Easter Wine Guide

Growing up in my large extended family, easter meant not just ham, but 2 hams, mountains of scalloped potatoes, fresh spring beans and my grandmother's hot cross buns. Whether your holiday meal is brunch, dinner, or an open house/free-for-all, we have some suggestions for easy wine pairings that complement most traditional Easter fare.

Brunch
If your Easter meal is all about the egg dishes, I would keep it simple and offer Mimosas and Bellinis. Choose a cava, prosecco or other sparkler that is tasty on its own, but inexpensive enough to use as a mixer.

Nino Franco Prosecco di Valdobbiadene Rustico $15
Soft and fruity... an absolutely perfect prosecco on its own and an ideal base for bellinis.

Cremant de Limoux, Antech "Cuvee Eugenie" $14
So rich and toasty... if you didn't know it wasn't from Champagne, you'd swear this was the real deal.

Segura Viudas Aria Brut NV $10
A bright and crisp cava that shines on its own, but is well suited for mixing.

Ham
Ham still seems to be the centerpiece of most Easter feasts. Be it the honey-baked, spiral cut, cola glazed smoked variety, or the lesser known FRESH (non-pink) version, ham is a protein that pairs well with both reds and whites. But since both fresh and smoked varieties are usually bathed in a sticky glaze, it is important to find a wine that has a little fruit. I think the conventional wisdom is that a fruity but dry riesling is the best match... but if the thought of riesling conjures images of Blue Nun, then by all means go with an alternative. But if you're feeling a little adventurous, I think you'd be surprised at how many great dry rieslings are out there.

Leeuwin Estate Riesling 'Art Series' 2006 $20
I know this one pushes our limit on cheap, but it is certainly fun and I think worth every penny. The Leeuwin is a crisp and refreshing riesling with succulent, ripe stone fruit flavors balanced by refreshing citrus.

Gustave Lorentz Pinot Gris 2007 $14
Subtly floral and slightly smoky, this pinot gris is a great alternative for riesling-phobes. Soft fruit feels round and ripe on your palate but this wine finishes super clean.

Fleurie 2006 Chateau des Bachelards, Georges Duboeuf $15
This single vineyard Beaujolais is rich and ripe with layers of black cherry and earthy spice... much more akin to the burgundies of the north than the young, sourced wines of Beaujolais. Medium bodied with the perfect punch of fruit for ham.

d'Arenberg Laughing Magpie Shiraz Viognier 2007 $19
You might be thinking that a shiraz/viognier blend must be a typo--or at the very least an error in judgement. But I am here to tell you that if you can find this wine, you must try it. You get remarkable floral and ripe stone fruit notes from the viognier, which marry surprisingly well with the dried fruit and herbal components from the shiraz.

Lamb
If spring lamb is more your speed, you have a lot of flexibility in wine selection. Pick a cab, a merlot, a malbec-- or any number of blends that are red-meat friendly. I chose two that I think are interesting and a fine match for racks or legs that are rubbed with garlic and fresh spring herbs.

2006 Bodegas Hijos de Juan Gil Monastrell $14
This mourvedre from Spain is inky and intense... lots of jammy fruit layered with leather and smoke and spice. I think this pairs slightly better with the richness and gaminess of a leg of lamb, but it is so good I'd drink it with almost anything.

MontGras Quatro 2007 $15
30% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, 25% Syrah and 15% Carmenere
This Chilean chilean blend is full and rich with lovely currant and plummy notes. It is a little dusty and spicy and a beautiful match for lamb.

Chocolate
I know for some, Easter is all about the chocolate. For you chocolate bunny and egg hounds, I'd recommend a good port. Of course, depending on your chocolate preference (white, milk or dark) you do have other options, but for flexibility and sheer yumminess, I'd go with a tawny port

R. L. Buller & Son Tawny Victoria NV $11
Delicate, yet layered and rich, the Buller is a great value tawny port. Toasty caramel notes mingle with spice and honey for a truly intoxicating blend. Aromatherapy at its finest.

