Wine and Weather: The Seasons in a Glass

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Wine selection - a question of timing

When asked, "Which wine do you like best?", I can really only reply in the typical manner of a lawyer, "It depends." Because, in addition to our mood that day, the weather and the time of year determine what we crave. Seasons influence what we eat on our plates, but of course also what ends up in our glasses. In spring, always light, lively, and full of energy; in summer, sweating and always on the lookout for the next refreshing drink; until in autumn, you slowly crawl onto the cozy couch, only to let it all rip again in winter: there's a suitable wine for every scenario - because whether it's liquid summer on the tongue or a wintery red wine steamboat - every season has its own flavor. And one thing is clear: freshness and drinkability are a must, no matter how opulent the wine.

Wine for spring: A fresh start

Let's start at the beginning of the year: the winter blues are finally over, and the first warm days are giving us new strength and hope. What's on the table now is as fresh as the air outside. Asparagus, wild garlic, and fresh vegetables call for lively wines. Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Silvaner are in demand here: zesty acidity, aromas of green apple and citrus fruits, gooseberry, and vegetal notes – perfect for light, vegetable-based spring cuisine. Of course, you can also awaken from winter slumber a little more gently: residually sweet white wines, such as semi-dry Riesling Kabinett, sweeten what is already the sweetest time of the year and usually have a low alcohol content.

What's a good pairing? How about a Risotto alla Milanese, shimmering golden with saffron, or a light Pasta Primavera with fresh vegetables? Grilled langoustines with a squeeze of lemon are also perfect for a crisp Riesling. As for the wines, the main thing is that they're clear, refreshing, and a little playful—exactly what we need when spring makes us blossom.
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Wine in summer: The lightness of being in the glass

Summer means being outside, meeting friends, and enjoying life. The food is light and fresh, the evenings are long—and the wine should reflect that. Crisp white wines like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc provide the necessary freshness to keep the heat at bay. But summer also belongs to rosé: fresh, crisp, with aromas of strawberries and currants—the perfect accompaniment to light dishes. The cuisine? Simple and full of sunshine: Panzanella, the Italian bread salad with tomatoes, or grilled prawns a la plancha are perfect.

By the way, red wine also has its moments in summer. Light, juicy red wines like Cabernet Franc or a young Pinot Noir, slightly chilled, are a stylish alternative to barbecue beer.
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Wine for autumn: warm colors and spicy wines

In autumn, peace returns, the colors become richer, and the evenings more cozy. Porcini mushrooms, pumpkin, and warming risottos land on the plate. The food has more substance, and the wines can certainly keep up. Any decent (!) wine from the Burgundy family delivers here: Pinot Gris or Pinot Blanc, perhaps even Chardonnay or Auxerrois – more voluminous, with a smooth texture and more body. For fans of smoky, stony notes, Sancerre is the perfect accompaniment to fish dishes or a spicy chèvre. Rosé is far from being written off, either: Full-bodied rosés with more structure and spice are a perfect match for the year's last rays of sunshine.

Now is the best time for red wine drinkers. Not quite the heavyweights yet, but tangy reds with a flowing texture are in demand. A juicy Chianti or an elegant Pinot Noir is the perfect accompaniment for an autumn evening. Serve with tagliatelle al funghi porcini or boeuf bourguignon, and autumn tastes as good as it looks.
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Wine in winter: full speed ahead

When winter knocks on the door, we're armed to the teeth – with red wine. Also: Champagne. It's always a good idea, but during the holidays, it adds a special sparkle to any occasion. Back to red wines: now's the time for full-bodied, tannic wines: Barolo, Côtes du Rhône, or Châteauneuf-du-Pape bring depth, structure, and the comforting warmth that pairs perfectly with coq au vin (rouge) or a hearty cassoulet.

White wines can also shine in winter. Chardonnay from Burgundy or Burgundian-style, with its elegant structure and buttery brioche notes, belongs on the table. Serve with hearty cheese platters or creamy dishes. A classic example: Gratin Dauphinois or a decadent Homard Thermidor. And if you really want to indulge and give your grandmother a real treat on Christmas Eve: sweet Rieslings, everything from Spätlese to Eiswein, are an extraterrestrial-sounding poem with strong cheeses like Roquefort and Époisses or with desserts like Crème Brûlée.
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