Wine and Dine, Wine and Food
Wines for Easter
Mar
1. Easter – the culinary family festival
Ah, Easter – the time of year when oversized chocolate bunnies take over the shelves and families gather around colourfully decorated tables to celebrate the resurrection of chocolate eggs. Joking aside, Easter naturally has a deeper meaning, which is celebrated with a variety of traditions and customs depending on the culture. From religious commemoration to joyful egg hunts in the garden, Easter is a celebration that brings young and old together.
Wine plays an equally central role amidst these diverse celebrations. It is not only a symbol of joy and community, but also an expression of culture and tradition. Whether at a festive Easter brunch or an extended feast on Easter Monday, a well-chosen drop can enhance the gathering and bring out the flavours of traditional dishes.
But this is where the real challenge begins: choosing the right wine from the sheer endless variety of Easter dishes is like looking for the perfect chocolate bunny – there are many options, but not everyone suits your taste. From succulent roast lamb to fine fish dishes and sweet Easter treats, every dish calls for its vinophile soul mate. This companion should not only tickle the palate, but also capture the essence of the feast.
Let’s navigate the complex landscape of red, white and sweet wines to find the perfect pairings for every Easter dish. Prepare to throw out old ideas and rediscover the art of food and wine pairing.
2. traditional Easter dishes and wine suggestions
2.1. Roast lamb
If there is one dish that can be found on the tables of gourmets around the world on Easter Sunday, it is roast lamb. This king of Easter celebrations enjoys a long tradition, characterised by a remarkable variety of regional recipes. Whether marinated with herbs de Provence in France, flavoured with garlic and rosemary in Italy or slowly braised to British perfection in the oven, roast lamb is a true culinary chameleon. Each variation is a feast for the senses, a tribute to the arrival of spring and a sign of renewal.
Finding the perfect glass of wine to do justice to this festive main course is an art in itself.
Here are my wine recommendations for roast lamb:
Red wine: A full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a softer Merlot
A Cabernet Sauvignon, with its firm tannins and complex aromas of dark fruit, cedar wood and a hint of spice, is perfect for the rich flavour of lamb. Its structure and body balance the intensity of the meat and emphasise the subtle spicy notes. It is an interplay that adds a new dimension to every bite and sends the taste buds on a rollercoaster ride.
A Merlot is the ideal choice for those who like it a little softer. Compared to Cabernet, it is often referred to as “cuddly”. With its velvety texture and flavours of plums, cherries and the occasional hint of chocolate, Merlot caresses the lamb in a way that is almost too romantic to be true. It is a gentle, harmonious encounter that will make even the most stubborn wine purist smile.
2020 Mischa Estate La Famille Cabernet Sauvignon, Mischa Estate Wines, Wellington, South Africa
This Cabernet Sauvignon from South Africa enchants with an intensely fruity aroma of blackcurrants, mulberries and plums, underpinned by fine notes of oak, cigar box and leather.
2020 Besoain Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, Besoain Wines, Maipo Valley, Chile
This Cabernet Sauvignon from Chile seduces with an irresistible aroma of ripe blackberries, cassis and plums, underlaid with the warm, spicy flavours of barrel ageing, chocolate and vanilla.
2015 Pillitteri Cabernet Sauvignon, Pillitteri Estate Wines, Niagara, Canada
This multi-layered Cabernet Sauvignon from Canada shows aromatic notes of violet, blackcurrant, blackberry and cranberry jelly, with subtle spice. It is balanced and dense on the palate, with well-integrated tannins and fine acidity. An elegant red wine with a long finish.
2020 Mischa Estate Merlot, Mischa Estate Wines, Wellington, South Africa
This South African red wine enchants the nose with the aroma of sweet and sour cherries, blueberries and blackberries, accompanied by notes of tobacco, liquorice and herbs. There are also hints of rose petals. The Merlot from South Africa is round and fruity on the palate, with soft tannins and peppery spice.
2021 Lindsay TLC „Old Mac“ Merlot, Lindsay Wine Estate, Barossa Valley, Australia
This Merlot from Australia captivates with multi-faceted flavours of ripe blackberries and dark plums. Interwoven with this are subtle herbal notes and a hint of cedar wood. On the palate, this Australian red wine presents itself with a velvety texture and medium body.
