Easter and family gatherings are synonymous! Selecting, preparing and serving food can be challenging enough. I will help by selecting five readily available, dry wines that should pair well with most typical Easter meals. There is a bonus! All have a small discount until April 24.

First up is a rich and complex Chardonnay called Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay 2019 from Beamsville, Ontario. As Martin Malivoire states on the wine label, “Chardonnay vines are among the oldest planted on my Niagara Estate, which I farm sustainably for future generations.” Serve Malivoire Estate Grown Chardonnay 2019 with roast turkey, vegan meatloaf, grilled vegetables and baked salmon.

Spring marks the unofficial launch of rosé wines, one of the most versatile wine styles. La Vieille Ferme Rosé Ventoux AOC 2020 is a best value, dry rosé from Ventoux in southern France with a lovely pale colour, fresh fruit flavours and a crisp finish. Serve La Vieille Ferme Rosé Ventoux AOC 2020 with a range of foods, including glazed ham, poached salmon, roast chicken and vegetable casseroles.

In my mind, Gamay is the little brother of Pinot Noir. It has a lot to offer and is just as food-friendly. It is often a pleasant surprise for those who try it. Award-winning and complex, 13th Street Gamay 2019 from Niagara, Ontario is a wine to try! It has forward aromas of pepper, raspberry aromas and a soft finish. Serve 13th Street Gamay 2019 with glazed ham, pork tenderloin, roast duck, and baked squash.

One of my favourite wines to serve at Easter is Pinot Noir. I love its fresh, forward and fruity aromas. Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir 2020 is from certified organic estate vineyards in Beamsville. It is unfiltered and it shows in the taste! This elegant wine has aromas of cherries, floral flavours and a balanced, lingering finish. It is so versatile. Hidden Bench Estate Organic Pinot Noir 2020 pairs with a range of foods, including roast mushrooms, salmon, lamb, and pork dishes.

My final selection is Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano IGT 2019. I had the pleasure of visiting Carpineto in the Chianti area of Tuscany many years ago. According to the winery, “all 500 hectares of land are sustainably farmed. The wines are produced in carbon-neutral wineries and are vegan friendly”. Carpineto Dogajolo Rosso Toscano IGT 2019 is made from 80% Sangiovese and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Its forward, spicy aromas, earthy flavour and balanced, lingering finish pair well with roast lamb, prime rib, pasta dishes and grilled asparagus.

I hope you have a Happy Easter!

Cheers,

Shari

You can reach me at sharispx@gmail.com

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