Easter is a joyous day celebrating family, faith and friends. But, the kids don’t have to be the only ones enjoying goodies. From greens to eggs & ham to lamb, these affordable spring sips will make your gathering shine.
TO START…
Chandon Brut Sparkling Wine, California (single serving size $6-7)
The famed Napa Valley-based California sparkling house, Chandon, is a serious bubbly producer, but doesn’t take itself too seriously. These mini bottlings — each serving about a glass — are all about fun. Dry but crisp and fruity, this sparkler is ideal alongside Easter brunch from start to finish.
WITH GREENS…
2015 Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viogner, California $12-15
As one of California’s most unique blends pairing Chenin Blanc from California’s Clarksburg area with Viognier from Lodi, I’ve long been a fan of this white wine. Fresh and zesty with a whisper of sweetness, it’s the ideal choice with fresh-from-the-garden green salads, spring asparagus and a crudité appetizer platter.
WITH EGGS…
2016 Fleurs de Prairie Rosé, Côtes de Provence, France $15
This newly-launched wine captures the essence of southern French pinks – delicate, aromatic and stylish. The name means wildflowers and just looking at the beautiful bottle takes you on a virtual visit to Provence while adding a touch of class to your table. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah, it’s a wine to pair alongside the earthiness of a mushroom omelet with melted brie cheese. Make sure to stock up, though, as it will disappear tout suite!
WITH HAM…
Kim Crawford Rose of Merlot, New Zealand $18
Look to New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay for a hearty pink made with Merlot. Kim Crawford is a Kiwi staple and their succulent take on rosé marries seamlessly with the sweetness of ham basted with a brown sugar glaze.
2015 Cloudline Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon $18
You will not find a better under-$20 pinot noir than this wine. Period. Made by the talented hands of Veronique Boss-Drouhin of Domaine Drouhin fame, the fruit hails from Oregon’s Willamette Valley. The red is elegant, spicy and silky. We know pigs and pinot are the perfect pairing, but this is a beauty for Easter ham…and beyond.
WITH LAMB…
2014 JAM Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, California $18
What’s better than LAMB & JAM? This succulent, fruit-o-licious wine pairs with lamb’s rustic flavors while offsetting its earthy richness. The full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon also goes from main course to dessert as it has a touch of sweet, dark berry fruit notes to pair with chocolate.
I recommend making a simple wine glaze by reducing one cup of wine then add a spoonful of grape jam. Simmer until thickened then give a dash of balsamic vinegar to add complexity. You can use on the lamb or swirl the glaze into premixed brownies before baking to make a grown-up Easter treat.
There’s a myriad of wines and ways to celebrate any of your spring celebrations this year. Be it ham or lamb, eggs or greens, enjoy my favorite wines in my favorite season!
And remember, the upcoming season is SUMMER!
