ALISTAIR GIBSON

Easter has never been as big a celebration as Christmas, but as we begin to take a few more steps out of lockdown and put the last few months behind us, maybe this Easter weekend is time to treat ourselves a little.

Time to open a slightly more expensive bottle of wine than usual maybe?

At least we could drink it in the garden with a friend! So here are a few bottles I might be opening this Easter.

Domain Ferret was founded in 1840 but is now owned by one of Burgundy’s most respected producers Louis Jadot. Pouilly Fuissé 2018, Domaine Ferret (Fareham Wine Cellar £28.50) is text book Pouilly Fuissé, it is 100 per cent chardonnay of which about half is aged in older oak barrels and half in stainless steel tanks.

It is very fresh with citrus, a little honey and orchard blossom on the nose, before a textured palate with minerals, citrus fruits and a very long, finish. This is beautifully balanced, complex white Burgundy to go with fresh shellfish, especially oysters or firm textured fish in a cream sauce.

I recently reviewed the little brother of Masi Costasera Amarone della Valpolicella Classico 2015 (Majestic £36.99 or £27.73 as part of a mixed six) but this is the real deal and one of the great wines of Italy.

Made from the traditional grapes of the region, corvina, rondinella and milinara and using the appassimento method of drying grapes before fermentation to add weight, body and colour to the final wine. It is very deep in colour and offers aromas of black cherries, dried dark fruits and spices, followed by a dense, weighty palate with more black fruits, sweet spices and a little liquorice and a substantial, long finish.

This is a unique wine, and will match rich dishes such as braised beef short ribs, venison or maybe even chocolate as it’s Easter! On the subject of wine and chocolate, there is no reason not to reach for the Port at Easter and Taylor’s 10 Year Old Tawny (Waitrose £17.99, on offer from £22.49, until April 6) can make a lovely match. Aged in large seasoned old oak barrels for an average of 10 years which allows the wine to take on its characteristic ‘tawny’ colour. There is a touch of fruit cake on the nose with some mellow wood, the palate is warm and sweet with raisins and a little caramel, with a long, mellow finish. I’d serve this slightly chilled with soft blue cheese, a chocolate mouse and also with the last of the Easter eggs...

I’d serve this slightly chilled with a chocolate mouse and the last of the Easter eggs