Try springtime wines from PA vineyards

Robert Godfrey | FlipSidePA

If you go

Allegro Winery

3475 Sechrist Road

Chanceford Township

www.allegrowines.com

717-297-9148

Karamoor Estate

PO Box 736

Ft. Washington

www.karamoorwines.com

215-641-0233

Naylor Wine Cellars

4069 Vineyard Road

Stewartstown

www.naylorwine.com

717-993-2431

Waltz Vineyard

1599 Old Line Road

Manheim

www.waltzvineyards.com

717-664-9463

Flowers are blooming and it is time to think about the best wines to drink for spring and summer. I love my dry red wines, but when the weather changes I drink more white and rosé wines. The best varietals to drink now are Chardonnay, Grüner Veltliner, Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé — and let's not forget sparkling ones, like Prosecco. For a dry red, try something lighter like a Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, or Chinon.

You might not know the difference between a Rosé and a Blush wine — all that pink stuff. Rosé wines have been around for centuries. Blush wines are a 20th century creation and marketing term used to describe sweet pink wines. A good example is a white zinfandel. Grapes generally have clear juice and the skins are what add the flavor and color to the wine. Rosé wines absorb very little tannins because they only have contact with the skins for hours compared to days or weeks for red wines.

Karamoor Estates — Ft. Washington

Karamoor is a new winery that was completed in 2011 with a 250 acre estate. Their 2013 Chardonnay is fantastic, which can be ordered online from its website at karamoorwines.com . Karamoor's tasting room will not open until 2016, so in the meantime order three bottles or more and it will be shipped for free. Karamoor's Chardonnay's aromatic profile includes green apple, lemon grass and essence of pear blossom. I tasted pear with a fresh, crisp acidity. The finish is the surprise — this Chardonnay has become one of my favorites and it will not disappoint.

Karamoor's award winning 2012 Cabernet Franc would be a great choice for a dry red this spring, with an aroma of black cherry, cinnamon and vanilla with hints of cocoa and sage. The wine is fruit forward with a balanced acidity and medium tannins, and it really reminded me of my trip to Bordeaux, France. Order some before it is gone.

Waltz Vineyards — Manheim

Waltz was established in 1997 and is producing 100 tons of grapes every year. Their 2013 Sauvignon Blanc has a crisp grassiness with hints of grapefruit and other citrus. Bake some of your favorite white fish and serve this — it'll be a hit.

Allegro Vineyards — Chanceford Township

The weather made 2013 a great year for York County wines because of the lack of rain and cool summer. Whites retained their great aromatics and red fruit had great flavors. Prelude dry Rosé that is made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Cabernet Franc. This is made in the saignee style where they bleed off extra juice from the red grapes. It has light berry aromas with hints of strawberry and red cherries. Allegro just released their 2014 Steel Chardonnay. It is a great wine to be enjoyed and has some hints of a Sauvignon Blanc.

Naylor Wine Cellars — Stewartstown

I stopped in the tasting room at Queensgate to pick up a bottle for a few friends to try. While they are mostly known for their sweet wines, I tasted a small amount in a solo plastic cup at their tasting bar. A suggestion would be to obtain glasses for your tasting, as the plastic cup does affect the taste. Naylor's Sauvignon Blanc would pair greatly with a kale salad with fresh blueberries and strawberries. Keep trying new wines and create new experiences. Find that next favorite.