Food
Easter food and wine pairing
In Australia’s multi-cultural society, Easter has different meanings for many of us. For some, it is a time for recognising their Christian faith, for some, it’s a time for family, and for others, it’s a time to simply get away for relaxing long-weekend.
Whatever way you choose to celebrate Easter, we have the essential guide for wine and food pairings for a delicious weekend with perfect suggestions from Wine Selectors Tasting Panel Co-Chair, Adam Walls.
What are the best wines to drink on Good Friday?
We recommend: Vermentino, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Grenache, or Barbera
What are the best wines to drink on Easter Saturday?
We recommend: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Sparkling, or Rosé
What are the best wines to drink on Easter Sunday?
We recommend: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec or Shiraz
What are the best wines to drink on Easter Monday?
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Gamay
What are the best wines to drink for a catch up with friends?
Rosé, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay
What are the best wines to drink with Easter chocolate?
Fortifieds and Reds
Good Friday Fish recipe
The quintessential Good Friday meal, of course, is fish, and pairing wine with it couldn’t be simpler. “Like the lemon you squeeze over your fish, you want a wine with high levels of acidity,” says Adam. “The acidity helps balance the fat and richness of the dish, in the case of fish pie or salmon – without overpowering the textures and flavours of more delicate fish plates.” If white wine is your preference, look for Riesling, Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc (including Semillon Sauvignon Blanc blends), or Vermentino. If reds are your thing, opt for lighter, fresher styles of Pinot Noir, Grenache and Barbera.
Check out more great Good Friday seafood recipes.
Pair with: Vermentino, Semillon, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Grenache and Barbera
EASTER SATURDAY SEAFOOD RECIPE
Cooked or fresh, prawns are a welcome addition to any Easter Saturday table, particularly with a good glass of vino to enjoy along with them. “Prawns match with myriad different wine styles and varieties, but their sweet and delicate flavour will be overpowered by rich and heavy wines, so keep that in mind.” Sparkling wines and Rosé are great with prawns, as are aromatic white wines like Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and Semillon – particularly Hunter Valley Semillon. “For a little extra indulgence, try a modern Chardonnay,” says Adam. “The background oak works superbly with prawns.”
Take your prawn game to the next level with Lyndey Milan’s prawn and prosciutto skewers or sort out your Easter Saturday lunch with even more great prawn recipes.
Pair with: Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay, Sparkling, or Rosé
EASTER SUNDAY ROAST LAMB RECIPE
“Succulent and satisfying, particularly with its signature red wine match,” Adam says about the pairing of lamb and Cabernet Sauvignon – possibly the best wine to drink with lamb. The secret is the tannin in the Cabernet, and the fat levels you find in lamb: the tannins help balance the fat in the protein, which makes tannic wines and meat-based fat the perfect companions. “The fat also helps soften the grip of the tannins, but if you’re not a fan of Cabernet, you can try Tempranillo, Malbec or even Shiraz.”
When it comes to lamb, one of our favourite recipes is this slow roasted lamb saddle with sage – the ultimate Easter Sunday dish for the family table. Discover more great lamb recipes for your Easter long weekend here!
Pair with: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Malbec or Shiraz
MEAT-FREE EASTER MONDAY RECIPE
“Veggies or vegetarian dishes offer an equally vast range of wine matching options as any meat dish,” says Adam. “Look for wines that match the character of the ingredients you’re using – for instance, asparagus makes a great partner to Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay is great with anything featuring a creamy or cheesy sauce, while lighter reds like Pinot Noir and Gamay are wonderful with the earthy flavours of mushrooms or roasted root vegetables.”
One easy Easter Monday recipe we like is Matthew Evans’ spinach and ricotta pie. Filling, simple to make and satisfying in the extreme, it’s a wonderful dish to wrap up your Easter long weekend with. Or, check out more meat-free Easter Monday food and wine pairing suggestions.
Pair with: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, or Gamy
Easter platter recipe
ROASTED RED PEPPERS, MARINATED ARTICHOKES, PICKLED ONIONS, OLIVES & CORNICHONS – Rosé
Friends have called to ask if you want to catch-up and how about your place in a couple of hours? No problems, put together a quick cheese and charcuterie platter, pull some sausages out of the freezer, and throw together a tossed salad. And, don’t forget to chill a bottle or two of Rosé. “It’s always an excellent all-rounder and makes for a versatile partner to not only all charcuterie, but also their accompaniments,” Adam says
Pair with: Rosé, Pinot Noir, or Chardonnay
Easter BARBECUE RECIPE
You’ve got the tent and the sleeping bags airing, the portable barbie has had a service, and the menu selections have been ticked off… but what about the wine. Adam’s tip is to “Order a crowd-pleasing mixed dozen and pop it in your boot for the perfect long-weekend away.”
For easy barbecue entertaining we like Lyndey Milan’s chargrilled beef and Asian veggies. It’s simple, quick and guaranteed to impress. Or, check out more barbecue recipes.
Pair with: Rosé, Shiraz, Sangiovese, Malbec, or Mourvédre
Easter dessert RECIPE
If the Easter Bunny has done his job, you’ll most likely have a bounty of chocolate to enjoy this weekend! “And, what better way to devour their deliciousness than with a glass of sumptuous Sticky, a full-flavoured Fortified or a rich Red,” says Adam.
If you have an excess of Easter chocolate, Lyndey Milan’s chocolate and raspberry brownies recipe is a wonderful way to use up any surplus to requirement.
Pair with: Fortifieds, Stickies and Reds
Check out more deliciously decant favourites with our Easter Wine and Chocolate Pairing Guide. And, make your other occasions even memorable with more of our other great food and wine pairing guides
From all of us here at Wine Selectors, have a safe and happy Easter Long Weekend!