The calendar says spring is just a few days away. The weather, on the other hand, still feels as frigid as ever. While you can’t do anything to rush warmer temps, you can sip yourself into a spring state of mind. Take note of these refreshing white wines that offer the springtime aromas in a glass — we’ve even found places for you to sample them on the cheap.
Wine: Vouvray
Drink it at: Just Grapes, 560 W. Washington Blvd. 312-627-9463
When: 1-4 p.m. Saturday
Why: If you’re in charge of picking out the perfect pinot noir to go with your family’s Easter lamb, check out the free wine tasting going on at this West Loop wine boutique. While there, you may want to check out a few whites too. Just Grapes owner Don Sritong says his customers can’t resist the 2006 Domaine Pichot ($16) from the Vouvray region in France’s Loire Valley. Made from the chenin blanc grape, this Vouvray is quintessentially spring. “It’s just so fresh, fruity and floral. It’s what I picture when I think of spring wine,” says Sritong. “It’s gets you out of that winter gloom and into spring fever.”
Wine: Sauvignon blanc
Drink it at: Feast, 1616 N. Damen Ave. 773-772-7100
When: Monday and Tuesday nights, when wine bottles are half-price
Why: What invokes spring more than the fresh smell of grass? That’s why New Zealand sauvignon blanc, with is clean, herbacious scents, is such refreshing wine for the season. Feast bar manager and wine buyer Brett Heiar says New Zealand wines are among the best deals going. A bottle of 2006 Kim Crawford is just $34 — that’s $17 on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Wine: Viognier
Drink it at: Landmark, 1633 N. Halsted St. 312-587-1600
When: Wednesday night, when wine bottles are half-price
Why: Orange blossoms. Honeysuckle. Citrus. Oh, my! No wonder Landmark owner Kevin Boehm loves the bold hallmark aromas of viognier. “That nose is my favorite nose of any wine,” he says, referring to the varietal’s signature perfumey fragrance. But don’t worry: Despite its scent, the taste is still dry, making it a food-friendly choice. Order the 2006 Westerly Vineyards (regularly $42), a viognier from Santa Ynez, Calif., with one of Landmark’s straight-from-the-farmer’s market salads.
Wine: Condrieu
Drink it at: La Sardine, 111 N. Carpenter St. 312-421-2800
When: Mondays, when wine bottles are half-price
Why: When you get a 50-percent discount, the more you pay, the more you save. So why not splurge for a 2004 Domaine Clusel-Roch (regularly $112)? It’s still cheaper than springtime in Paris. This wine from the Northern Rhone is made from viognier grapes too, but it offers notes of apricots, peaches, honey and a floral aroma quite different than its American cousin. It’s perfect as a light lunch sipper — try it with La Sardine’s warm lobster salad ($17).
Wine: Roero Arneis
Drink it at: Quartino, 626 N. State St. 312-698-5000
When: 7-9 p.m. Mar. 26, $30
Why: Think wines from Italy’s Piedmont region all are like those from Barolo: bold, sturdy reds that you crave during the winter? Piedmont’s Roero growing region has something up its sleeve for those times when you crave something lighter. Made from 100 percent arneis grapes, this wine’s aroma is “like the first flowers of spring,” says Massimo Serradimigni, assistant general manager at Quartino. Though the restaurant has a very limited stock of Roero Arneis, you can try it in March at a monthly tasting ($30) that also features three other wines from Italian winemaker Gomba.
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CLAMORTE@TRIBUNE.COM
