Spring is here, along with that comes Easter. Pairing wines with an Easter meal can be overwhelming. The table often features lighter meats like honey-baked ham, fish, or lamb. On the side, you’ll also have spring vegetables and heartier dishes like mashed potatoes and mac and cheese. Throw in the fact that many of us take our big Easter Sunday celebration as a brunch or lunch, and choosing a wine that feels both seasonally and palate appropriate for the occasion can always be tricky.
To help ease that Easter wine anxiety, I created a list that will help you chose the right wines.
2019 Gerard Bertrand Cote des Roses
Easter is the first real opportunity in the year to break out the Rosé and feel properly seasonal about it. This cuvée boasts a lovely yellow color with golden tints. It is fresh, soft, pale, brilliant pink with bluish tints developing over time towards more orangey nuances. The bouquet releases aromas of summer fruits, cassis, and redcurrant. Floral notes of rose along with hints of grapefruit complete the picture. The finish is fresh, offering notes of candy. On the palate, the impression is fresh and full, with great aromatic persistence and balance. Pairs well as an aperitif or with shellfish and subtly spiced dishes.
You can find this bottle for under $15.00
2019 Coelho Pinot Gris
No matter how you enjoy preparing your deviled eggs, one thing is certain. The 2019 Coelho Pinot Gris from Willamette Valley, will have your guest asking for seconds. This bright, fresh wine with pure flavors of pear, white nectarine, and melon that are balanced by a crisp finish laced with mineral undertones.
You can find this bottle for under $20.00
2016 Darioush Caravan Cabernet Sauvignon
Caravan shares the pedigree of Darioush’s Signature wines but displays more ripe, saturated fruit with an elegantly textured finish. Caravan is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Cabernet Franc and 20% Merlot. It is ripe and decadent with palate-pleasing notes of juicy plum, raspberry and flourless chocolate cake. Cabernet Sauvignon, the lion’s share of the blend, adds layers of complexity and an ideal balance between sweet and savory elements. Its supple yet firm and polished tannin is complemented by dark, spicy notes of black currant and cinnamon. This Cab will compliment mature and hard cheese, lamb, beef and even poultry.
You can find this bottle for $50.00
2019 Peter Michael L’Après-Midi Sauvignon Blanc
The Sauvignon Blanc from Peter Michael is by far my favorite Sauvignon Blanc. Aromas of green mango, cooked pear, lemon curd and quince. Lemon wax, flint and toasted almonds, too. It’s full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Dense and phenolic with fantastic concentration. Yet, it remains agile and always so balanced and focused. 90% sauvignon blanc and 10% Semillon. Sauvignon Blanc has endless food pairings. On this special holiday, try pairing it with white meats such as chicken, pork chops and turkey. Another amazing combination fish. I suggest pairing it with fish such as, Sea Bass, Trout or Halibut.
You can find this bottle from $60 – $75.00. However, unless you’re part of their wine club it will be a little difficult.
2019 Cantine Lanzavecchia Cren Della Lepre Barbera
I don’t know about you, but I always serve carrot cake on this holiday. Carrot Cake’s warm spice flavor makes it a tough pairing, but this Italian Barbera works extremely well. This soft styled elegant wine exhibits a rich ruby color in the glass. Notes of fresh berries and flowers intermingle on the nose. While the palate reflects relaxed, easy nature of the varietal with no hint of tannin.
You can find this bottle for under $12.00
Rosa Chalekian 