Thame Out The complimentary magazine for the Thame area
Spring is in the air
Vin de Soif and Sfuso, the perfect wines for the Season says wine expert,Jerome Harlington.
As the air begins to stir with the promise of spring, I start to yearn for wines that provide freshness and vibrancy, just like the season. I reach out for wines that the French charmingly call Vin de Soif and the Italians call Sfuso.
VIN DE SOIF: A BREATH OF FRESH AIR
In the vineyards of France, surrounding villages and towns, it’s not the noble first growths or grand cru, but Vin de Soif that takes centre stage. This term, translating to “wine of thirst,” encapsulates the very spirit of springtime quaffing. Picture yourself in a sunlit garden, surrounded by friends, and sipping on a light, uncomplicated red like Gamay or a zesty white such as Picpoul.
Vin de Soif wines are the embodiment of easy elegance. Their straightforward and aromatic nature aligns pairs beautifully with blossoming flowers and the rejuvenated spirit of the season. These are wines to be enjoyed alfresco, where every sip is a celebration of the joy that spring brings. Get ready for reds that dance on the palate and whites that are as crisp as the morning air.
SFUSO: THE LIBERATION OF ITALIAN SUNSHINE
Venturing into the sun-soaked vineyards of Italy, surrounding villages and towns, it’s not the noble wines of Tuscany that are on people’s minds, not at all. Here we encounter Sfuso, the epitome of wines unburdened by complexity. As the Italian countryside bursts into colour, envision yourself in a charming trattoria, carafes of Sfuso reds and whites adorning the table. These are wines that celebrate the coming of spring.
Sfuso wines, meaning “loose” or “bulk,” invite you to embrace the spontaneity of the season. Imagine sipping a Barbera or a Dolcetto with the sun kissing your face, or indulging in the crispness of a Pinot Grigio as you welcome the longer, brighter days. Sfuso wines are an ode to the joy found in simplicity, a sentiment that aligns perfectly with the uplifting ambiance of spring.
EMBARK ON A VINOUS SPRINGTIME ADVENTURE
As the heady fragrance of blossom fills the air and the days stretch long into evening, Vin de Soif and Sfuso emerge as the quintessential wines for the season. These are not wines to be analysed or critiqued; they are wines to be experienced, shared, and celebrated.
If the idea of springtime revelry with Vin de Soif and Sfuso speaks to your senses, let’s embark on a vinous adventure together. These wines, with their unpretentious charm and uncomplicated character, are the perfect companions for the evolving landscape of spring. Get in touch, and let’s bring a touch of French and Italian conviviality to your glasses. Here’s to the exuberance of spring, and to the simple, unfiltered joys found in every sip. Cheers to a season of delightful discoveries!
If you’d like to read more about Sfuso wines, there’s a charming book I’d recommend Loose Wine: A STORY OF SFUSO – ITALIAN TABLE WINE, by JC Mack.
‘This book reads like a scenic drive through a year in an Italian vineyard. The vine to wine journey is a knowledgeable and explorative account which provides the reader with an insight that will enhance the enjoyment and understanding behind the general ‘house wine’ of Italy. ‘Sfuso’ is a term used for Italian regional wine that is readily consumed daily from farmhouse to villa, besides being a standard wine offered at many eateries throughout the peninsula.
The story also traces country traditions, cultural changes, and relates historical anecdotes with comparisons that will embellish the understanding and panorama of Italian country life. An absorbing read for wine enthusiasts, Italophiles, and travellers alike, whilst providing a fresh and informed appreciation of viticulture amongst the hills of Tuscany.’
To find out more about these interesting wines and to discover them for yourself, please do drop me a line and I’ll send some personal recommended favourites – jerome@trailblazingwine.com
You can read more articles like this one in the latest edition of Thame Out.
