Have a Drink For Early Spring

Spring has sprung and that makes April the perfect time to start enjoying the outdoors. Pack a picnic basket, head to the park, and spread out a comfy blanket for a lunch of bold artisan cheeses; cold, sweet fruits; and, of course, a bottle of wine.

Pair those stronger cheese flavors with white, sparkling, and rose wines for a refreshing but balanced lunch you can enjoy with that special someone or alone with a fantastic novel.

Need some pairing suggestions to make that picnic a springtime sensation? Try firm red grapes with goat cheese, tart apples, bread crisps, and a bottle of 2010 Cloudy Bay - Riesling Marlborough. While Rieslings make excellent dessert wines, they also pair delightfully with the balanced blend of a creamy cheese and fruit platter.

Of course, some prefer Chablis with a spring cheese plate, and for them, we recommend the 2010 Christian Moreau Père & Fils – Chablis.

Always a perfect accompaniment to stronger tastes, this Chablis is refreshing and enjoyable on its own but really shows its true flavors when paired with a bold cheese. Consider a warmed Brie with a strawberry spread to make it a memorable day among the daisies.

All of these selections will pair well with that perfect spring day.