Despite the intermittent snow storms, spring is most definitely upon us, and as the days get longer and lighter "so the search begins for wines which are also long on taste and light on the palate", says The Guardian.
"In-between seasons merit in-between wines," says Jane McQuitty in The Times. "Most of us start to favour lighter, fruitier reds and slimline, fresh-as-a-daisy whites."
She recommends the "grassy, gooseberry and lime-twist pizzazz" of Aldi's Vignobles Roussellet Sauvignon Blanc, which is "brilliant" despite its bargain-basement price of £4.39. Or, at more than three times the price, the "gorgeous" 2014 Pouilly-Fumé, Les Loges (Yapp Bros, 01747 860423, £15.25), which brims with "light, zesty, white currant charm".
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For lighter reds that might "fit in with spring-like moods and food, the heat and dust in the heart of South Africa's winelands may not seem the most obvious place to start", says David Williams in The Guardian.
Yet the Boutinot Percheron Old Vines Cinsaut 2014 is not only incredibly good value at just £5.95, but this "previously unloved" southern French variety is now behind some notably juicier, fresher styles, including "the UK's best-value spring-into-summer reds", says Williams.
For a more traditional wine that offers "freshness and verve", he says, it's hard to beat the Domaine de la Noblaie Chinon, France 2013 (£11,50; Haynes, Hanson & Clark).
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