Whether you’re celebrating or simply enjoying a good rest, the March bank holiday weekend will undoubtedly involve food (and possibly a plethora of chocolate).
Whatever your plans, Tanners have picked some top wine pairings for main courses and sweet snacks. If you need some inspiration, check out our exclusive Easter recipe below. Enjoy!
Honey-glazed Roast Ham served with dauphinoise potatoes
Comfort on a plate! This dish is ideal for a relaxing Sunday, followed by an Easter egg or two. Try this with Château Rives-Blanques Odyssée, Chardonnay, Limoux. This is the go-to Chardonnay if you’re looking for Burgundian style without the price. A true gem of our Southern French collection, this Chardonnay will complement the sweetness and saltiness of the glazed ham, as well as cut through the melted cheese of the dauphinoise.
Healthy Shepherd’s Pie (vegetarian)
A Shepherd’s Pie encapsulates a crowd-pleasing, family meal. Despite the name, some simple swaps of ingredients can elevate this dish into a vegetarian dream. Switch the filling for softened lentils, carrots and butternut squash, add in tinned tomatoes and butterbeans with a sprinkling of herbs and vegetable stock and top with mashed sweet potatoes. Try this dish with Domaine de l'Amandine Rouge, Côtes du Rhône which is a fruit-filled Rhône red. And if you’re expecting a house full of guests, this wine is available in a 3 litre bag -in- box version which is eco-friendly and long-lasting (unless you have thirsty guests!).
Easter Simnel Cake
A traditional Easter sweet treat, the combination of fruit and marzipan makes it particularly moreish. Whilst a good cup of tea works well, why not upgrade your tipple of choice? Sweet wines will pair beautifully with this cake so you have to try the El Aziz, Vendemmia Tardiva, Sicilia, Fina - 50cl. Filled with notes and flavours of rich apricots and exotic fruits, this wine has a superb balance of sweetness and acidity, so it won’t be cloying against the rich fruit cake.
Hot Cross Buns
A staple this time of year, the hot cross bun selection has expanded beyond the traditional fruit style to include flavours such as triple chocolate and Bramley apple. You can even find recipes for hot cross buns topped with cinnamon frosting or sharing puddings covered in caramel sauce and served with ice cream. Whichever way you prefer to have a hot cross bun, put down the kettle and try something a little more luxurious this bank holiday. You’ll love the Essensia California Orange Muscat, Dessert Wine, Quady 2021. Oh-so sweet, this wine has delicious flavours of orange blossom and soft apricots which will match beautifully with the soft sweetness of the hot cross buns.
Easter Eggs – chocolate galore
It’s hard to miss the range of Easter eggs available. From classic milk chocolate to pistachio-infused or fondant-filled chocolate eggs, there is something for everyone this season. If you’re looking to enhance your bank holiday chocolate feast or perhaps you want to create a delicious chocolate dessert, your perfect pairing is Brachetto d'Acqui, "Braida" This low-alcohol sparkling red is soft, fruity and deliciously sweet. It’s a go-to bottle for any chocolate pairing and it will become your new favourite bottle over Easter.
