I'm going to make a bold claim. Easter is a better wine-drinking holiday than Christmas, hands down.
The bleak midwinter offers little joy for wine fanatics much beyond a comforting pour of claret in front of a warm log fire. When the main event arrives you face the realisation that turkey pairs comfortably with few good wines, nor do many of the other ingredients that adorn the mishmash plate. After all, when does turkey make it onto a tasting menu at any other time of the year?
And I rest my point.
Easter, on the other hand, is a wine lover's dream. You spend Bank Holiday Friday sipping crisp white wines in the fresh spring air while Saturday is spent indulging in light-bodied reds in anticipation of a full-throttle claret for the roast lamb on Sunday. Of course there are few foods that compliment wine better than chocolate, and there is never a shortage of that over the holidays.
So without further ado, here's five wines we recommend you try this Easter.
Intense aromas of acacia and honeysuckle with notes of citrus fruit. Ideal on its own or paired with fish, shell-fish or even with Asian food.
This splendid dark crimson red has aromas of ripe black fruit, leather and tobacco spice. Full bodied with flavours of blackberry, damson spice and notes of pepper and cinnamon. Ideal with cheese, stews, red meat and richly flavoured dishes.
The wine has lifted aromas of dark berry fruits, white pepper and spice. The rich, full flavoured palate combines blackcurrant and a hint of apricot, with smooth velvet tannins. This wine is outstanding when enjoyed with grilled lamb or beef stew.
Intense cherry aromas on the nose, very inviting and attractive combined with hints of violets. Fresh with good supporting acidity and excellent balance marked by soft and silky tannins. Perfect with soups, pasta and risottos. Very good with red meat dishes or fresh cheeses.
Kick the night off with bubbles with this classy bottle of Prosecco Superiore from Valdobbiadene, Italy. With aromas of apple blossom and almonds on the nose, this sparkling wine starts with a fresh and pleasing acidity on the palate and offers a long-lasting dry finish. Excellent as an aperitif, it also goes really well with flavoursome fish dishes such as cod or sardines in sour sauces.