Sabroso in Bloom
Chicago spring comes and goes — a tease of warmth, then a quick reminder that winter isn't done yet. As we ride the wave, something begins to shift. It's not just in the air — it's what we're craving. Research in sensory science shows that our perception of flavor is influenced by temperature and environment. In colder months, richness and weight hit the spot. In spring, those same qualities can feel like a bit much. We start leaning into lighter, more vibrant expressions. And that shift doesn't stop at the plate — it carries into the glass.
My usual spring go-to is a glass of Frappato, a juicy chillable red from the Italian island of Sicily. This year, the warmer weather has me reaching for something closer to home — the Vinos Finos de California Sabroso Red, from the cool coastal mountains of Monterey.
The Winery
Vinos Finos de California is a boutique winery on the Central Coast, founded by winemaker Ted Glennon. His focus is on bringing old vines to life, reviving overlooked vineyards, and creating wine from forgotten varieties. Glennon's style exudes balance, freshness, and drinkability over heaviness — just what we crave as spring begins to present itself.
The Wine
Sabroso is a light-bodied red blend predominantly made up of Grenache, with small percentages of both Cabernet Pfeffer and Zinfandel. The Grenache brings a basket of red fruit aromas — bright red cherries, freshly picked wild strawberries, and perfectly ripe raspberries. Cabernet Pfeffer, a rare red grape grown exclusively in California, adds a gentle herbaceous lift. The Zinfandel rounds it out with a soft, silky texture.
My favorite part is the finish. The Grenache comes back to the party with a much-welcomed burst of refined acidity. It's fitting that on the bottle's label is a playful drawing of a strawberry wearing sunglasses and holding a boom box. The Sabroso is just that — a fun wine. Versatile too: you can enjoy it chilled or at cellar temp, by itself or with food.
Our Strawberry Crunch Salad
The Pairing
I love pairing a glass of Sabroso with Alpana Restaurant's Strawberry Crunch Salad — fresh greens with shaved fennel, cucumbers, candied pistachios, fresh goat cheese, a strawberry vinaigrette, all topped with almond granola. The Sabroso's fresh red fruit aromas complement the strawberry dressing, and the shaved fennel enhances the wine's herbaceous quality. Add a piece of grilled chicken and dinner is complete. The only thing that could make this scene better would be enjoying them on the patio in 70 degree sunshine.
Spring brings us a quiet shift in how we experience flavor. The wines we reach for begin to reflect that change, drawing us toward those that feel more vibrant and alive. In that sense, a wine like Sabroso isn't simply suited to the change — it captures it.
Vinos Finos de California Sabroso Red is currently available at Alpana by the glass, by the bottle, or as part of our Garden Party Wine Flight.
Come in and tell me what you've been drinking. That's the best part of this job. — Lesa