Easter egg image via Poem4Today.com

Keeping it Kosher - Wines for Passover

In order for a wine to be kosher, it must be created under a rabbi's immediate supervision, with only Sabbath-observant Jewish males touching the grapes from the crushing phase through the bottling. While all wines require some sort of mold (yeast) for fermentation, kosher for Passover wine must be made from a mold that has not been grown on bread (such as sugar or fruit) and must exclude several common preservatives. All Israeli wines are Kosher for Passover and most (but not all) kosher wines are kosher for Passover. To be sure, check the label for the P. (from About.com)

Passover is quickly approaching and while I am by no means an expert on Kosher wines, I have tried quite a few and thought I'd pass along some reliable choices that are also budget friendly. There are a lot of online resources for Kosher wines these days and I've included a few links at the bottom so you may browse at your leisure.

Hagafen Sauvignon Blanc Napa Valley 2008 $17
On the nose, this highly aromatic Sauvignon Blanc shows pineapple, key lime, and mandarin orange. This bracing, mouth-watering wine fills the palate with a well integrated and creamy mix of apricot, citrus, grapefruit, and tangelo. This Sauvignon Blanc is produced from a well-established vineyard in the Eastern foothills of the Napa Valley, where the hot days and cool nights are ideal for creating crisp, clean, long-finishing food friendly wine. (from Wine Chateau)

Recanati Chardonnay 2007 $16
This Chardonnay was made from Upper Galilee Chardonnay vineyards and aged sur lies, a technique used to produce wines that are buttery, complex and rich in flavor. These Chardonnay grapes were harvested in the earlymorning hours in Recanati's Upper Galilee vineyards at Kibbutz Manara and Kerem Ben Zimra, at the foothills of Meron mountain. These well-nurtured and quality vineyards, with their high quality low crop load, are characterized by scents and flavors of white flowers, grapefruit, pineapple and tropical fruit. The wine remained with its sediment and developed flavors and scents of vanilla, butter and toasted bread that combined with the wine's fruit flavors and full, robust body. (from Astor Wines & Spirits)

Galil Mountain Viognier 2006 $13
Bright, golden straw-like color. Peach, ripe apricot and orange peel aroma with a refreshing blossom-like fragrance and hints of oakand butter characters. A medium-to-full bodied wine with balanced and gentle acidity and a long, pleasant finish. 60% of the wine underwent cold fermentation in stainlesssteel, with the remaining 40% fermented in new French oak barrels.The barrel-fermented wine aged on yeast lees for six months. The cold fermentation enabled the wine to preserve the variety's fresh characters, while wood and yeast characters were added to the barrel-fermented wine. (from KosherWine.com)

Baron Herzog 2007 Clarksburg Chenin Blanc 2007 $8
Looking for a dry but soft, easy-drinking white wine that everyone can enjoy? Nice clean flavors with hints of melon, stone fruits, and savory herbs are wrapped in a smooth, medium-bodied package that is delicious on its own, but will also pair beautifully with a wide range of lighter foods. A terrific everyday white wine that's also easy on the wallet. (from The Wine Country)

Galil Mountain Pinot Noir 2006 $17
Perfumed and silky with typical aromas of wild berries, violets and hints of tobacco and oak. Aged for 10 months in French oak barrels. Delicate and well balanced with an elegant structure and a fresh pleasant finish. (from KosherWine.com)

Gamla Merlot 2006 $17
Gamla Merlot was produced from Merlot and a small amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, all grown in the Golan Heights. The cool climate, rocky volcanic soil and high altitude are ideal conditions for growing these classic varieties. Aging in oak barrels, mostly French with a bit of American, rounds out the berry floral and spice characters in this approachable and elegant Merlot. (from OnlineKosherWine.com)

