Easter has come early this year and with it, the opportunity to enjoy time with family and friends- whether you’re taking a few much-needed days away, enjoying time at home, in the country, by the sea, or in bustling cities. However you choose to spend it, celebrations are best punctuated with delicious food and exceptional wines- the perfect vehicle for celebration and conviviality. In the spirit of sharing, our expert team have listed some of their favourite wines to enjoy throughout the long weekend.
Friday Comes Early: A Toast
It’s always worth raising a glass to an early Friday, no matter what the plans for the weekend ahead. Our Classic Cuvée is the perfect bottle to open on an eve of anticipation: it’s vivacious yet elegant, with an underlying depth and complexity that beguiles the drinker. Though delicious and undoubtedly a joy to drink- there’s something intriguing in there that keeps you coming back for more. It’s at its best when shared with good company and is perfect for seasonal spring produce: English asparagus with local butter is a simple yet stunning starter, or Native oysters remain at their best for April- what better excuse to indulge?
For the Easter Lamb Roast
Each household has its own unique traditions for Easter, but seasonal, blush-pink lamb is seemingly unanimous- it’s a simple delight that happens only once or twice a year.
As such, enjoying something special alongside it is non-negotiable for us. For this, we’re not looking for big, bold bottles- we want the meat to sing. With that in mind, Berry Bros. & Rudd Barolo by Giovanni Rosso is the perfect match. With characteristic notes of roses, ripe, red fruits and cloves, the minerality and structure from this bottle add a delicate palate. It’s not an everyday bottle, but is well worth pushing the boat out for and is guaranteed to impress.
With the Easter Chocolates
Though most reserve the egg-hunts and devouring copious amounts of sugar to the children, a well-chosen chocolate treat is usually approached with the same zeal by the adults. Of course, it never hurts to have a more grown-up drink to pair.
Graham’s Six Grapes Ruby Port is a young blend, meaning it’s soft, approachable and still maintains a full-fruited vivacity alongside the sweeter, spicier notes typical of a fortified wine. It's perfect for those who are less familiar with port, or who are seeking something lighter as we head into warmer weather. And, perfect with chocolate.
For a (Hopefully) Sunny Monday
It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a rare sunny bank holiday, must be in want of a cool, crisp glass of white wine. We look no further than the Portuguese chapter of our family, Symington Family Estates: Their Quinta da Fonte Souto Branco is the perfect answer to sunshine sipping. With a distinct freshness and notes of citrus, apricot and white flowers- complemented by a whisper of vanilla and a complexity provided by barrel fermentation on lees. It’s a sophisticated, yet approachable bottle that works amazingly well on its own but is a natural friend to grilled fish and poultry dishes.
A lighter shade of red
When we’re looking for something easy, enjoyable and delicious. The Jour de Soif Cabernet Franc from Domaine de Bel Air fits this brief perfectly. It’s the perfect note on which to end the long Easter weekend.
It’s a bright, fresh red wine- which improves if you chill it before drinking! Intended to be enjoyed young, it comes with crunchy raspberry flavours, a hint of smoke and a saline finish- which naturally invites the drinker to enjoy another glass. Perfect alongside a day free of obligations, a roast chicken, semi-hard goats’ cheese or camembert, or a relaxed charcuterie board.
It’s a bright, fresh red wine- which improves if you chill it before drinking! Intended to be enjoyed young, it comes with crunchy raspberry flavours, a hint of smoke and a saline finish- which naturally invites the drinker to enjoy another glass. Perfect alongside a day free of obligations, a roast chicken, semi-hard goats’ cheese or camembert, or a relaxed charcuterie board.