By Chris Diebel
Now that Easter weekend is upon us and winter is in the rearview mirror, why not celebrate with a glass of wine? With spring comes warmer weather and fresh flavors, so it’s a good time to leave behind the heavier, tannic reds and try a bottle of something lighter.
For pairing advice, I turned to Blair Zachariasen, the certified sommelier and assistant general manager for Wall to Wall Wine & Spirits in West Des Moines. And as usual, her suggestions were spot on: They’re listed below, from light to full body, so you can pick and choose or consider a multi-course progression for the ultimate feast.
San Rabano Sparkling Vermentino, $20
This light and citrusy bubbly offers a nice alternative to Prosecco. It’s ideal for a welcoming drink but also pairs well with salads, egg-based brunch dishes, lox or fish. “This sparkling wine is crisp, refreshing and springy,” Zachariasen said. “It doesn’t have the yeast and butter flavor attributes that some dislike from a traditional Champagne.”
Fevre Chablis 2022, $40
An excellent example of the Chardonnay grape grown in northern Burgundy, this wine can pair with honey-baked ham, salmon or poultry. Chablis is also a great match for spring vegetables and herb-based sauces. This wine is fermented and then left on its lees (spent yeast) in the tank. “The technique gives the wine a creamy texture without taking away the freshness of the fruit. It’s luscious and round without being heavy,” Zachariasen explained. Pro tip especially for Iowans: The wine’s creamy nature makes it an ideal match for a mayonnaise-based side salad. Cue the spring pea salad!
By.Ott Cote de Provence Rosé, $30
Some say Easter is the unofficial start of rosé season. If so, why not kick it off with one of the best on the market? This wine is the “second” label from famed winemaker Domaine Ott. That means you can expect wine made from the same estate but at half the price. It’s an Easter workhorse that goes with salads, vegetables, fish and poultry.
Purple Hands Kropf Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, $60
Zachariasen became smitten with this wine on a recent trip to Oregon. She’s not the only one. Both Wine Spectator and James Suckling give it 94-point ratings. Despite being a “Club Only” offering from Purple Hands, Zachariasen successfully finagled a limited supply for her store. Get it while you can: It would be delicious with ham or grilled salmon.
E. Guigal Gigondas 2019, $40
Zachariasen calls this red a “baller on a budget” for those wanting Chateauneuf-du-Pape vibes without the high price. The southern Rhone red is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. This wine loves lamb dishes, but it’s not too heavy for ham and can even hold up to beef.
This light and citrusy bubbly offers a nice alternative to Prosecco. It’s ideal for a welcoming drink but also pairs well with salads, egg-based brunch dishes, lox or fish. “This sparkling wine is crisp, refreshing and springy,” Zachariasen said. “It doesn’t have the yeast and butter flavor attributes that some dislike from a traditional Champagne.”
Fevre Chablis 2022, $40
An excellent example of the Chardonnay grape grown in northern Burgundy, this wine can pair with honey-baked ham, salmon or poultry. Chablis is also a great match for spring vegetables and herb-based sauces. This wine is fermented and then left on its lees (spent yeast) in the tank. “The technique gives the wine a creamy texture without taking away the freshness of the fruit. It’s luscious and round without being heavy,” Zachariasen explained. Pro tip especially for Iowans: The wine’s creamy nature makes it an ideal match for a mayonnaise-based side salad. Cue the spring pea salad!
By.Ott Cote de Provence Rosé, $30
Some say Easter is the unofficial start of rosé season. If so, why not kick it off with one of the best on the market? This wine is the “second” label from famed winemaker Domaine Ott. That means you can expect wine made from the same estate but at half the price. It’s an Easter workhorse that goes with salads, vegetables, fish and poultry.
Purple Hands Kropf Vineyard Pinot Noir 2022, $60
Zachariasen became smitten with this wine on a recent trip to Oregon. She’s not the only one. Both Wine Spectator and James Suckling give it 94-point ratings. Despite being a “Club Only” offering from Purple Hands, Zachariasen successfully finagled a limited supply for her store. Get it while you can: It would be delicious with ham or grilled salmon.
E. Guigal Gigondas 2019, $40
Zachariasen calls this red a “baller on a budget” for those wanting Chateauneuf-du-Pape vibes without the high price. The southern Rhone red is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. This wine loves lamb dishes, but it’s not too heavy for ham and can even hold up to beef.
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