It is late spring, and the birds are singing, flowers are in full bloom, and we are regularly blessed with the sort of days that make us fall in love with our planet all over again. Even if great wine is not seasonal, light- to medium-weight reds especially hit the spot this time of year: it’s time to take the ice bucket out of its winter hibernation and put a chill on some bright, juicy reds.
     Gentle, flowery cuvées like Guy Breton’s Chiroubles and Portelli’s Frappato take well to a chill and are dandy companions to just about anything—or nothing, if a simple glass of rouge is all you’re craving. Low-alcohol options like Hubau’s crunchy Cuvée Piverts, vinified with zero sulfur to boot, is probably the most original pure Merlot you’ll ever taste, and it has its place more than ever right now. The Rosso dei Dardi from the Fantino brothers is another outside-the-box selection, offering all of Nebbiolo’s perfumed fruit without the grippy tannic structure. A lively Saumur Champigny from Loire legend Thierry Germain is the perfect pairing for light meals and snacks, while Mas Champart’s unusual blend of Syrah and Cabernet is loaded with darker, chewier fruit, along with an herbaceous element that keeps things cool and fresh.
    Armed with this six-pack, you will be fully prepared to take on the most lovely time of year, with ready-to-go options that assure refreshment and intrigue.