Easter is a cheerful day meant for celebrating with family and friends. If you are planning to host an Easter Party this year, make it shine with the right food and wine pairings, and you can do it with bottles under $15.
From ham and lamb to Easter cake and pie, here’s a quick spring wine pairing guide from the wine experts at Tussock Jumper Wines.
START THE FESTIVITIES
Tussock Jumper Treviso DOC Prosecco, Italy $13
Start off your celebration with this light and bubbly wine. A crisp, refreshing Italian sparkler with notes of citrus flower, lemon zest, and green apples, it’s the perfect wine to prep your palate for the meal to come.
SALAD AND GREENS
One great recipe which can also work as a main dish is our Salmon, Cucumber & Kale Quinoa Salad Recipe. This salad is a healthy choice, and is definitely not lacking in flavor. Kale is packed with fiber, Vitamins A & B and includes antioxidant health benefits to cleanse the body. The salmon in the salad adds fresh taste without a significant amount of added fat or calories while the quinoa, recognized as one of the world’s healthiest foods, helps add in a daily dose of recommended grain. Tying this recipe together, the lemon, dill and tahini ranch dressing adds a kick of flavor that makes healthy eating enjoyable.
Tussock Jumper Chenin Blanc, South Africa $12
Fresh and crisp, with a bit of grassiness and a floral nose, it’s the ideal wine for garden salads, spring artichokes, and fresh, brightly colored crudite platters.
EGGS AND QUICHE
Tussock Jumper Grenache Rosé, Vin de France $13
An omelet or quiche with bacon, spinach, mushrooms, and cheese tastes divine when paired alongside an elegant French rosé. With flavors of juicy red berries and a hint of spice, this south of France wine will have you dreaming of the Mediterranean –just be sure to buy more than one, as your crew may want it for the whole meal! If this sounds divine, here is a delicious quiche recipe.
LAMB AND ROASTED MEATS
Tussock Jumper Organic Malbec, Argentina $14
So many red wines will go with lamb, but a Malbec with dark berries and a smooth finish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. This organically grown Malbec from the San Juan Valley in Argentina is silky, full-bodied, and packed with dark berries and spice. From steak and eggs to a rack of lamb, it’s a delicious complement to hearty dishes.
HONEY BAKED HAM
Tussock Jumper Sweet Cat Red Blend, Italy $11
Spring is in the air, so lighten up your wine style with a bright, fruity red blend. Made with Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and a lesser known Italian grape called Corvina, succulent flavors of cherry jam, cinnamon, and raspberry complement the sweetness of the glazed ham.
DUCK AND POULTRY
Tussock Jumper Pinot Noir, Vin de France $12
If you’re planning to serve duck or chicken, pair it with a lighter red wine like French Pinot Noir. Complex in flavor with a berry and spice nose, this gold award winning wine has flavors of juicy red berries, cherry pie, and wild strawberries.
FISH AND SEAFOOD
Tussock Jumper Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc, New Zealand $12
Serving fish for Good Friday? A New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc will pair well with rich fish dishes, balancing out fatty cold water fish like salmon with its crisp acidity, and tropical notes of pineapple and grapefruit. Want to really impress your guests? Check out this amazing Octopus Recipe.
SPRING VEGETABLES
Tussock Jumper Chardonnay, Vin de France $12
Asparagus and Chardonnay might seem to be an unusual pair, but a Bordeaux style Chardonnay with light oak, bright acidity, and a crisp finish makes for a perfect partner. Top those slender stems with a creamy beurre blanc sauce to kick it up a notch.
CAKES AND DESSERTS
Tussock Jumper White Moscato, Spain $11
Pair desserts like orange pound cake, lemon pie, and raspberry cheesecake with a sweet sparkler from Valencia, Spain. Bright lemon in color with pearly bubbles, notes of mandarin peel and sweet, tropical notes will sweetly transport you to an entirely new level of holiday happiness. If you are looking for a delicious dessert recipe for the evening, try our cherry vanilla cheesecake recipe.