David’s Vino

As I’m typing this, the sunshine is streaming in through the window and though spring technically began on the 20^th of March, it is only now that I’m finding it overly difficult to ignore that feeling of warmth and vigor it generates. Easter is nearly upon us and with it, brings a time of renewal, new life in the fields and hedgerows and an urge to reorganize our drinking habits as the season changes. My job this Easter, as is with every Easter, is to roast the potatoes and pick out some wines that are well suited to lamb. The potatoes aren’t such a worry; duck fat will do most of my work for me. The wine however, is another story. I wanted solid wines, which would be easy for our large group to appreciate, but none that will break the bank. Here are my findings…

Bubbles are always a nice way to start off the evening- they’re fun and usually the kids can even sneak a sip if they’re lucky. Nino Franco’s 2010 Rive di San Floriano ($30) Prosecco will be the bubby of choice this year chez moi. Displaying a tremendous balance of citrus fruits, cream and brioche; this is one the greatest heights Prosecco is capable of climbing too.

Now, onto the meal. With such varying tastes walking through my front door this year, having both white and red wine on hand seems like a wise choice. Paolo Saracco’s 2009 Riesling ($25) will serve as our white wine for the evening. It’s fruity yet dry, with a rich texture and crackling acidity, before a savory herbal note that will act as a bridge between the meat and vegetables. Undoubtedly, it will be better suited to our starter squash soup rather than the lamb, but it certainly won’t disappoint our white wine fans.

For red, I’ve chosen two different wines which are produced in the same winery; a tiny little producer that calls the island of Sardegna home, Argiolas. The first will be the 2008 Korem ($44) which is a blend of three different varietals, the majority being Bovale Sardo. Look for a bouquet of black fruit, cedar, chocolate and an unmistakable ‘warm moss’ quality which is extraordinarily compelling. This is quite full bodied, and will be perfectly suited to our roast lamb. Once we’ve made our way through the lamb and the Korem, and our palates are slightly worn down, we’ll move onto to a slightly softer wine, the Costera ($26). Derived primarily from Grenache, Costera is medium bodied in weight, loaded with heaps of red fruits and a stratospherically soft tannin structure. Alternatively, had ham or pork been the meat of choice- this would be a much stronger pairing than the Korem.

If you are a guest……Assume that the host has already picked wine for the meal, so bring something that you love- a wine that you’d want your friends to try. Or, go totally different, and while the children are enjoying their chocolate bunnies, the adults can enjoy some chocolate of their own. Try a bottle of Sandro Bottega’s Gianduia Chocolate Liqueur ($26) for an unusual hostess gift.