The arrival of spring is near and with it comes fresh beginnings, new growth and much desired warmer temperatures. It’s time to break out of the winter doldrums and revitalize your spirit! And what better way to toast the new season than by exploring the wonderful world of Missouri white wines! From clean and bright to robust and fruity, Missouri’s whites are a perfect complement to the onset of spring!

You might be familiar with Missouri’s Vignoles, the darling of the whites. It’s a favorite for a good reason! Vignoles (pronounced veen-yole) is an extremely versatile hybrid grape that produces wines ranging from dry to sweet, which makes it pleasing to any palate. This wine goes great with spicy foods and rich, creamy desserts like cheesecake.

Traminette is another versatile grape, and can also be made into a sweet, semi-dry or dry white wine. The wine has a natural, light sweetness that is backed by a depth of flavor and floral aromas. Traminette pairs well with Asian-influenced cuisine, rich cheese like Gorgonzola and fresh fruit.

Two varietals that create more semi-dry to dry white wines are Vidal Blanc and Seyval Blanc. Vidal Blanc creates a full-bodied wine with fruity characteristics and clean, citrus notes of lemon and grapefruit. This wine pairs well with white meats, pasta in a white sauce, grilled veggies and light seafood items. Seyval Blanc grapes create a clean, crisp, medium-bodied wine with an herbal, fresh flavor. This wine pairs well with light meats such as pork, chicken and turkey, as well as light, flaky fish.

Chardonel is a cross between two popular grapes: Chardonnay and Seyval. Chardonel creates a dry, full-bodied wine. Depending on the fermentation process, this wine can exude notes of oak, butter or citrus fruits. This wine pairs well with smoked or grilled fish, pork and chicken.

One of the wonderful things about Missouri wines is that they are so diverse! Each wine tells its own story and varies in taste and flavor. One of the best ways to experience these wines and discover your favorites is to visit Missouri wine country. Wineries are happy to let you taste their delicious creations and lead you on your own wine journey. So enjoy the new season by enjoying the white wines of spring!