Golan Cabernet Sauvignon 2006 $13
The Golan Cabernet Sauvignon offers ripe berry and plum fruit notes rounded out with rich vanilla, spice and oak. This aromatic, medium-bodied wine finishes off with loads of fruit. Although immediately approachable, it will age well over the next five years or so. We recommend drinking it with boldly-flavored foods, such as spice-rubbed well-marbled grilled steak or eggplant parmesan made with plenty of fresh herbs. The fruit comes from several vineyards in the central Golan Heights. The wine aged for six months in American oak barrels. (from KosherWine.com)

Tishbi Cabernet Petite Sirah 2007 $10
Cabernet Petit Syrah Dry red wine Appelation: Zichron Yaakov & Kfar Tavor This young, refreshing wine is made of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah grapes. Fruity and fresh, it carries an aroma of strawberries and herbs. (from OnlineKosherWine.com)

Other great resources:
Kosher Wine Society
Wines-Isreal.com
Online Kosher Wine
KosherWine.com

Main bottle image via Giora's Kosher Food Blog

Pommery POP vs. Piper Heidsieck Brut

The true Champagne battle was a little like comparing apples to oranges. I didn't realize that the POP I grabbed was Extra Dry (which oddly, in Champagne-speak means a little sweet). I should have selected another brut, but the tasting must go on. So the POP was ok, but I didn't feel like it was substantial enough to be a real contender. Beyond the sweet I thought it was a little bland and really undeserving of more attention.

But the Piper, ahhh the Piper... lush and creamy with a warm, toasty back bone and lovely mousse. Lingering flavors of honey and citrus peel give this sparkler added dimension. A classic and thoroughly enjoyable Champage and the overall winner. Now we can really ring in the new year.

Piper Heidsieck Brut Cuvee $34

Mumm Cuvee Prestige vs. Chandon Brut Classic

Suspecting that it might be a wee bit lighter, we started with the Chandon. Mr. CheapFunWine commented on the extremely light hue in the glass and the serious lack of scent emanating from said glass. I must say, for the most part, I concurred. The Chandon was fairly flavorless--save for the initial punch of sharp fruit on the tongue. And by fruit I mean distinct essence of Smarties and Fun-Dip. Powdery and too sweet-tart.

Thankfully, the Mumm's provided a little more enjoyment. The dark golden hue is a clear indicator of the toasty, creamy bubbly inside. Vibrant and crisp with a thread of richness that creates an endearing sense of balance. A great Champagne alternative for under $20!

Mumm Napa Brut Prestige $17

Freixenet Brut vs. Segura Viudas

In the battle of the Cavas, the Freixenet is definitely better known, but I think the Segura Viudas (which is also made by Freixenet) is the clear winner. The former is bright and crisp but a little watery and fairly flavorless. You feel the bubbles on your tongue but there really isn't much else going on. Conversely, the latter is smooth and slightly creamy with refreshing grapefruit and soft fruit notes. Light, but pleasant and a great value pick. I love this cava for a big bash or for an anytime bubbly.

Segura Viudas Brut Reserva $8

What to Serve with the Bird - Red, White & Gravy

Thanksgiving is the one holiday that I serve only wines made in the U.S. of.A. It just makes sense to me. So, all of the selections below meet that criteria as well as coming in below the $20 mark.

If you want to keep your selections simple, I would suggest a medium white and a medium to fuller-bodied red. It is always tough to choose only two wines for the extensive array of flavors present on the Thanksgiving table, and since everyone has their own idea of what constitutes 'cheap' I've given you two pricing options:

UNDER $15

Cline Cellars Pinot Grigio - Chardonnay 2007
Ripe and creamy tropical fruit notes punctuated by a crisp, acidic finish $10

Villa Mt. Eden Grand Reserve Antique Vines 2004
Bold berry and spice are the predominant characteristics of this rich and chewy zinfandel $12

$15 TO $20
Eyrie Pinot Gris 2006
Rich and ripe, the Eyrie is fermented in stainless but develops depth and character from significant time spent on its lees. Then it is only loosely filtered before bottling. The resulting wine is layered and lush and a great accompaniment most dishes. $17

