Wine & Cider for Easter

  in Blog

By Clint Mitchell, Oryana Beer/Wine Buyer

While Easter Sunday undoubtedly evokes reverence of the holiday’s purpose to those who celebrate it, or the family feast of pork, poultry or lamb for those who may or may not, Easter is also one of the biggest wine-friendly holidays of the year. After all, what goes better with ham or lamb than wine? Or a delectable vegetarian dish such as risotto or quiche? Especially for those who went without for Lent.  

Light, food-friendly wines, generally a bit lower in alcohol, serve the holiday supper well, whether it’s ham, pork roast or poultry. Rack of lamb? Now we’re talking a big, juicy red.

There’s no need to break the bank for a high-quality wine that complements your meal as there are plenty of wines for under $20 that will do justice to the holiday spread.

Here are a handful of delicious, high-value wines that will serve your guests well. Cheers!

  • Mawby “Bright” Sparkling Hard Cider, Leelanau Peninsula, $14.99. Full-on apple flavors in this low-alcohol sparkling alternative, made entirely with Leelanau County apples. Pop it open as an aperitif, or serve with ham.
  • 2017 Shady Lane Semi-Dry Riesling, Leelanau Peninsula, $14.99. 
  • Made from estate-grown fruit, this tasty little Riesling delivers big on crisp, fruit flavors and bright acidity. Lots of honey, lemon and peach. Ideal with ham or an asparagus salad
  • 2017 Chateau D’Aqueria, Rhone Valley, France, $15.99.A dry style of rose, with plenty of heft. Strawberry and currant flavors lead to floral notes and a streak of minerality. Pair with grilled pork or poultry, or a savory quiche.
  • 2017 Martin Ray Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, Calif., $15.99. Smooth, tart berry flavors lead the way in this fruit forward wine. A touch of vanilla rounds out the finish. This wine is ideal with grilled or roast pork, or a hearty risotto.
  • 2017 Bonny Doon “Clos de Gilroy” Grenache blend, Monterey County, Calif., $14.99. Ripe and spicy, this juicy Rhone blend delivers fruit and floral flavors. Mourvedre helps pack a punch on the finish. Serve with roast pork or leg of lamb.
  • 2016 Martin Ray Cabernete Sauvignon, Napa Valley, Calif., $19.99. Textbook Napa Cab. Dark fruit flavors, with some chocolate and toasted oak. The perfect wine for grilled or roast lamb.