White wine: A powerful Chardonnay
Who says that roast lamb always has to be accompanied by red wine? For the brave souls among wine lovers, there is Chardonnay – a white alternative that packs a punch. A strong Chardonnay, matured in oak barrels, brings rich, buttery flavours with a hint of vanilla and roasted nuts into play. These flavours complement the tenderness of the lamb in an unexpected but spectacular way. It is an unconventional choice that will surprise and prove that creativity knows no bounds when it comes to food and wine pairing.
Whether you opt for the traditional red wine route or experiment with a bold Chardonnay, the key lies in the harmony between wine and dish. This will turn Easter into an unforgettable culinary experience that combines tradition and innovation in a delicious way.
2021 Whitehaven Marlborough Chardonnay, Whitehaven Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
Almost classic for this Chardonnay from New Zealand is the intense and very multi-faceted aroma of ripe, grilled pineapple and stone fruit, underlaid with notes of roasted hazelnut and butter. There is also a mineral, flinty character in the background. On the palate, this New Zealand white wine has a creamy texture and soft acidity.
2021 Lindsay TLC „Little Balcony“ Chardonnay, Lindsay Wine Estate, Barossa Valley, Australia
This Chardonnay from Australia is characterised by a fine aroma of ripe tropical fruits such as pineapple and mango, complemented by subtle notes of citrus fruit and a hint of vanilla. This Australian white wine is balanced on the palate, with a medium body and refreshing, well-integrated acidity.
2021 Queenstone Mile Vineyard Chardonnay, Queenstone Mile Vineyard, Niagara, Canada
This Chardonnay from Canada has an inviting aroma of ripe apples and juicy pears, underlaid with creamy vanilla, caramel and roasted hazelnuts. On the palate, this Canadian white wine impresses with a great deal of smoothness and a wonderful combination of fruitiness and elegance. Lots of ripe peach, coated with fine roasted notes and spices.
2.2. Fish dishes (for Good Friday)
Good Friday, a day of silence and reflection, on which the pots of meat traditionally remain cold and fish plays the leading culinary role. In many households, fish is honoured on this day as if it were the leading actor on the red carpet of the Easter holidays. But let’s be honest: Fish at Easter is so much more than just a tradition – it’s an opportunity to give your taste buds a maritime treat!
From classic fried fish and tender salmon fillets to exotic seafood paellas, the choice of fish dishes for Easter is as varied as the depths of the sea. Whether fried, steamed or grilled, each fish dish brings its own flavour, just waiting to be complemented by the right wine.
My wine suggestions for the fish dish at Easter:
White wine: Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling: This versatile white wine is like the Easter bunny among wines – always a good choice! A dry Riesling, with its crisp acidity and delicate scent of green apple, peach or even apricot, can wonderfully emphasise the delicate flavours of a delicate fish dish. It plays with the lightness of the fish without overpowering it, and its natural fruitiness can emphasise even the most subtle spices.
- Sauvignon Blanc: If Riesling is the Easter bunny, then Sauvignon Blanc is the herald of spring among wines. With its lively character and flavours ranging from green pepper to gooseberry and tropical fruit, a Sauvignon Blanc brings a refreshing breeze to any fish dish. Its striking acidity cuts through the richness of the fish, while its aromatic intensity conjures up the diversity of flavours of the sea on the plate.
2021 Besoain Single Vineyard Riesling, Besoain Wines, Maipo Valley, Chile
This Riesling from Chile enchants with a haunting aroma of lemon blossom, quince, apricots and grapefruit accompanied by slightly herbal notes such as camomile. There are also subtle mineral tones. On the palate, this Chilean white wine has plenty of fruity extract and a creamy flavour. The acidity is refreshing and very balanced.
2022 Maxwell Eden Valley Riesling, Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, Australia
This Australian Riesling enchants with a delicate aroma of honeysuckle, Granny Smith apples and citrus peel, accompanied by subtle mineral notes. It is very juicy on the palate, with a delicate, animating acidity. Citrus and floral tones continue clearly. A very elegant, well-balanced white wine from Australia, with mineral tension, fine texture and a long finish.
