Wine for Easter and Passover

Easter is the celebration of new life and rebirth. This year its timing coincides with Passover, and each marks the first feast of spring after the cold days of winter. Many families today observe traditions from more than one religion. The wider your circle of friends is the higher the likelihood you may be invited to share in a meal that memorializes events from Biblical times. There are many examples of wine being enjoyed throughout the Old and New Testaments, and we honor that custom by making sure it is present on the holiday table.

Our picks for Easter:

Franciscan Estate Chardonnay 2012 (right): This is a well-structured Chardonnay from Napa Valley, with flavors of green apple, pear, andlemon with harmonizing notes of jasmine and crème brulee. If you are serving pollo or pavo this Easter, you will want to have a couple of bottles of this on ice.

Cultivate Wonderlust Chardonnay 2011: From Chile’s Colchagua Valley, this fresh Chardonnay is blended with a bit of Moscatel, which adds soft floral notes and nice body to the wine. It is aged in stainless steel, so flavors of tropical fruit and citrus shine through, making it terrific with seafood appetizers.

MacMurray Ranch Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2012 (left): A bold Pinot Noir from one of Sonoma’s premier sub-regions for this versatile grape, the MacMurray Ranch Pinot has gentle aromas of Mediterranean herbs that give way to flavors of black cherry, cranberry, and caramel. This will be perfect along side your pernil.

Terrazas de los Andes Altos Del Plata Malbec 2011: From Mendoza, Argentina, the Malbec capital of the world, this opulent Malbec offers lush flavors of blackberry, black plum, violet, and freshly ground black pepper. It has a nice savory quality that pairs well with roasted red meat or steaks hot off the grill.

William Hill Estate North Coast Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 (right): A rich Cabernet Sauvignon with flavors of blackberry, black cherry, mocha, and butterscotch, this has good mouthfeel and a nice bright finish. If you are grilling chuletas de cordero or slowly roasting pierna de cordero, this Cabernet Sauvignon will bring out the best flavors in herb-rubbed lamb.

Next, top picks for Passover…

Many people we know keep Kosher for Passover, even if they don’t observe the rest of the year. Whether you are hosting your family or are an invited guest, it is good to know that there are now a lot of excellent choices in Kosher wine. Here are a few great picks from Israel.

Recanati Yasmine White Chardonnay/Sauvignon Blanc Galilee 2012 (left): Bright citrus and floral aromas yield to flavors of pear, lime, and rose petal. It is full in the mouth with a refreshing finish, and is a great way to start the meal.

Galil Mountain Yiron Vineyard Upper Galilee Viognier 2012: Fragrances of lemon and vanilla only hint at the rich flavors of lemon custard, Earl Grey tea, and vanilla bean that will light up your palate.

Recanati Reserve David Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2010(right): Aromas of blackberry and jasmine offer clues to luxurious flavors of cherry, espresso, butterscotch, and a splash of citrus. This is a wonderful wine that is a natural accompaniment to simply prepared lamb.

Golan Heights Winery Yarden Merlot 2009: Rich flavors of cherry and blueberry with accents of vanilla, clove, and cinnamon play across your tongue leading to a smooth finish. Long-lasting tannins will hold up to even the most flavorful braised brisket.