Esser Vineyards Pinot Noir 2006
Brilliant medium garnet in color, the wine's aromas are keynoted by violets, baked stone fruits and clove/allspice/fennel notes. With fine firm texture and fresh fruit flavors of cherry and plum backed by notes of spice cake and toasty oak. $16

I am a big fan of the tasting menu format... I enjoy the concept of trying more, but eating less. So if I were having a small group of mainly wine drinkers for the big feast, this would be my ideal menu:

Baby Greens with Sliced Pears, Dried Cranberries, Pecan Crusted Chevre Medallions & Champagne Vinaigrette
Roederer Estate Brut NV

Fresh Corn Puddings
2007 Foxglove San Luis Obisipo County Chardonnay

Apple-filled Acorn Squash Rings (from Epicurious)
2006 Bucklin "Compagni Portis Vineyard," Sonoma County, Gewurztraminer

Herb Rubbed Roasted Turkey over Rosemary Foccacia Dressing, with Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Pan Gravy
Tablas Creek Cotes de Tablas Rouge 2006

Miniature Pear Tatins and Pumpkin-Pecan Tarts
Stony Hill Vineyard Semillon de Soleil 2006

Just remember to choose the wine you like. That is the most important criteria after all. And have a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Blood of the Vines - Halloween Wine Guide

There are a number of novelty wines out there if you're in the market this All Hallows Eve. If you want one stop shopping and live near a Cost Plus World Market, you can find about 9 or ten options there, including their own Trick (red blend) or Treat (white blend) from Chateau Diana. Cute idea, but I think I'll focus on the darker options.

Vampire Pinot Noir - Vampire Vineyards - Vin de Pays, FR
Powerful forest fruit and wild strawberry aromas persist on the nose, balanced by hints of fine French oak. The vibrant ruby red colors hint at a young wine, but the taste reveals a remarkable maturity. Elegant soft fruit flavors are already finely integrated into the structure of the wine, as is the oak, adding a subtle but powerful complexity to the flavor. This is a light smooth wine, easy to drink at any time of the year and exhibiting typical character of a young Pinot Noir. (Vampire Vineyards)

Vampire Merlot - Vampire Vineyards - Paso Robles, California
Picked at peak ripeness, the Merlot is fermented on the skins for two weeks, with three-times-daily pump-overs, the traditional method of extraction which brings rich color and supple tannins to the new wine. Aged with a combination of both French and American oak, our Merlot develops graceful fruit flavors in the cellar, complemented by subtle shadings of vanilla and toast from the oak. At the completion of the aging process, this Merlot was carefully blended with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon for added depth and structure, as well as 8% Zinfandel, which adds a spicy note on the palate. (Vampire Vineyards)

Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon - Vampire Vineyards - Paso Robles, California
Vampire Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from several small-berry clones of this traditional Bordeaux varietal, grown in the Paso Robles region of California's Central Coast. Classic, small-lot fermentations, followed by aging with both European and American oak, gives full expression to the rich varietal flavors in this wine. Judiciously blended with small amounts of Merlot for softness, and Syrah for added structure, the Cabernet displays ripe flavor character and a lovely aroma that will continue to develop with additional time in bottle. (Vampire Vineyards)

(If you want something a little more authentic, try to find the Cab and Merlot from the Racas Vineyard in Transylvania)

Spellbound Cabernet Sauvignon - California
Spellbound Cabernet exemplifies lush textures and bold dark fruit flavors with a slight hint of oak and spice. Cedar and tobacco aromas complement integrated lively tannins and fill out your palate allowing the wine to be consumed on its own or with your favorite food. (Spellbound Wines)