2021 Amisfield Sauvignon Blanc, Amisfield Wine, Zentral-Otago, Neuseeland
This Sauvignon Blanc from the south of New Zealand seduces with fresh and distinctive flavours of green pineapple, passion fruit and lime, accompanied by an animating aroma of elderflower and subtle mineral notes. On the palate, this New Zealand wine is deep and juicy, with a lively, delicate acidity and delicate notes of tropical fruit.
2022 Seifried Classic South Sauvignon Blanc, Seifried Estate Winery, Nelson, New Zealand
This New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc impresses with its lush, exotic fruit. The nose is characterised by passion fruit, mango and lychee, accompanied by lime, lemon and slightly green tones reminiscent of pea pods. On the palate, this white wine from New Zealand is crisp and fresh, with a well-integrated acidity. The fruit is ripe and very animating.
2021 Creekside Sauvignon Blanc, Creekside Estate Winery, Niagara, Canada
This Canadian Sauvignon Blanc seduces with a delicately fruity flavour of pears, gooseberries and citrus notes. These delicate flavours are accompanied by notes of pea pods and fennel. On the palate, this white wine from Canada is animatingly fresh and juicy, with a delicate acidity and good balance. The fruit continues pleasantly in the mouth, with crisp apple, zesty lime and mouth-watering grapefruit, accompanied by herbal notes.
- Rosé wine: A rosé with Good Friday fish is also an excellent choice! Rosé wines are known for their versatility and can bridge the gap between the worlds of white and red wines. They often offer a nice balance of fruitiness, freshness and a light structure that makes them ideal accompaniments for a variety of fish dishes. The subtle berry fruit flavours often found in rosé wines, together with their refreshing acidity, complement the delicate, often subtle flavour profiles of fish beautifully. Whether it’s a grilled salmon, a tender trout fillet or an aromatic fish soup, a well-chosen rosé can enhance the flavours of the dish and provide a balanced taste experience.
2022 Whitehaven Marlborough Rosé, Whitehaven Wines, Marlborough, New Zealand
This Pinot Noir Rosé from New Zealand has a captivating aroma of summer, sun and sea. Fresh flavours of cherries, strawberries, watermelon and wild flowers seduce the nose. Accompanied by delicate herbal notes. On the palate, this New Zealand wine is dry and animatingly juicy, with tingling, lively acidity. The charming red berry flavours continue wonderfully and linger for a long time.
2021 Creekside Rosé, Creekside Estate Winery, Niagara, Canada
This Canadian rosé enchants with a delicate aroma reminiscent of candy floss, ripe red berries and cantaloupe melon. It impresses on the palate with a juicy, fruity flavour. Cherries, wild strawberries and grapefruit, accompanied by a mouth-watering Mediterranean saltiness. The acidity is delicate and supportive. A great wine from Canada for relaxing and, with its subtle residual sweetness, an ideal accompaniment to spicy, slightly savoury dishes.
2022 Maxwell Little Demon Rosé, Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, Australia
This rosé from Australia exudes delicate strawberry flavours. The mouthfeel is fresh, fruity and balanced with vibrant strawberries and cream. A pleasantly creamy texture and invigorating acidity guarantee a good drinking flow, a great terrace wine with a fruity, dry finish. Demons can always haunt us like this.
A well-chosen Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc or rosé wine with your fish dish on Good Friday is like finding the perfectly hidden Easter egg – a real treat that will make the feast unforgettable. So, raise a glass and toast to the culinary delights that the sea has to offer, accompanied by a wine that tells the stories of a thousand waves.
2.3 Easter bread and pastries
Ah, Easter bread and biscuits, the sweet temptations that turn every Easter into a true feast for the senses. Just imagine: The aroma of freshly baked Easter braided bread permeating the house, an artfully decorated Easter cake resplendent in the centre of the table – these moments bring a smile to every face and awaken memories that are deeply rooted in our hearts.
