Expert presentation: A feast of 24 Easter wine suggestions

Written by on in Flavor of the day, French wines, General Wine, Must Try, Red wines, Uncategorized, White Wines

This blog’s sixth annual Easter wine list is diverse and vivacious, thanks to a knowledgeable and passionate group of experts who’ve forwarded 24 recommendations for your holiday table. All listed wines are available locally or online. (See Jim Campanini’s selections at: https://thewinenovice.com/jims-easter-picks-six-wines-for-the-senses/)

A bottle of wine turns a simple meal into a feast, so pairing a wine’s traits with ham, lamb, turkey and other traditional holiday foods is important. While red choices are traditional – and safe – choices for the holiday dinner, crisp white wines also go well with turkey and salty ham. My advice? Don’t be shy about trying something uniquely different this year, even a dry rose` or sparkling wine. If you have any doubts, ask your local wine store manager for help.

Andrea Lewis of Andover Classic Wines

Andrea Lewis, Wine Director

Andover Classic Wines

  • Boal de Arousa Albarino, $15.99 – Ripe apricot/peach fruit combined with fresh minerality and a crisp, zesty finish, a really attractive white wine.
  • Les Promesses  Côtes-du-Rhône Blanc, $18.99 – Floral, citrus and tropical fruit aromas, with a fine, mineral finish, making this a wonderful wine for spring.
  • Villa Sparina Gavi Cortese, $15.99 – Bright yellow color, delicate bouquet of dried pineapple and peach. Full and rich in flavor, yet mineral and refreshing.
  • Planet Oregon Pinot Noir, $22.99 – This offers some wild raspberry and strawberry aromas with a very vibrant fresh palate. Baking spice mid palate with nice acidity.
  • Chateau Caserta Cru Bourgeois, 2010, $24.99 – Redcurrant, raspberries and a touch of balsamic make this perfect with a pork roast!
  • LaSpinetta di Casanova  Rose`, 18.99 – Intense tangerine, white peach and strawberry scents lead to juicy citrus flavors and a dry finish.

Steve Ross, Wine ConneXtion, Andover

  • Dry Creek Vineyard, “Clarksburg” Dry Chenin Blanc, $10.99 – Lively, creamy mouthfeel with refreshing flavors of lemon, pear, and mango.
  • American Vintners, “Butter Blossom” Russian River Valley Chardonnay, $17.99 – Fresh citrus, white flowers and Meyer lemon zest are balanced by elegant, round notes of toast and subtle spice.
  • Rusack Vineyards, “Santa Barbara” Pinot Noir, $29.99 – Packed with bright flavors of strawberries, coffee, and caramel making for a very approachable food-friendly wine.
  • Chateau Pegau, “Maclura” Cotes Du Rhone Red Blend, France, $13.99 – This rich, densely-layered wine is loaded with classic Cotes du Rhone red fruit and spice, the hallmark stamp of Pegau.
  • Opolo Vineyards, “Summit Creek” Zinfandel, $19.99 – An intense fruit forward Zin with fruit sourced from eight Paso Robles vineyards.
Craig Gandolf of Cynthia Hurley French Wines.

Craig Gandolf, National Wine Director

Cynthia Hurley French Wines, Needham

  • Domaine de Mourchon Cotes du Rhone Villages-Seguret Rose, $21 – A dry Grenache with clean, fruit brilliance.
  • Kubler Pinot Blanc K Alsace, $21 – Fresh ands lively with lemon-scented notes.
  • Jean Pierre Beaujolai Cru Morgon 2015, $22 – A fruity Gamay with bright tannins.
  • Chateau Vieux Poirier Bordeaux, $19 – Organic Merlot that pairs well with lamb.
  • La Toupie, Qua Tour, Cotes du Roussillon Villages, $27 –  A gorgeous Syrah- Grenache blend.
  • Paul Garaudet Bourgogne Rouge 2016, $32 – This Pinot Noir delivers the luxurious experience of drinking Red Burgundy without mortgaging your house.

Kate Corcoran-Morgan, co-founder

Creative Palate Communications

  • Famiglia Pasqua Amarone della Valpolicella, $29.99 – A food friendly Amarone with dark cherry and espresso expressions to enhance roasted lamb.
  • Mouchão Red 2013, $60 – A single-vineyard Portuguese wine made only in years of exceptional quality, yielding spicy, dark fruit and eucalyptus notes.

Matt Ryan, Certified Sommelier

Matt Ryan of Gordon’s Fine Wines in Waltham.

Gordon’s Fine Wine, Waltham

  • Pieropan Soave Classico, $17.99 – “Swah-Vay” offers a floral nose with a hint of citrus to be the perfect aperitif or a pairing with your salad or creamy soup entrée.
  • Hartford Court Chardonnay, Russian River Valley, $29.99 – Don Hartford’s sun-drenched vineyards produce traits of ripe apple and pear, lemon drop candy, and classic creaminess that can keep step with any dish on the table.
  • Gerard Boulay Sancerre, $29.99 – Gerard Boulay is the king of Sauvignon Blanc! Framed by citrus and minerals, this crisp white will be a hit throughout the entire meal.
  • Selvapiana Chianti Classico, $17.99 – On the lighter side of Chianti, Selvapiana’s Sangiovese offers classic notes of sour cherry and cedar rounded out by lots of blackberry and red plum.
  • Jean-Louis Chave, St. Joseph “Offerus”, $29.99 – Syrah from this part of the world is my go-to favorite pairing for almost any lamb dish. The savory nature of both meat and grape are a match made in heaven.