Easter Wines… the Hunt is On!
One of my favorite things about a holiday is the chance to curate another wine portfolio. Easter being the early inklings of spring is especially fun because I get to reach for some of my favorite styles. And while I like to think my picks have some universal appeal, I LOVE to think they are different than your average list (humor me here). I’m partial to small production, natural and socially/environmentally conscious wines with a lot of heart and soul in the bottle. And while knowledge can certainly be power, ‘when you know, you know’ (aka trusting your gut) is my favorite guiding principle to making my selections. Here’s my 5 Top Picks for Easter this year…
Ruggeri Prosecco DOC Rosé
Bubbly… Rosé… and a female winemaker to boot, this bottle is about as perfect as it gets. One of the first Prosecco producers, they have since been awarded elusive ‘excellence’ classification (which will come as no surprise once you pop the cork). Elegant fine bubbles and perfectly balanced flavor with notes of berries, crushed pomegranate, and a hint of rosemary make this sparkler the perfect selection for pairing with food (aka Easter dinner). It’s beautiful pink color also just so happens to make it ridiculously perfect for celebrating this pretty pastel holiday.
Et Fille Viognier
Another female winemaker, I love ALL the Et Fille wines, but am particularly fond of this French inspired bottle. Et Fille is a B Corp Certified top-performer dedicated to socially and environmentally conscious practices and product. I adore the floral aromas of this bottle with its notes of honeysuckle, lemon, tropical fruit and mineral finish. Bring this bottle as a hostess gift then pat yourself on the back for supporting all that’s good in the wine industry. When in doubt, this is my ‘go to’ bottle for any time, anyone and everything because it’s always approachable, impressive, and just doesn’t miss.
Outward Chardonnay
This micro-producer is a new favorite discovery. Not only are these wines beautiful, but their labels are unbelievable gorgeous and feel like vacation in (or on) a bottle. Organically and biodynamically farmed just a mile from the Pacific Ocean, they’re made using only native yeast with minimal intervention to showcase the high quality fruit and unique coastal terroir. This bottle highlights the fresher side of Chardonnay with salty citrusy expression and Meyer lemon flavor. I also happen to be on a quest to help people fall in love with Chardonnay (trust me, it’s not what you think). Ask any winemaker what their favorite bottle in their repertoire is and 9 times out of 10, they say Chardonnay!
Compton Orange Gewurztraminer
You may have come to associate Willamette Valley with topnotch wines… and exceedingly high price tags. Plot twist: Compton has somehow managed to produce stunning sustainable wines from this region at pocket-friendly prices. Even more impressive is their commitment to regenerative and dry farming. And if you haven’t tried orange wine yet (btw it’s named for its color, not its flavor) this is the perfect bottle to start. Aromas of guava and lavender (you’re curious I know) complement notes of orange zest, lychee and honeysuckle. A great wine to serve with spiced flavorful dishes, I think it’s a great addition to your holiday table. And excuse me, but this lovely bottle with its peachy-pink wine, is just too pretty to be missed!
Poetson Pinot Noir
Nothing warms my heart more than supporting local producers (‘hi’ Midwest friends)… especially when it comes to wine. Meet Alex McNeely, a Michigan native who recently returned to launch Poetson Wine after a decade as a sommelier in NYC. Focused on quality and sustainability (and solely using native yeasts without additives), his wines are the quintessential expression of where Michigan wine is headed. Pomegranate, cranberry and rose (hello!!!) notes with a bright finish make this Pinot Noir a total crowd pleaser and quite simply perfect. Psst I moved to MI to pursue wine and this bottle reminds me exactly why that was the right decision.