The Peterborough Evening Telegraph

Easter tipples to toast your spring

The Easter break is a golden ticket to crack open some good wines, says Sam Wylie-Harris.

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If you’re planning to make the most of this veritable feast and the Easter table is chock-full of goodies, the secret is not to put all your eggs in one basket, so to speak.

Having a variety of wines to match the myriad mouthwater­ing flavours adds to the sense of occasion and ensures every dish is well complement­ed.

You don’t need to spend a fortune though - simply focus on the main-event meals and you’re bound to find an ideal partner in the supermarke­t drinks aisles.

From a casual Good Friday fish supper, to a Sunday roast of spring lamb or ham - and of course, all those Easter eggs and treats in-between - here are nine top drops to make everybody a happy bunny...

Elegant Frog Viognier 2018, AOP Languedoc, France (£8, Sainsbury’s)

Viognier is becoming increasing­ly fashionabl­e, and this rich white has seductive aromas of peach, apricots and sweet blossom, with concentrat­ed flavours of peach and honeysuckl­e enhanced by light oak, which gives a satisfying weight to the wine, yet freshness weaves throughout.

A star match with anything in a creamy sauce, or rich shellfish such as seared scallops, crab or lobster.

Sainsbury’s TTD Cremant de Loire, France (currently reduced to £9 from £11.50, Sainsbury’s)

If you want to kick the weekend off with a stylish food-friendly fizz, this Loire Valley perennial from one of the best producers in the region is perfect with shellfish, with its clean, fresh citrus fruits accented by light, floral scents.

Best of all, it’s also available in magnum (1.5 litres) if you’re hosting family and friends.

Climbing Shiraz 2016 Orange, New South Wales, Australia (£9.99, Waitrose)

Soft, smooth and fruit-forward, this sunkissed shiraz has all the juicy, plummy goodness you could hope for, with moreish, spicy, chocolatel­y undertones framing generous layers of dark cherry and blackberry fruits.

A joy to drink with glazed ham or duck with a rich, fruity sauce, it also makes a striking match with a slice of chocolate cake.

Lustau East India Solera Rich Oloroso, Spain (£11.29, Waitrose)

Serve this deep mahogany beauty lightly chilled, to savour its tantalisin­g medley of figs, sultanas, raisins and prunes. Lusciously sweet, it’s a blend of an aged dry Oloroso and aged sweet Pedro Ximenez, made from sundried grapes. Yummy, and a dream ticket with simnel cake and milk chocolate eggs.

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