Celebrating With Wine

Written By: Marlene Osteen | Issue: April 2023

April marks the beginning of spring, the season of hopefulness and two of the season’s biggest holidays. Uniting families around the globe Easter and Passover are rich in food traditions, and for both wine is essential to the celebration. At the Last Supper, Jesus gave his apostles bread symbolizing his body broken for them and wine, symbolic of his blood to be poured out for their sins to be forgiven. During the Passover Seder, each adult drinks four cups of wine representing the redemption of the Israelites from slavery under the Egyptians. So, what should you uncork at your family’s feast? Whether you’re celebrating Easter, Passover, here are food and wine pairings inspired by these spring holidays. For the Passover Seder: Never missing from the Seder table is gefilte fish – poached fish mixed with matzoh. Often served with horseradish it pairs well with Chenin Blanc, Assyrtiko or a classic Sauvignon Blanc. Another traditional starter to the ritual feast is matzoh ball soup – a chance to uncork your favorite bottle of bubbles. For brisket, the most popular main course served at any Seder, it’s important to find a wine that matches the meat’s savory profile. Try Syrah, a grape whose wines drip with smoky flavor. One of the main items of a Seder plate is a lamb shank. A terrific match for this hearty dish is Syrah or Tempranillo. Passover chicken which is frequently prepared with a sweet sauce demands a full-bodied white wine to bring out the sweetness in the sauce – like Semillon. For Easter dinner: Eggs, forever present at Easter, demand something higher in acid and for this reason sparkling wines are the ideal choice. For many families the centerpiece of the Easter table is roast lamb which practically begs for a good glass of red. A French Bordeaux or a fine Cabernet Sauvignon will provide a harmonious complement. From time immemorial, Easter dinner has meant ham and Riesling. This German white wine is a peerless partner with baked ham awash in a fruity, slightly sweet glaze. And it wouldn’t be Easter without an array of sweets – the most emblematic of all of course, is the chocolate bunny. As is always the case, it’s best to pair sweet with sweet. Try enjoying your bunny alongside a glass of Tawny Port. Specific recommendations on the varietals mentioned can be found in Highlands at the Highlands Wine Shoppe, Bryson’s and Mountain Fresh Grocery, and in Cashiers at The Wine & Provisions Shop at the Hotel Cashiers, and the Wine Cellar of Cashiers. by Marlene Osteen