Joyful Whites for Spring

A long winter is almost behind us, and we are quite ready for the new season's drinking. We have put together our wish-list of fresh, joyful whites and rosé wines to enjoy with the longer days.

To start with the Burgundy classics, how about mature Chassagne-Montrachet from Jean-Noel Gagnard? The brilliant 2018 Caillerets Premier Cru is drinking beautifully today. Or from across the village line, Ramonet's Puligny from the same vintage is irresistible. If a little more youth is in order, try Sauzet's Puligny Garenne 2023 or Henri Boillot's Meursault 2021.

Elsewhere in France, Bailly-Reverdy Sancerre is classic and rewarding; Ott, a name familiar to us all from their Provence rosé, also produce a delightful white, salty and dry. But if rosé is already at the forefront of your mind, Tempier's Bandol with a few years of much-needed bottle age (2022 vintage) always hits the spot with salads and other light fish or spiced chicken dishes.

From further afield, Peter Michael's Belle Côte Chardonnay is an American benchmark, succulent and hedonistic; compare, by contrast, the more restrained approach of Ceritas Chardonnay from the cool Sonoma Coast. Finally, a shout-out for my favorite American Sauvignon Blanc: Eisele. This is always a superlative wine, with great clarity of fruit and depth of flavor.