French Wines to Enjoy This Spring

In France, there is a proverb that warns of the fickle nature of spring weather: “En Avril, ne te découvre pas d’un fil; en Mai, fais ce qu’il te plait.” (“In April, don’t take off a thread; in May, do as you please.”) It's a reminder that good weather is on the way. The wine regions are in the midst of bud break starting in March. Bud break happens in the vineyard each spring as the vines wake up from dormancy. As temperatures rise and the days lengthen, they are suddenly bursting with vitality. They draw on the energy they’ve stored to push out the first green leaves of a new growth cycle. April brings the transition from bud break to flowering in May. Let’s explore wines from Bordeaux, Burgundy, Loire, and Southern Rhône this April at the start of a new wine-growing season.

BORDEAUX

Château Barde-Haut Saint Émilion Grand Cru 2016 

Blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. Dense, purple hues with notes of cassis, black cherries, damp earth, and violets. On the palate, it’s precise and pure fruit with a deep, layered texture, sweet tannins from ripe fruit, and a sense of minerality on the finish. It has the depth of fruit and elegance to shine today and can evolve for many years. Pairing: USDA Prime Herb-Crusted Rib-Eye.

Château Lamothe de Haux Blanc 

Right Bank wine with 40% Sauvignon Blanc, 40% Sémillon, and 20% Muscadelle. The wine is aged on the lees for about 3 weeks, which accounts for its round, smooth, and fruity flavor. Pairing: seafood, cheese, or as an apéritif.

BURGUNDY

Michel Sarrazin et Fils Givry Clos de la Roche 2023 

100% Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Bright red cherry and raspberry aromas lifted by subtle floral notes and a touch of spice. The palate is silky and refined, with fine tannins, vibrant freshness, and a long finish. Pairing: roasted poultry, duck, or mushroom dishes.

Louis Jadot Chablis 2023 

The nose is bright with aromas of lemon, tart apples, and floral notes. This 100% Chardonnay is crisp with flavors of lemon and a hint of white peach and apple. Serve chilled, but not cold. This is a wine that can be enjoyed young but has the potential to evolve over time. Pairing: mussels or crisp salads.

LOIRE RIVER VALLEY

Domaine Laurent Kraft Vouvray 2023 

This 100% Chenin Blanc is pale gold with aromas of green apple, lemon zest, and subtle floral notes, with a hint of minerality. On the palate, it’s crisp and dry with lively citrus and green apple flavors, balanced by a creamy texture and refreshing acidity. Pairing: chicken, seafood, and shellfish.

Le Rocher des Violettes Cabernet Franc 

An organic, medium-bodied red wine known for its intensely aromatic profile of violet, red berries, and graphite. It features a structured, slightly earthy, and tannic palate, aged in oak for 12-24 months, offering a fresh, elegant, and long finish. Pairing: roasted poultry and savory dishes.

SOUTHERN RHÔNE

Gigondas La Cave L’Hallali Grande Reserve 2022 

Luscious, medium-to-full-bodied red from Southern Rhône, offering ripe berry, dark cherry, currant, and earthy notes. Known for its aromatic profile featuring hints of spice, pepper, and olive. Pairing: robust dishes like grilled meats. 

Famille Lançon La Solitude Blanc Côtes-du-Rhône 2024 

Blend of 70% White Grenache brings the fruit notes, 15% Roussanne the roundness, and 15% Viognier the aromatic richness. A nose of white flowers and fresh fruits with a round mouthfeel, peach notes, and a tasty finish. Pairing: grilled fish and Asian cuisine.