Easter Sparkling Wines
Squerryes Vintage Reserve Brut
Not living too far from Squerryes, and having eaten at their restaurant a few times, I was always going to recommend this. With fruit from the North Downs, this captures cool climate sparkling in brilliant light. Refreshing, zesty and floral notes give way to brioche and leesy flavours creating a pleasing, lingering finish. This is a great choice to celebrate Easter with a bit of homegrown goodness.
Valdo Elevantum Prosecco DOCG
Probably the most popular Prosecco at Waitrose, Valdo Elevantum is a cut above the majority of mass produced plonky Prosecco on the market, and the price is very agreeable for the quality too. The palate has plenty of fruit such as ripe apple, lemon and pear which is given complexity by a floral uplift and undercurrent of honey. Almost dangerously easy drinking!
Easter Lamb Wine Pairing
Jip Jip Rocks Shiraz
Wine often develops around the local cuisine which is why Aussie Shiraz is such a match for BBQs and red meats. Jip Jip displays vibrant red fruits that mellow towards savoury notes like mocha and liquorice. A little spice on the end caps it off nicely. The palate is weighty and has well-integrated tannins too meaning that it has the flavour and body to stand up to roast lamb.
Faustino I Rioja Gran Reserva
Rioja is a pretty traditional wine for matching with both lamb and special occasions, so why not go all out with a well-priced Gran Reserva? Faustino I blends the three traditional Rioja varieties together in brilliant harmony. Expect heady tannin, intense red fruit, sweet spices, vanilla, cinnamon and cocoa. It has the ideal structure to complement lamb and is easily good enough to impress the most discerning drinker.
Chicken/Poultry Wine Pairing
Grant Burge Chardonnay
Grant Burge is one of the legendary names of Australia’s Barossa Valley and it’s well worth getting stuck into their range if you enjoy wines from this region. Barossa is in their DNA. Check all their wines out here. This particular Chardonnay shows tropical pineapple, melon, mango and peach flavours, alongside New World butter and toast from oak use. It’s perfectly suited to a creamy chicken dish.
Johann Wolf Pinot Noir
Did you know that German Pinot Noir was so good? Well, it really is and with a name like Dr Loosen behind the making of this, you ought to think twice before you discount it. A supple, fresh and lively wine with bright red fruit. Light enough in body not to overpower white meat, but with enough flavour to complement your dish.
Vegetarian Wine Pairing
Villa Maria Private Bin Riesling
There’s no reason the vegetarian’s should miss out on good wine (as well as good food *winky face*) so rather than a boring neutral white, choose something a little different that will match to lighter dishes. The Villa Maria Riesling is aromatic with honeysuckle and lime character abounding. It’ll work with spicy or sweet dishes and taste delicious on its own too.
Tiki Ridge Sauvignon Blanc Reserve
Sauvignon Blanc is always good with greens, sharing a few different flavour profiles with the veggie category. This is from the cooler region of Marlborough, Awatere, meaning it is less tropical than the usual style. Expect gooseberries, lime and green pepper.
