ON THE Food

BY SAM WYLIE-HARRIS

With the long bank holiday weekend beckoning, the sense of free spirit that comes hand-in-hand with the start of British summertime, and the fanfare of food, even the most savvy of hosts can be caught on the hop.

From a Good Friday fish supper to the Sunday roast, Easter calls for wines that match up to the meals. Here are some suggestions to make you and your guests happy bunnies.

Bird in Hand Sparkling 2023 Australia, £15.99, Waitrose

A shimmering rose-gold fizz from an award-winning Aussie winery, this elegant rose offers fine beads of bubbles with hints of rose petals, wild strawberries, pretty florals and flourish of a fresh finish.

Abbotts & Delaunay ‘Les Fleurs Sauvages’ Viognier 2022

France, £11.99 (£8.99 Mix Six), Majestic

A French favourite, viognier is prized for its heady florals and rich, creamy core. This one’s an exotic fruit bowl of fresh apricot, peach and hint of honeysuckle; well rounded with seductive weight without being over the top. Perfect with salty or spicy starters, cheeses and richer dishes.

Mar Lindo Lisboa Atlantic White 2022

Portugal, £13.99, Virgin Wines

With lots of spring-has-sprung freshness, this is a zippy white and good stand-alone for its fresh tropical fruits, hint of grapefruit, bright citrus, touch of salinity and crisp acidity. Pair with shellfish and sushi.

Redheads Harmonie Rox Chardonnay 2023

Coonawarra, Australia, £13.99 (£15.99, Mix Six), Laithwaites Coonawarra’s calling card may be its rich fruited reds with mint accents, but this chardonnay rocks with its fresh stone fruits and lemony undertones. With a hint of vanilla and delicate peaches and cream characters, the juicy nectarine and fine acidity keeps it lively and fresh. Perfect with a fish pie.

M&S Collection Susana Balbo Malbec 2023

Mendoza, Argentina, £12, Ocado

Susana Balbo is one of the most influential winemakers in South America – and this violet-edged beauty lives up to expectation. Velvety smooth, violets, roses and cassis draw you in, with ripe blackberry fruit and high altitude freshness giving it a floral lift and mineral freshness on the finish. One for Easter roast beef.

Les Hautes Terrasses Cotes du Rhone 2022 France, £13.49, Virgin Wines

With a captivating aroma of blossom and cassis, there’s real finesse with plush plum, cherry and blackcurrant fruits kissed with soft spice, finishing silky and long. Very approachable and delicious with tender, young, spring lamb.