By Bob Lipinski
After enduring a long, cold winter filled with snow, ice, and short, gloomy days spent indoors trying to stay warm, everyone tends to get spring fever. I’ve grown tired of heavy winter vegetables, missed feeling the sun on my face outside, and have been eagerly waiting for the chance to wear short sleeves again.
One thinks of many young, vibrant, fruit-forward wines with bright acidity—sometimes even lively bubbles—to delight your palate and lift your spirits. Save the oak-aged Chardonnay and robust Cabernet Sauvignon for colder days.
A dose of “Spring Fever Tonic” is just what we need to inspire us with music, fun, and a refreshing shift in surroundings—even if that doesn’t mean jetting off to Maui.
A refreshing gin & tonic is one of my go-to remedies whenever I get spring fever. I prefer my cocktail simple and classic—just gin, tonic (quinine water), and a slice or wedge of lime. My gin of choice (for several decades) is Beefeater, with its rich juniper and bright citrus notes, found in London Dry Gins, especially from Great Britain.
Recently, I’ve sampled several American-made gins, one of which was the “Devil’s Grin Gin,” an 88-proof offering housed in a stunning eight panel bottle with a cut glass design. The gin, distilled from corn, was made at the Trinity River Distillery in Texas and according to the label contains 14 botanicals sourced from six continents.
Devil’s Grin Gin opens with floral aromas layered with juniper, pine, citrus, and spice. On the palate, it is light, crisp, and clean, with earthy herbal notes. This classic London Dry-style gin is ideal in a gin & tonic, a dry martini with vermouth, or simply over ice with a twist of lemon or lime.
My wine indulgences are…
Years ago, while dining at the renowned Grotta Palazzese—a restaurant set in a seaside cave in Polignano a Mare, Apulia, Italy—I enjoyed several vintages of a local red made entirely from the Susumaniello (soo-soo-mah-nee-EHL-loh) grape. Recently, I tasted the 2024 Varvaglione Susumaniello Rosé IGT, which brought those Apulia memories rushing back. Aged in stainless steel, it is pink in color, with inviting medley of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry aromas, and a light-bodied, dry palate accented by citrus, marzipan, rose petals, and spice.
The 2024 Varvaglione “12 e mezzo” Bianco Organic Wine, IGT, Apulia, Italy, is made from Malvasia Bianca, Chardonnay, and Fiano grapes and features an attractive floral label. Pale straw in color, it offers fresh aromas of fruit, white flowers, and lime zest. The wine is dry, with notes of citrus, mimosa, honeysuckle, and white peach, followed by a lingering finish. I paired it with fried calamari and shrimp risotto.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy spring is with a chilled bottle of champagne and a few small bites. For this occasion, I enjoyed champagnes from the respected house of Nicolas Feuillatte, the top-selling champagne in France and the third best-selling in the United States.
NV Nicolas Feuillatte “Réserve Exclusive Brut,” Champagne, France. (Blend of Pinot Noir 40%, Meunier 40%, and Chardonnay 20% grapes.) It offers aromas and flavors of apple, pear, dried fruit, and honeysuckle. Dry on the palate, it shows notes of baking spice, citrus, roasted hazelnut, and apricot, followed by a clean, citrusy finish. Serve it with sushi, pork satay, or prosciutto and melon.
NV Nicolas Feuillatte “Réserve Exclusive Rosé Brut,” Champagne, France. (Blend of Meunier 45%, Pinot Noir 45%, and Chardonnay 10% grapes.) Light salmon in color, it opens with aromas of blueberry, cranberry, raspberry, and strawberry. Dry and lively on the palate, it offers notes of cherry, citrus, red currants, rose, and orange peel, with a crisp finish and lingering aftertaste. Enjoy it with beef carpaccio, smoked salmon, or grilled fennel sausages.
So, shake off the boredom—toss a Frisbee with a friend, lie back and watch the grass grow, roll down a green hill, or simply relax on the lawn with a chilled glass of wine.
Bob Lipinski is the author of 10 books, including 101: Everything You Need To Know About Whiskey and Italian Wine & Cheese Made Simple, available on Amazon. He consults and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements. Contact him at www.boblipinski.com OR bkjm@hotmail.com
Bob Lipinski, author of 10 books; writes, consults, and conducts training seminars on Wine, Spirits, and Food and is available for speaking engagements.
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