The Best Natural Wines for Spring: Fresh, Vibrant, and Flavourful

As the days get longer and the weather warms up, spring is the perfect time to embrace the bright, refreshing qualities of natural wine. With its minimal intervention and emphasis on purity, natural wine offers a wide range of vibrant flavours that pair wonderfully with the lighter, more seasonal foods of the spring months. Whether you’re planning a picnic in the park, a garden gathering, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, here are some of the best natural wines for spring.

1. Pet-Nat (Pétillant Naturel)

Spring is synonymous with fresh starts, and there’s no better wine to celebrate the season’s arrival than a Pet-Nat. This sparkling wine, made using the ancestral method, captures the essence of spring with its light, effervescent nature and unique, often slightly cloudy appearance. Pet-Nats are typically made with a variety of grapes and fermented naturally, resulting in a fun, slightly funky flavours profile.

Recommended Pet-Nat for Spring:

• Vin de Soif AUS Pet-Nat – A beautiful, refreshing wine with a hint of citrus and a lively effervescence, perfect for welcoming the first warm days of the season.

2. Crisp, Light Whites

When the sun starts shining and you’re craving something light and crisp, a natural white wine is the way to go. These wines are typically made with organic or biodynamic practices, often highlighting the pure flavours of the grapes without heavy-handed intervention. Expect notes of green apple, citrus, and fresh herbs, making them perfect for sipping in the sun or pairing with spring vegetables like asparagus, peas, and fresh salads.

Recommended Light White Wines for Spring:

• Domaine de la Tournelle Savagnin – This wine from Jura in France is mineral-driven with lively acidity and a crisp finish, making it an ideal choice for those sunny spring afternoons.
• Radikon Friulano – A natural white from Italy, with bright acidity and vibrant flavors of stone fruit and citrus, it’s a great option to complement fresh spring dishes.

3. Rosé: Fresh & Floral

There’s something about rosé that just screams spring. Light, fresh, and often bursting with floral notes, rosé is the perfect wine for the season. Made from red grapes but with minimal contact with the skins, rosé wines typically have a soft, delicate colour and an elegant balance of fruit and acidity. They’re especially great for pairing with light dishes like grilled seafood, goat cheese, or a charcuterie board.

Recommended Natural Rosé for Spring:

• Les Vins de Régusse ‘Les Oliviers’ Rosé – A beautiful Provence-style rosé with notes of strawberry, wildflowers, and a refreshing minerality. Its elegance makes it the perfect companion for springtime picnics.
• La Sorga ‘Pamplemousse’ Rosé – A quirky and fresh wine with vibrant citrus and herbal notes, it brings a fun and playful touch to any spring gathering.

4. Natural Orange Wines

If you’re looking for something a little more adventurous this spring, orange wine is a fantastic option. Made by fermenting white grapes with their skins, these wines develop deeper flavours and a more complex structure. Think of them as a perfect bridge between white and red wine, with a balance of fruit, tannins, and acidity. Orange wines can pair wonderfully with a variety of spring dishes, from roasted vegetables to grilled meats and even creamy cheeses.

Recommended Natural Orange Wines for Spring:

• Pheasant’s Tears Rkatsiteli – An orange wine from Georgia with rich texture and flavors of dried orange peel, herbs, and honey. It’s perfect for those looking for a bold wine with a distinct character.
• Fattoria di Vaira ‘La Gatta’ – A natural orange wine from Italy, offering a mix of citrus, spice, and earthy notes with a balanced acidity that pairs well with food.

5. Light & Juicy Reds

For those who prefer red wine, light-bodied reds with fresh, juicy flavours are ideal for the spring months. Natural reds made from early ripening grapes like Pinot Noir, Gamay, or Nerello Mascalese often have a lovely balance of fruitiness and light tannins, making them versatile for a range of spring dishes, from roasted chicken to grilled vegetables. These reds are best served slightly chilled, bringing out their bright fruit and making them perfect for outdoor sipping.

Recommended Natural Red Wines for Spring:

• Beaujolais Nouveau – Known for its fresh, fruit-forward style, this wine from the Beaujolais region of France is perfect for spring, with flavours of red berries and a light, easy-drinking body.
• Frank Cornelissen ‘MunJebel’ Nerello Mascalese – An organic red from Sicily with bright red fruit, herbs, and earthy complexity. Its light tannins and vibrant acidity make it a great choice for spring feasts.

6. Chilled Light Reds for Outdoor Sipping

There’s something magical about sipping a chilled, light-bodied red on a warm day. Wines like Gamay or Pinot Noir can be served slightly chilled, and their vibrant fruit and bright acidity shine in the spring sunshine. Natural wines made with minimal intervention allow the purity of the fruit to come forward, giving you a clean, refreshing wine that’s perfect for casual outdoor events.

Recommended Light Reds for Spring:

• Domaine de la Cadette Bourgogne Passetoutgrains – A natural red Burgundy with fresh cherry flavours and a hint of earthiness. Its light body and crisp acidity make it an excellent choice for a spring garden party.
• Le Sot de L’Ange ‘La Soif de L’ange’ Gamay – A juicy, vibrant Gamay with red fruit flavours and a touch of spice, perfect for a chilled red wine experience.

Conclusion: Celebrate Spring with Natural Wines

Spring is the perfect time to explore new natural wines that are fresh, vibrant, and full of character. Whether you prefer sparkling Pet-Nats, light whites, crisp rosés, or juicy reds, there’s a natural wine out there to suit your tastes and pair beautifully with the season’s flavours. So, pop open a bottle, sip under the sun, and enjoy the freshness that natural wines bring to spring.

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