There’s a very specific moment in Marlborough when you realise winter is finally on its way out. The evenings stretch out a little longer. The tables outside start looking inviting again. The vineyards suddenly have a hint of green. And that big, bold red you were happily drinking beside the fire a month ago? You’re probably starting to eye up something a little fresher, are we right?
Spring has arrived in Marlborough, and both in the vineyard and in the glass, things are changing.
Out in the vines
While we’re getting excited about longer afternoons, Marlborough’s vineyards are waking up too. After lying dormant through winter, the first buds begin to burst and suddenly those rows of bare vines start turning green again. It’s the beginning of another growing season, and eventually, another Marlborough vintage.
There’s plenty happening behind the scenes at this time of year. Growers are keeping a particularly close eye on those fresh new shoots, with spring frosts still posing a risk while the vines are young and vulnerable. As the weather warms, growth speeds up. The vineyard canopy begins to develop and, later in spring, the vines move towards flowering and eventually fruit set.
In other words, while we’re drinking last year’s handiwork, the next one is already getting started.
Meanwhile, back in the glass…
Spring drinking just hits differently. We don’t know what it is, maybe it’s psychological? Maybe it’s the extra daylight? Maybe its the warmth in the sun? Maybe it’s simply that drinking Rosé outside feels significantly better than drinking it while wearing three layers (honestly, thats probably it).
Whatever the reason, this is the time of year we start reaching for wines that feel a little brighter and fresher. And naturally, Marlborough gives us plenty to choose from.
Sauvignon Blanc - Obviously
We couldn’t write about spring wine in Marlborough and pretend Sauvignon Blanc wasn’t going to make an appearance. Fresh, crisp and practically made for a sunny afternoon, there’s a reason it’s the wine that put Marlborough on the world stage. But here’s where it gets interesting.
Not every Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc tastes the same. Different vineyards, subregions and winemaking styles can give you everything from intensely tropical and fruit forward to citrusy, herbaceous, textured or more restrained styles.
If you think you already know exactly what Marlborough Sauvignon tastes like, try a few side by side. You might be surprised.
Rosé season has entered the building
We’re calling it. Spring is Rose season.
Light, refreshing and very easy to introduce to a table full of food, Marlborough Rosé is one of our favourite signs that warmer weather has arrived. And just like Sauvignon Blanc, there’s no single style. Some are delicate and dry. Others are fruitier, fuller or more savoury. The obvious solution is to try more than one. For research purposes... obviously.
While we have our faves, don’t forget the others too!
Spring is also a very good time to venture beyond the varieties you automatically order. A Riesling with a little zing. Pinot Gris alongside lunch. Chardonnay - because despite what anyone told you in 2003, Chardonnay is very much worth another look. Something sparkling because it’s Friday. Or Tuesday. (We don’t make the rules). And Pinot Noir certainly doesn’t need to disappear just because the sun has come out.
There are plenty of lighter, brighter styles that work beautifully as the weather warms.
This is where our wine dispensers get dangerous…
The beauty of having so many Marlborough wines available to taste in one place is that you don’t actually have to choose just one. Our dispensers allow you to select a taste, half glass or full glass, which makes spring a particularly good time to experiment. Start with something you know. Then pour something you don’t. Compare two Sauvignon Blancs. Find a Rosé you haven’t tried. Give Riesling another chance. Discover that you are, in fact, a Chardonnay person after spending years insisting otherwise. There are worse ways to spend an afternoon… right?!
Spring in Marlborough doesn’t need much of a sales pitch.
The vines are turning green, the blossoms are out, the days are getting longer and we’re heading towards that glorious part of the year where an afternoon wine can very easily become dinner.
So grab a table outside, order a few plates and pour something you’ve never tried before. Spring wine season is officially underway, and we’re here for it!
