6 snazzy white wines for springtime sipping

Can you sense it? There’s a buzz in the air, buds are opening and spring is beckoning us to switch up our wine rack… think bright young things to cheer the change of season.

Crisp, fresh whites to elevate those feel-good vibes, as the first green shoots emerge in the vineyard – you could consider a variety of styles, rather than blindly lifting the same old bottle.

Here’s what to snap up as we embrace longer days, and spin the wine wheel to satisfy our wanderlust for New and Old World whites…

1. Co-op Irresistible Pinot Grigio 2023, Veneto, Italy, £7.50, Co-op, in-store

A gentle reminder as to why we love the crisp, green, citrusy flavours of a perky pinot grigio; especially this one with ripe stone fruits and peachy nuances lending interest and enhancing its deliciously quaffable character. Bring on spring staples such as spinach lasagne.

2. Mount Rozier Chenin Blanc Reserve 2024, South Africa, £7.50, Sainsbury’s

Expressive, lively and flowing with vivid apple, pear and citrus flavours, South Africa’s signature white grape expresses citrus-edged acidity in this fruit forward, racy style. Full of verve and food friendly, it’s a great bottle to have on hand for impromptu gatherings, spicy nibbles and tempura prawns.

3. Yealands Sauvignon Blanc 2024, Marlborough, New Zealand, £9.04, Asda

A snappy sauvignon blanc to put the wind in your sails, this top drop is characteristically vibrant with grassy, herbaceous aromatics; a brilliant balance of passion fruit, grapefruit, mandarin and juicy lime, leading to a punchy, citrusy finish with a flash of mineral acidity. A must for savvy blanc fans.

4. Errazuriz Gran Reserva Chardonnay 2023, Aconcagua Valley, Chile, £11.99, Waitrose

This globetrotting grape thrives in Chile’s near-perfect growing conditions… and fruit and oak are in total harmony in this modern-style chardonnay which gleams from the glass. Beautifully fresh with tropical aromas mingling with ripe, peachy notes, pineapple, juicy papaya and hint of creaminess backed by refreshing acidity on the lingering finish. One to wash down with a plate of half a dozen oysters.

5. Cune Barrel Fermented Rioja Blanco 2021, Rioja, Spain, £12, Waitrose

Spring’s the perfect time to pay a little more attention to Spanish styles we normally associate with reds, such as Rioja. Made from the viura grape, this fragrant, textured white’s teaming with lemony nuances, herbal touches, and flavours enhanced by four months in new American oak casks for depth and complexity. With good body and acidity, enjoy with or without food, but a Serrano ham sandwich ticks all the right boxes.

6. Definition by Majestic Bacchus 2023, England, £18.99 (£14.99 Mix Six), Majestic

The most sought-after English white grape variety, bacchus leads the way for crisp, fruity wines with a dazzling aromatic freshness, and delightful notes of elderflower, gooseberry and lime. A delicious example, award-winning Henners Vineyard in East Sussex is behind this own label with grassy notes coming into play, a citrusy drive and well-judged acidity. A delicious alternative to a spendy sauvignon blanc.