Spellbound Old Vines Zinfandel - Lodi
Our deep appreciation of the Zinfandel grapes rich history in California has led us to add this exciting varietal to the Spellbound family of wines. Focusing on old vines with lower yields that deliver intense flavors and bright acidity, we have produced a wine that is food friendly and lush on the palate. Located in the Lodi appellation, the 52 year old zinfandel vines offer subtle spice, rich, dark berry flavors, and balanced acidity. Aged in a combination of small French and American oak barrels we believe you will find this to be one of Spellbounds most delicious wines. (Spellbound Wines)

Evil Cabernet Sauvignon - South Australia
100% Cabernet Sauvignon from vineyards in Langhorne Creek, Riverland, Barossa Valley. 25% aged in French oak for 12 months. Dark rich red, with bright crimson hues. Fresh, yet rich classic varietal nose, consisting of black olive, fresh blackberries and raspberries. The soft palate displays complexity of fruit and oak, with blackcurrant and spicy clove characters, balanced with a fine tannin finish. (Wine.com)

Pure Evil Chardonnay - South Australia
Pure Evil Chardonnay has white peach stone fruit characters. Add a luscious and delicious textural mouthfeel and a touch of French oak influence. The creaminess is balanced by an elegant freshness. (Wine.com)

You may also find these and other options at your local wineshop/beverage superstore. All are in the $8 - $15 range, but if you're having a party or just stocking up, be sure to ask about 6- and 12-bottle discounts.

Crazy Like a Fox - KitFox Vineyards (Part 1 of 3)

Maybe I should say, "crazy for the fox." I have four new wines to bring you, but I don't want to hit you all at once so I'm going to split them into pairs. I really want you to remember these wines and relish them as much as I have relished tasting them. So when you have a minute, check out KitFox Vineyards. They're a small California property but it is remarkably evident, they have big heart.

The Vogel family have been farming the land for four generations (nuts before wine) and have the unique distinction of being the sole producers in the upstart Salado Creek AVA. And they seem to possess the requisite passion for growing the grapes as well as turning them into wine -- stunning wine, but more on that later.

I'll be honest, I was a little nervous -- I really wanted to like the wines because I like their story. I'm a sucker for a strong family business. Add to that the classic and upscale bottle styling and a cheeky marketing campaign and I'm drawn in before the first glass is poured. So what happens if the wines are mediocre? It happens. I've seen it before. Great packaging, great story, okay wine. As I hinted above, that is not the case here. They sent me four wines to try and I followed up with a little light reading and the best part of this gig, lots of tasting. Tune in for Part 2.

Hanna Sauvignon Blanc 2006

We're big Sauvignon Blanc fans around here, especially when we can find them for under $20. One brand we've definitely got a jones to try is Hanna's 2006 bottling, which got a staggering 93/100 from Wine & Spirits magazine and was their #1 pick out of over 150 Sauvignon Blancs. Sounds like you can't go wrong, especially for the price, but if you need more convincing, here's what they had to say:

"This wine has the Pacific cool of the Russian River Valley and a lovely pearlike flavor set in a generous texture..."
-Wines & Spirits

Hanna 2006 Sauvignon Blanc - White Wine

Wine Teasers Wine Game

Wine Teasers is fun. There are questions about wine, cards shaped like bottles and each team has its own “virtual cellar.” The CFW crew enjoyed it, but there was a lukewarm reception overall. That was until Crazy Karl, one of the interns here, had a brilliant suggestion. CK has a lot of brilliant suggestions, but he’s usually speaking too fast for anyone to understand him. He also can’t speak with his eyes open. Really, we tried to keep his eyelids pried open and make him talk, but he just sputtered and then cried a little. Anyway, Karl’s suggestion was to play Wine Teasers with real bottles.

The objective of the game is to get a full cellar. You gain “bottles” by answering questions right. Crazy Karl thought each person could bring two bottles of real wine, so each team would have eight or ten bottles. You can win the other teams bottles by answering the questions correctly. It was genius. We played a few time a week and end the night by drinking, and sharing some of our spoils. The game is fun in its original form, but the Crazy Karl version is a blast.

The game includes:

• 100 Questions, hints, & discussions, 30 wine bottle cards that describe wines and food pairings.
  
