifted side of the grape. The 2022 is vibrant and expressive, with notes of blueberry, black plum, violet, and cracked pepper. Silky tannins and bright acidity keep it energetic and food-friendly, finishing with a subtle savor edge. 

JD Arredondo’s Pick 

Niepoort Dry White Port, Douro, Portugal

As we stand on the precipice of Spring, our drinking habits open up to include lighter wines, and the same is true with Port. White Port is often overlooked, and Spring is when it shines brightest. Niepoort Dry White Port is perfect for this time of year with its notes of almonds and cashews with hints of citrus and white flowers. Drink this chilled or over ice with Fever Tree Mediterranean Tonic, and a squeeze of lemon. 

Melanie Kaman’s Pick 

Val de Mer Brut Non Dose, Burgundy, France

This is a wonderful project from Patrick Piuze out of Chablis comprised of 100% Chardonnay, and made in Methode Champenois. This is a crisp and refreshing bone dry bottling with very fine bubbles. Bright notes of green apple, citrus, and light brioche dance in the glass. The finish is pure and mineral. I love this as an everyday bottle. Enjoy on its own or with bagels, lox, and cream cheese at brunch.

Dee Duff’s Pick 

Lemelson Tikka’s Run Pinot Gris 2024, Willamette Valley, Oregon

Lemelson’s Tikka’s Run is one of the best Pinot Gris I’ve had in recent memory. This Pinot Gris comes from the organically farmed Chestnut Hill Vineyard (their highest elevation site, at over 900 feet), and is 100% whole cluster pressed, then aged 6 months on the lees in 20% neutral oak. The partial barrel fermentation helps to round out the elevated acidity and strong mineral character. This bright young Pinot Gris showcases flavors of Bartlett pear, lemon zest, and white peach, with a fresh floral finish. This will pair well with most light salads or pastas, with chicken salad being one of my favorites. 

Brian Newman’s Pick 

Bodegas Los Bermejos Listan Negro Rosado 2024, Canary Islands, Spain

This unique varietal is from the Lanzarote region on the Canary Islands. This region is in the extreme eastern part of the island which has a unique climate and ancient volcanic soils that are suitable for the Listan Negro varietal. The wine is direct pressed upon fermentation which gives the wine a bright freshness and fruit characteristics such as pomegranate and strawberry. It is a perfect wine to pair with roasted chicken salad with arugula and strawberries. 

Zack Whitaker’s Pick 

Pingus PSI 2023, Ribera del Duero, Spain

After his wild success creating Pingus, Peter Sissek wanted to give back to the region that had given him so much and thus Psi was born. Psi is a true homage to the Ribera del Duero; it is almost entirely Tinto Fino (Tempranillo), with up to 10% Garnacha and a small amount of white varietals to round out the field blend. This medium bodied wine has notes of juicy cherry and tart cranberry on the nose, with crushed stones, violets, toasted rosemary, and dried leaves. On the palate you will find flavors of blackberry, leather, roasted herbs and a pronounced minerality. Pair this wine with meatballs, tomato sauces, braised beef, or roast pork.