6 wonderful whites to signal springtime

For some of us, sunshine, balmy temperatures and al fresco entertaining can’t come quick enough; especially if you’ve already prepped the patio for springtime socials.

And what could be better than a lively, crisp white to reflect the freshness of early flowering blooms, white crocuses, and gorgeous green shoots – sparking thoughts of seasonal veggies, seafood recipes and a spell of fine weather?

Here’s what’s full of zing for spring…

1. Soave Classico 2024, Italy, £7.99, Lidl, in-store

Super-refreshing and one of our favourite whites, you can’t beat a bottle of Soave chilling nicely for Saturday brunches; and this one’s affordable and deliciously flavoursome with a honeyed, almond note coming into play. Juicy with hints of honeydew melon, peaches and lemony acidity, it’s one for a platter of calamari, dips and salty nibbles.

2. Tesco Finest Sicilian Grillo 2024, Sicily, Italy, £8.25, Tesco

With its sunny label, this snappy little number is filled with flashes of freshness, florals and tropical notes. Look forward to a fresh crisp palate of ripe, white peaches, pineapple, and zesty lemon peel, with good acidity, streak of minerality and subtle saline note. We’re thinking bowls of pesto pasta with a basket of crusty garlic bread.

3. Villa Maria Private Bin Sauvignon Blanc 2025, Marlborough, New Zealand, £11, Waitrose Cellar

A smashing good Kiwi, this savvy blanc leaps from the glass and greets you with enticing aromas of ripe gooseberries, freshly cut herbs, nettly nuances, with lime and passion fruit in the mix. Concentrated, beautifully aromatic and herbaceous with crisp acidity and lasting finish, serve with shellfish or asparagus coming into season.

4. Earth, Vine & Sun Viognier Chenin Blanc 2025, WO Swartland, South Africa, £13.99, Laithwaites

Offering the best of both worlds, this is a good-time glass brimming with vibrant, juicy white peach, guava, orchard apples, honeysuckle and hint of subtle spice. A blend of aromatic viognier and crisp chenin blanc, it’s blossomy and textured with balanced acidity and an uplifting finish. Bring on a chicken and avocado salad topped with bacon bits.

5. No1 German Riesling 2024, Rheinhessen, Germany, £12.50, Waitrose

Showcasing a wonderful purity, this is a pristine riesling characterised by a lively minerality, fine acidity, and mouthwatering flavours of lemon and lime, ripe juicy stone fruits; with delicious intensity and persistent, citrus-driven finish. A sommelier’s go-to and perfect partner with spicy dips, Thai and Indian dishes or goat’s cheese salad.

6. Yalumba Samuel’s Collection Eden Valley Viognier 2022, Australia, £17.20, Wine Direct

Luxuriously aromatic with honeyed notes of white blossom, spiced apricots and peach, Yalumba produces some of the best viognier outside of the grape’s spiritual home in the northern Rhone Valley, France – and this top drop strikes the perfect balance between freshness and richness. With a creamy texture, toasty complexity and heady florals, it’s a winner with seafood in a creamy sauce and new potatoes. Cheers to springtime soirées!