• Fast-start rules, full rules, pronunciations card, hint credits.
  
• The Q & A wine game for your next gathering of 2 to 20+ players, beginners or experts.
  
• Lighthearted, unpretentious, and accurate.
  
• The FUN way to learn wine!

. . . so hop onto Amazon.com, where we found this great game for $13.00! You can’t beat that. Enjoy!

Wine Teasers Wine Game

Good Wines for About $7-$8

We're constantly on the lookout for wine under $20, but some days (right before pay day, for example) you just need to swing a few cheaper bottles. Read on for some whites and reds from all over the world that will most likely be under $10.

Continue reading: "Good Wines for About $7-$8"

Bodega Inurrieta Norte 2003

We haven't tried a lot of Spanish wines, but we're certainly interested in the prospect. Most people think of very specific grapes when they think of Spain (Tempranillo springs to mind) but the folks over at Good Wine Under $20 have discovered a Merlot-Cab blend they like a lot - though you may have some trouble finding it.

This was a rich, smoky wine, with a deep inky crimson color and inviting aromas of spices, flowers, and rich red and black berries. Bodega Inurrieta makes their wine in the Navarra region, which has both warm Mediterranean and cooler Atlantic influences. These different influences help the grapes to develop their full potential without over-ripeness. The flavors of cassis, clove, and cedar were equally rich and inviting and lingered in your mouth, making it a pleasure to drink glass after beautiful glass. And you could do just that because the wine had 13.5% alc/vol despite its rich and flavorful profile. What most impressed me, however, was the wine's superb balance, since the acidity that gave the wine structure was perfectly paired with the fruit and the oak.

Read on at Good Wine Under $20

Red Truck, Pink Truck...

...buy truck, drink truck. It sounds like a Dr. Seuss rhyme, but this is serious stuff - two quality wines (a red and a rose) that both cost around $10 and both have something to do with trucks. We haven't tried the pink, but we bought some of the Red Truck for a friend who happens to have a red pick-up, and were pleasantly surprised, especially for the price and the locale where we bought it (a gas station).

Medium-bodied and complex, flavors of chocolate, berries, cherries and licorice abound. The black pepper finish settles with smooth tannins. You can drink red truck anywhere, anytime (it pairs well with pizza and tomato based dishes). And for you die-hard Cline fans, take it for a spin and floor it baby, metaphorically speaking of course!

Cline 2003 Red Truck - Red Wine

Pink Truck is a classic wine with a very sophisticated twist. This exceptional new blend exhibits berry and citrus aromas and strawberry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors that tantalize the palate. Juicy orange notes make for a delicious, bright finish — a refreshingly complex wine crafted in a balanced off-dry style. A WELL-CRAFTED BLEND OF: Zinfandel, Grenache, Mourvedre

Red Truck Winery 2006 Pink Truck - Rose Rose Wine

La Vieille Ferme 2005 Cotes du Ventoux Rose

Here's a wine we actually haven't tried ourselves, but the review we read recently really got our tastebuds going. Matt Kramer at The Oregonian had the following to say about the 2006 varietal of this wine:

That said, this 2006 Cotes du Ventoux rose from the shipper La Vieille Ferme is one of the best roses I've had in quite a while. It's got everything that a really good rose should deliver: genuinely flavorful yet delicate fruitiness allied to refreshing acidity. And it has a nice watermelon-hue tint.

A blend of cinsault (50 percent), grenache (40 percent) and syrah (10 percent), this fruity yet fully dry rose combines the cherry taste of grenache with just a touch of "black fruit" flavor from syrah. It's a terrific rose, attractively packaged (with a desirable screw cap).

Not too shabby, and it's available online at Wine.com for under $10.

La Vieille Ferme 2006 Cotes du Ventoux Rose - Rose Wine

Also, don't forget Wine.com is doing a promotion through June 15 with 1 cent shipping on orders over $99; just enter code NUMBER1 with your order.