Best White Wines for Spring: Sommelier Picks from Hilton Head
As spring arrives in the Lowcountry, our food — and our wine — shifts toward lighter, brighter flavors. Crisp white wines with lively acidity pair perfectly with seafood, fresh greens and mild cheeses. Certified sommelier Margaret Pearman of Charlie’s L’Etoile Verte shares the bottles she’s reaching for this season and why they belong on your spring table.
Refreshing bottles for the season of seafood, greens and sunshine
As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, our palates naturally shift toward lighter, fresher flavors. This is the time of year to enjoy the season’s bounty of vegetables like asparagus and artichokes, along with seafood and light cheeses. Nothing pairs better than refreshing whites like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris (or Blanc) and Riesling. With lively acidity and clean flavors, these wines are full of character and perfectly match our energy as we emerge from the cold into the most vibrant time of the year.
Take your usual picks to the next level. If you’ve been loving Chardonnay, try one from Italy that brings layers of minerality and finesse. Instead of Sancerre, consider a Chenin Blanc from the Loire or an Albariño from Rías Baixas. Chenin tends to offer all the acidity with fewer grassy notes, while Albariño delivers beautiful hints of white fruit.
As I refresh the wine list at Charlie’s for spring, I’m including some exciting new palate refreshers. Here are a few of my current favorites:
Coppa Chardonnay, Piedmont: Green apple, pear and subtle citrus. $20
Justin Girardin Aligoté, Burgundy: Burgundy’s other white grape, full of zip. $20
Antinori Guado al Tasso Vermentino, Toscana: White peach with undertones of thyme and sage; easy to pair with almost anything or sip on its own. $22
Topette Chenin Blanc, Loire Valley: The name means “see you later” in the local dialect, and it’s made in an easy, bistro-style expression. Lovely floral notes with citrus on the palate. $18
Matthiasson Napa Valley White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla, Sémillon and Tocai Friulano. What the winery calls the “ideal” white, with tropical fruit notes woven into a textured mouthfeel and mineral undertones. $42
Frequently Asked Questions About Spring White Wines
What are the best white wines for spring?
The best white wines for spring are crisp, refreshing and high in acidity. Popular choices include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Chenin Blanc, Albariño and Vermentino.
What white wine pairs best with seafood?
Chardonnay, Albariño, Vermentino and Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with seafood thanks to their acidity and clean flavors.
Is Chenin Blanc a good spring wine?
Yes. Chenin Blanc offers bright acidity and floral or citrus notes, making it a versatile spring white that pairs well with vegetables and lighter dishes.
What wine goes well with asparagus and artichokes?
Mineral-driven whites like Albariño, Vermentino and Chenin Blanc tend to pair well with green vegetables like asparagus and artichokes.
