They’re two of our region’s most celebrated holidays, two that we look forward to all year. And even if you don’t honor the traditional Easter or Passover rituals, there’s lots to toast to this weekend. Spring has sprung, and our markets are bursting with the new season’s first produce. Here’s what our team recommends to accompany all spring occasions. Whatever you may celebrate – we hope you do so with great wine, family and friends.
OUR TOP EASTER PICKS
Quinta do Encontro Brut
A delightful, relative newcomer to the store that we can’t get enough of. This Portuguese sparkler is dry with vigorous bubbles, and tastes like a dream $25 Champagne, but is half the price! Pop it open to welcome your Easter guests or sip on it as a reward for spending all of Sunday in the garden. $10.99
Steininger Cabernet Sauvignon Rose
This spring-in-a-bottle charmer will be spectacular with your Easter ham, lamb or vegetarian quiche. Our Wine Manager Kate just returned from a visit to this Austrian winery, where the winemaking family reveled that this past, warmer season was the best vintage they can remember in over 15 years. Ask her to show you pictures of the lovely family and underground cellars. If you like Whispering Angel, you need to try this Austrian gem! $19.99
Henri Perrusset Macon Villages Chardonnay
A wine perfectly suited for spring holiday meals! This light French white is easy drinking and a super classy selection from the Kermit Lynch Portfolio. It’s easily one of our absolute favorites. Crisp, like the morning dew on an early, spring morning. $21.99
Raul Perez “Ultreia” Mencia
This wine is so special! It tastes like a delicious jam made from Scandinavian raspberries with hints of dried herbs, and a smooth, somehow refreshing finish! Even, Eric Asimov, NY Times Wine Critic agrees, including it in his most recent roundup of value wines not to be missed. It’s a beautiful complement to the Easter mainstays of lamb, ham and roast beef. $21.99
And then there are the bottles below. They do double duty, what with their spring-themed labels and all. Never fear – we wouldn’t recommend them if we didn’t like what was behind the label a whole heck of a lot:
The Little Sheep
What an elegant rose, with notes of red summer berries and delicate floral notes. Smooth, and beautifully balanced with fruit-forward flavors and cherry hints that lead into a refreshing, enjoyable finish. $12.99
Lelievre Pinot Auxerrois
We brought this wine in last year and just had to include it again here, given its affinity to spring foods. It’s from Lorraine, near Champagne and Chablis. Though different from those two wines, if you like them, you’ll love this, too. It’s incredibly, beautifully aromatic, and round with pear and white-fruit flavors, all brought together with a delicate acidity. And did you notice the bunny on the label? Could it be more perfect for this spring and Easter? $18.99
Le Poussin Rose
Made by by Sacha Lichine of Whispering Angel fame, the “Pink Chick” is a delicate, pale pink blend made mostly from grenache with a little dash of syrah to round it out. It has floral, rose petal scents on the nose and a dry, well balanced palate with supple summer fruits. It’s one of our most popular, packed full of flavor, at a great price. $11.99
OUR TOP PICKS FOR PASSOVER
O’Dwyer’s Creek Sauvignon Blanc
This Kosher for Passover and vegan beauty of a wine is made on a single estate in the iconic Marlborough region of New Zealand. It’s vibrant with juicy, tropical fruits and pairs perfectly with the Passover table. $17.99
The Butcher’s Daughter Bordeaux
A great wine that just happens to be kosher for Passover, this Bordeaux blend is ripe with a bouquet of cassis and raspberry fruit, and a deep cocoa character. Made to drink with your brisket or lamb roast. It’s a year-round best seller! $13.99
Terra Vega Malbec
From Chile, this silky and balanced wine pairs beautifully with brisket, what with its amazing aromas of plum, cherry and herbs, all followed by a fruit-sweet, biscuit finish. $9.99
Chag Pesach! Happy Easter! Happy Spring!
xoxo, Team Bottles
prices subject to change