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Easter Recommendations
On the Softer Side - Lighter Bodied Wines
2008 Anakena Pinot Noir, Chile. From Chile, this Pinot Noir is nice, round & full of flavor. It's light bodied but has full flavors of juicy raspberry, black cherry, strawberry and allspice. It's ready for drinking now. Pairings: This is quite accommodating and will pair with roasted ham, turkey, pot roast, grilled salmon or something different like sauteed shrimp and scallops in linguine. ($12.99)
2007 Mayer Riesling "Ried Alsegg," Austria. As we know Riesling comes in many different styles, and the Mayer Riesling is a fine example of the diversity of this grape. Seductive fruit nuances of peaches and apricots fill the glass while on the palate, the wine is intense and refreshing with a delicate citrus note on the finish. A truly elegant Riesling, this selection is DRY. Pairings: Enjoy with roasted ham or turkey. ($21.99)
Elvio Tintero Grangia, Piemonte, Italy. This is a dry,  ever-so-slightly sparkly white from the grape Favorita (a version of the Vermentino grape) and adds a touch of Moscato for aromatics. Grangia has a refreshing palate with flavors of pear, lemons and white pepper. Low in alcohol and fermented dry, it makes a perfect aperitif for Easter. We'll start off with this and a lemon zest shrimp dip at Easter. Pairings: Enjoy with roasted asparagus in garlic and baked turkey. ( $12.99)
Moving Up - Medium Bodied Wines 2009 Chateau Bellevue La Foret Rose, France. This is the first 2009 Rosé to make it to us. So, why not kick off Easter with it - a great, dependable, inexpensive one from Southwestern France. The blend produces a fragrant nose of roses, lemons and lush strawberries, while the palate reveals fresh characteristics of red berries with a touch of white pepper through the finish. Pairings: Baked ham, turkey or grilled salmon. ($11.49)
2007 Legado Munoz Garnacha, Spain. You're first greeted by aromas of cherry and plum, with hints of espresso and bitter chocolate. Juicy and exuberant with a bracing acid streak, this Grenache is vibrant, fresh and brisk through the finish, with the cherry flavor remaining bright. Pairings: Endless. Meats, baked or roasted ham or more hearty fish. ($11.99)
Packing a Punch - Robustful, Full Wines
 2007 Ferraton Pere & Fils Crozes-Hermitage Rouge, France. A lot of French words, this wine is no other than 100% Syrah from a great vintage. The nose offers red fruits, black currants and subtle game notes, while the wine attacks the palate with luscious fruit flavors of cherries and raspberries. Pairings: Round and supple, we suggest with hearty Easter dishes - grilled beef or lamb. ($20.99)
2007 Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon, CA. This Cabernet Sauvignon, aged for  24 months in French oak barrels, is drinking wonderfully. It does need some time to open up, about 30 minutes in a decanter or glasses. It begins with aromas of ripe plum and vanilla coupled by exotic spice and black currants. The opulent palate is robust with lush flavors of plum and cherry, layered with vanilla that extends into an elegant finish. Pairings: Roasted lamb topped with Dijon mustard or your favorite cut of steak. ($22.99) |