Easter bread and biscuits: a sweet spectacle
The Easter plait, a braid of sweet yeast dough, often refined with sultanas or almonds, is at the centre of the Easter baking tradition in many cultures. It symbolises the end of Lent and the beginning of a new life. Then we have the Easter cake, which ranges in variety from simple sponge cakes to complex creations with marzipan, fruit and nuts. Each region has its own variations and secret recipes that are passed down from generation to generation.
Now, what to drink with these sweet delicacies? Choosing a wine to pair with sweet pastries may seem like a challenge at first, but fear not! The answer lies in the harmonious balance of sweetness and acidity that a well-chosen wine can offer.
Sweet wines:
Acidic dessert wines go well with a variety of desserts and other sweet dishes. Due to their high acidity and natural sweetness, these wines are also an excellent accompaniment to Easter pastries.
This New Zealand dessert wine is rich and intensely concentrated. On the nose, it has a sensual aroma of tangerine peel, crystallised ginger, citrus fruits and Christmas spices. On the palate, this sweet wine from New Zealand seduces with an exciting interplay of sweetness and acidity, plenty of fruit extract and a delicate mellowness. An exquisite Riesling from New Zealand, with a long, opulent finish and good development potential.
2019 Lakeview Vidal Icewine, Lakeview Cellars, Niagara, Canada
This ice wine from Canada seduces with delicious flavours of lychee, pineapple, nectarine and freshly harvested citrus fruits. On the palate, this Canadian wine is multi-layered, with a well-supporting and delicate acidity as its backbone. This is followed by an animating, sweet finish with a long aftertaste. This fresh, lively ice wine from the Vidal grape variety should be served slightly chilled at around 12 degrees Celsius.
2017 Pillitteri Carretto Vidal Icewine, Pillitteri Estate Wines, Niagara, Canada
This Canadian wine exudes a fantastic aroma of flowers, honey, candied orange peel, peach and apricot. On the palate you will find intense flavours of pineapple, lychee and honey, as well as a lush texture, balancing acidity and a long finish.
Sparkling wines
For those who prefer something a little less sweet, a light sparkling or semi-sparkling wine is the perfect alternative. Sparkling wines are known for their crisp acidity and fine bubbles. They offer a refreshing complement to the rich flavours of the Easter cake. Its subtle sweetness and tangy texture emphasise the delicate spices and butteriness of the biscuits without dominating.
NV Maxwell Little Demon Envious Sparkling, Maxwell Wines, McLaren Vale, Australia
2.4 Egg dishes
Egg dishes at Easter – it’s like talking about the salt in the soup. Without them, something crucial is simply missing. Eggs, these little symbols of life and renewal, are at the centre of the Easter gourmet universe. But why is that? Well, apart from the fact that they are perfect for being colourfully painted and used as decoration, eggs have embodied fertility and new beginnings for centuries – perfectly in keeping with the Easter message.
Egg dishes: The protagonists of the Easter brunch
From omelettes and quiches to eggs benedict – the variety of egg dishes for Easter is as colourful as the range of Easter eggs themselves. Take the classic omelette, for example: a canvas just waiting to be painted with whatever the fridge has to offer. Or the quiche, the savoury tart that comes in countless variations, from spinach and feta to salmon and dill. Not forgetting the exquisite Benedict eggs, a real feast for the senses with poached eggs on a bed of English muffin and bacon, topped with velvety hollandaise sauce. These dishes are not only a delight for the palate, but also contribute to the festive atmosphere by adding colour and variety to the table.
Wine suggestions: Light and refreshing
Now that we have set the culinary stage, the question arises: which wine goes well with these varied egg dishes? The answer lies in the lightness and freshness that a good white wine brings to the ensemble.
Grüner Veltliner: the versatile partner
A Grüner Veltliner, this shining star among Austrian white wines, is the perfect choice for egg dishes of all kinds. Its crisp acidity and subtle spicy notes play wonderfully with the richness of the eggs, while its freshness invigorates the palate. Whether with a fluffy omelette or a rich quiche, a well-chilled Grüner Veltliner is like a fresh spring morning wafting through the kitchen.
