Today’s the day: IT’S OFFICIALLY SPRING!!! The weather is so warm and I had my first outside drinks last night. Grapefriend couldn’t be happier. Here are my favorite things about spring with wines to match.

grass: grüner veltliner

The aroma most commonly associated with Grüner Veltliner is white pepper, but for me it’s  a great grassy scent that always gives it away. The wine is so refreshing and just different enough to keep your palate interested after all those Sauvignon Blancs that usually are on by-the-glass lists. Look for ones from the Kamptal, Kremstal or Wachau regions of Austria, where its an indigenous grape.

Yum ones: Domäne Wachau 2011 Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Terrassen ($15), Salomon Grüner Veltliner Hochterassen ($15), Grooner ($9) – and someone just told me they’re the woman on the label!

green: vinho verde

The thing about spring is that there’s green everywhere as the world starts blooming. Vinho Verde literally means “green wine” and is a really light, crisp wine from Portugal. I know I mentioned this one in my St. Patrick’s Day post, but it’s appropriate here too. You can also find it really cheap, so it’s a win-win.

Yum one: Quinta da Aveleda Vinho Verde ($9)

flowers: viognier

Viognier’s a white from the Northern Rhône with an insanely delicious bouquet of orange blossom, honeysuckle, peaches, and apricots. It’s medium-bodied and perfect to pair with the freshly-cut bouquet of gorgeous flowers you just put on your table.

Yum one: Cold Heaven, Le Bon Climat ($34)