With spring just around the corner (as soon as this last snow storm recedes) our friends at Wineries of Niagara-on-the-Lake have put together six stellar spring wines to enjoy!

1. 2014 Sauvignon Blanc - Stratus Vineyards

Tasting Notes
Flowers, boxwood, and a squeeze of gooseberry and tangerine, the 2014 Sauvignon Blanc is a complexly aromatic wine. Ripe stone fruits give way to a juicy, bracing acidity that brings a refreshing mineral quality to both the wine’s richly textured mid-palate and persistent finish.

Pairing Note
Pair with your favourite recipe featuring spring peas, goat cheese and herbs.

This is a fabulous wine for a great price given its premium quality. $29.
Availability at the winery store and online at www.stratuswines.com

2. River Road Riesling Gewurztraminer - Reif Estate Winery

Tasting Notes
Straw colour with fresh citrus, lychee and spice aromas and flavours. A crisp balanced, refreshing wine.

Food Pairing
Partner with shrimp, sushi, curries and vegetarian cuisine.

"I love this wine for spring. The straw colour and fresh citrus aromas and flavours remind me that summer will be here soon. A crisp balanced, refreshing wine food friendly wine, perfect to partner with lighter fare like shrimp, sushi and curries." - Winemaker Roberto DiDomenico

$13.75 available on-site at winery, online and select LCBO and Grocers.

3. 2015 Gamay Noir - Château des Charmes

Tasting Notes
Gamay Noir is a medium-bodied, easy-drinking red wine. It has a purplish red colour and will remind you of cherry and berry fruit on the nose. The tannins are soft but still apparent to give a little structure. Fermentation and aging is done in stainless steel so the flavours are strictly the grape. The finish is smooth and it lingers just long enough.

Pairing Notes
Gamay Noir is delicious with tomato-based pasta and lighter grilled dishes. Because it is unoaked, feel free to chill the bottle for a few minutes on a hot summer day and enjoy it on the patio at lunch with grilled chicken breast sandwiches.

Retail Price $14.95

4. EastDell Riesling - Diamond Estates

Tasting Notes
This Riesling is fruity and crisp with notes of fresh citrus, peach and orange blossom on the nose. The palate echoes the nose with notes of honey, green apple and tropical fruit.

Pairing Notes
Pair this wine with Hawaiian pizza, sushi or on its own, well chilled.

Retail price $13.95. Available online, at The Winery & LCBO #481556.

5. 2015 Riesling - Konzelmann Estate Winery

Tasting Notes
This uniquely bright varietal features a crisp, refreshing acidity and dazzling aromatics. Expect loads of citrus fruit, lychee and lemon grass on the nose. Honeydew melon flavours soak the palate while a sweet lemon tang cleanses and refreshes.

Pairing Notes
Fresh fruit salad, fish & chips, or poached salmon.

6. Peller Estates Ice Cuvée - Peller Estates Winery & Restaurant

Tasting Notes
One of the most awarded wines at the winery, this traditional ‘méthode’ sparkling wine is made with hand-picked Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. When the lees are degorged, a ‘dosage’ (doh-sahj) of Vidal Icewine is added (110ml). Enhanced by the burst of flavour from Vidal Icewine, a sparkling wine of unique style and finesse is created.
A perfect celebration wine, this off-dry sparkling wine is a crowd-pleaser. The bouquet of apricot, yeast and ripe apple, with hints of honey, are followed by tropical fruits on the palate and a refreshing pink grapefruit finish.

Pairing Notes
Sparkling wine is very versatile and can be served with every course. Enjoy before a meal with salty appetizers. During a meal with seafood or risotto. After a meal with fresh fruit and creamy cheese. Excellent with spicy Asian food or Indian curry dishes.

Available at the LCBO, 100 The Wine Shop locations, or online at www.peller.com