2022 Seifried Nelson Grüner Veltiner, Seifried Estate Winery, Nelson, New Zealand
This Grüner Veltliner from New Zealand captivates with delicate floral notes. On the nose, it smells of flowers, green apple and almonds, accompanied by hints of white pepper. This wonderful white wine from New Zealand is fresh and lively on the palate. The apple and pepper flavours continue wonderfully. The acidity is piquant, delicate and perfectly integrated. An elegant, very varietal Grüner Veltliner with a long finish.
Pinot Grigio: A touch of elegance
If you prefer something a little more elegant, go for Pinot Grigio. This popular Italian white wine impresses with its light minerality and delicate fruit flavours, ranging from apple and pear to tropical notes. Its elegant structure and balanced acidity profile make it an excellent partner for egg dishes, enhancing the flavours without overpowering them.
2023 Longview Queenie Pinot Grigio, Longview Vineyard, Adelaide Hills, Australia
This Pinot Grigio from Australia tantalises the senses with a multi-layered aroma of pear, green apple, white flowers and ginger. On the palate, this Australian white wine is dry and lively, delicate apple fruit continues in a captivating way, the youthful acidity is fresh and animating, an elegant and light-footed white wine from Australia, with a crisp, long finish. Great as a soloist at parties and a versatile accompaniment to food.
2022 Longview Vista Grigio Grüner Veltiner, Longview Vineyard, Adelaide Hills, Australia
This Australian white wine made from Pinot Grigio and Grüner Veltliner impresses with an exuberant, multi-faceted aroma of pear and lime, accompanied by the flavour of fresh nettles and spices. On the palate, this white wine from Australia is playful and exciting. First a lemon sorbet in the foreground, then the spicy, porky pear. The acidity is fresh and lively.
3. modern and international Easter dishes
Easter in the 21st century is a colourful celebration that goes far beyond traditional boundaries. In a world that is becoming increasingly connected and aware, our tables are also opening up to modern, plant-based alternatives and international specialities that enrich Easter. This culinary diversity not only reflects our globalised society, but also provides the perfect opportunity to discover and celebrate new flavours. So, buckle up, we’re going on a journey of flavourful discovery!
3.1 Vegetarian and vegan alternatives – Green Easter celebrations
Who says Easter always has to be all about roast lamb? The modern Easter table celebrates green in all its facets with creative, plant-based alternatives that will win over even the most die-hard critic. Think juicy, herb-filled roulades made from seitan, which will amaze you with their flavourful filling and crispy crust. Or a sumptuous vegan lasagne layered with fresh spinach, mushrooms, a creamy cashew béchamel sauce and topped with golden vegan cheese.
Wine suggestions: Organic or natural wines
Organic or natural wines are the perfect accompaniment to these green delicacies. These wines, produced with minimal intervention and maximum love for the environment, reflect the sustainable ethos of the dishes. A crisp, biodynamic white wine, perhaps a Grüner Veltliner or an organic Chardonnay, emphasises the freshness of the ingredients. For those who prefer something a little more unconventional, a natural wine with its unique character and diverse flavours could be an exciting addition.
Wine suggestions that fit
These international delicacies go well with wines that reflect the variety and uniqueness of the dishes. A Spanish Albariño, with its balance of fruitiness and acidity, would be an excellent choice for the tortilla. For the Roman-style artichokes, we recommend an Italian Verdicchio, whose mineral notes and citrus flavours complement the dish perfectly.
3.2 International Easter dishes – flavours without borders
Easter is celebrated all over the world and every culture has its own culinary traditions. How about a Spanish tortilla de patatas for Easter brunch, for example? Or an Italian Carciofi alla Romana (Roman-style artichokes) as an elegant starter? These international dishes open up a world of flavours and aromas and add a global touch to Easter.
Conclusion: Easter – a celebration of diversity
Modern and international Easter cuisine is a reflection of our diverse, interconnected world. It brings together people from different backgrounds and celebrates the universal language of food. With the right wines – be it an organic wine that emphasises sustainability or an international drop that captures the flavours of a foreign country – this Easter will be a culinary voyage of discovery that will live long in the memory. So, let’s raise a glass to the diversity that unites us. Cheers!
