Easter is a wonderful time of the year with spring and lighter days on the horizon. There is, of course, the added bonus of a long weekend. Whether you are quietly resting over the few days or hosting a big family and friend lunch on Easter Sunday there is always room for delicious food, great wine and of course lots of chocolate.
It can be quite overwhelming trying to match your Easter wines with the food you are serving but hopefully this article offers some guidance. Ultimately, choosing your wine is a matter of personal preference and it is the people you are sharing it with that makes all the difference.
Fish
What to drink with fish depends on the fish, the oiliness and the sauce it is served with. However, crisp, dry whites or sparkling wines tend to work best.
Jaffelin Cremant de Bourgogne Blanc de Blancs - citrus and floral aromatics with notes of freshly baked brioche. This is delicious with smoked salmon canapés and doubles up as your fizz option.
Seguinot Bordet Chablis - Chablis and fish are a classic pairing. This is crisp and fresh with excellent minerality.
Loudenotte Chardonnay - from the Languedoc this wine is partially fermented in oak providing subtle vanilla overtones alongside grapefruit and pineapple.
Lamb
Roast lamb tends to be a household staple for Easter Sunday. However, it all depends on the cooking. So, you'll likely need a different wine depending on whether you are cooking a rack of lamb or slow roasting a leg of lamb with middle eastern spices.
Neck of the Woods Pinot Noir - if you're serving a tender cut of lamb then try this New Zealand Pinot Noir. This wine has lovely plum and cherry aromas with bright red fruit flavours and well-balanced earthy notes, fine tannins and enduring freshness.
Mitarte Tatos Garnacha Rioja - try with garlic and rosemary roast lamb. Aromas of cherry and redcurrant, smooth toasty notes and aromatic herbs. Full bodied with firm tannins and great acidity.
Azienda Agricola Quercecchio Rosso di Montalcino - this 100% Sangiovese is delicious with lamb shoulder. Bright red fruit, well integrated tannins with slightly herbal notes.
If you want to really 'push the boat out' we are massive fans of Brunello di Montalicino Castello Romitorio 2016. An epic vintage!
Roast Ham
Having a joint of honey glazed ham over Easter weekend then try this off dry Schlossgut Diel Dorsheimer Goldloch Riesling Kabinett. Delicately spicy with tropical peach notes.
Easter Eggs
Wine and chocolate don't tend to be the best partners but after tasting Alasia Brachetto D'Aqui we changed our minds. Semi-sweet, lightly sparkling, low alcohol red wine. Super fresh raspberry, cherry and juicy acidity. Have as an aperitif or with chocolate based treats. You will be pleasantly surprised.
Hot Cross Buns
The obvious choice to have alongside a hot cross bun is a good cuppa (Yorkshire Tea obviously) but if you want something that is a big treat then why not have a glass of sweet wine. Grower's Touch Botrytis Semillion has mango, apricots and peach with hints of honey.