Although our winters are relatively mild and short-lived, it’s all too easy to forget the joy and buoyancy that Spring brings to our everyday lives. Warmer mornings mean it’s easier to peel myself out of bed and find the energy I need to start the day. But it’s not just warmer weather that puts the spring back in our step—it’s the vibrancy of the season. Those who attended last week’s Springtime on The Mountain Festival will know exactly what I’m talking about. There’s something about all those Spring flowers that excites the senses—the masses of colour, shape, and fragrance. Sunny daffodils, cascading purple wisteria, butter-yellow clivias, soft white maybush, and pink plum-blossoms.

To complement the season, you may wish to indulge in a wine that reflects the changes in our natural environment. When it comes to wine, something aromatic is perfect for spring. The term “aromatic” refers to wines that display a noticeable floral aroma. Today we’re going to go explore a few of our favourite aromatic wines that are absolutely perfect for spring sipping. But first, let’s explore exactly what gives a wine these characteristics... What’s the secret? Crushed up rose petals? A few drops of essential oil?

Not exactly. While nothing extraneous is added to the wine to make it fragrant, “aromatic” grape varieties tend to contain naturally higher levels of certain molecules called monoterpenes that are also naturally found in botanicals.

So, if you love the smell of jasmine, orange blossom, rose, or violet— you might want to try one of these wines next time you’re out for drinks!

#1 Rosé: don’t be fooled by its peachy pink hue— most traditional rosés are not overly floral. However, these days there are so many styles on the market made from all different kinds of grapes. If you know which varieties to look out for, you’ll be able to pick a rosé that possesses an enchanting floral bouquet. Mataro, pinot noir, and grenache grapes will often impart a subtle floral note to a dry rosé—but if you’re looking for something with a little more sweetness, try a rosé made from white zinfandel or moscato.

#2 Riesling: made in both dry and sweet styles, riesling is a super versatile grape variety that often displays notes of jasmine, orange blossom, and honeysuckle alongside primary fruit flavours of green apple, lime, and apricot. Clean, crisp, and refreshing, riesling is the perfect accompaniment to any spring evening.

#3 Gewürztraminer: typically a little on the sweeter side, this originally German grape variety is brimming with flavour. Gewürz—as it’s colloquially referred to—is renowned for displaying heady notes of rose petal on the nose while boasting a palate full of fresh fruit flavours—think lychee, marmalade, guava, and pineapple!

What about reds? Never fear, while whites and rosés do tend to take centre stage at this time of year, they don’t have a monopoly on floral aromatics. Northern Italian reds such as Nebbiolo or Lambrusco often display notes of violet or rose that adds freshness, lift, and dimension to primary fruit flavours.

Happy Spring Sipping!

Alexandra Douglas and the Witches Falls Winery team