Easter is more than chocolate and hot cross buns. Besides the religious significance to many, it is that first, well-earned break since summer holidays officially finished on Australia Day. A time to catch up and feast with friends and family. And good food demands a great drop. And a good white wine will make that seafood even tastier.
Baily & Baily Venture Series Riesling
Riesling and seafood were made for each other.
Australia’s Clare Valley is world renowned for exceptional Rieslings. Undervalued and misunderstood in Australia, rieslings from the Clare Valley are classic in character and incredible value.
Summer may be perfect for a thirst-quenching glass of white wine with prawns, but Autumn is when seafood is plentiful. This well balanced and delicious riesling is fresh and perfect for that last gasp of Summer by the pool with a Vietnamese prawn and rice noodle salad. Refreshing and crisp it is quite simply a bargain.
Francois Martenot Grand Pres Macon-Villages Chardonnay
A Chardonnay from Burgundy but this pale, golden wine is for lovers of a fruity, less buttery style. Macon-Villages is an appellation like Champagne or Parmigiano Reggiano – protected by the European Union.
From the south of Burgundy, this region is best known for this style of Chardonnay that was once known as Chablis. Without too much malolactic fermentation or oak, this wine is a perfect foil for a simple schnapper dinner or after with cheese. If you’re a Chardonnay fan this is one to try.
Craftsman Style Series Chardonnay
An extremely quaffable wine that can handle a meaty tuna nicoise or perfect on its own. This fresh McClaren Vale stunner’s label might read “Smooth and Buttery” but instead it’s creamy with a subtle oakiness that balances the fruit.
This isn’t your Nana’s Chardonnay. The stone fruit leads the way to a long, sustained finish. Modern in style, this wine works all year round but is superb when lightly chilled for the shorter, cooler nights ahead.
Cat Amongst the Pigeons Eden Valley Chardonnay
Have we told you the one about the three accountants that bought a block of land and despite expectations grew some fabulous wine?
From the famed Barossa, this Chardonnay is food friendly with its crisp freshness. For a long afternoon of Easter Sunday lunching this will match rich dishes with its stone fruit aromas and subtle oak.
Winemaker Nick Badrice says this can handle a little bottle age but like most quality, white wine is best drunk young and fresh.
Isabel Estate Pinot Gris
When we think of Marlborough we think of Sauvignon Blanc. We’ve written about Marlborough’s Isabel Estate before – mineral rich terroir that produces wines with concentrated flavours with a particular minerality. This award-winning winery produces spectacular wine. This Pinot Gris is no exception.
They first planted Chardonnay back in the ‘80’s. Today, there’s also Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and Riesling. Without too much intervention, they grow great wine that both Kiwis and Aussies love.
As the weather cools this is a white wine for red drinkers with hints of spice and aromas of quince and apple. Its delicate dryness makes it one to savour. We paired it with a spicy Thai chicken curry and it was a match made in heaven.
Disclaimer: These wines were gifted to ThisMagnificentLife for review.
