Spring has sprung! This Easter at Butler's we have a everything you need to make the most of this joyous time of year and the official prelude to summer. As Easter approaches, it's time to indulge in the culinary delights of the season, from succulent lamb to delicate shellfish and the sweet treats that make this holiday so special. Join us as we explore the perfect wine pairings for your Easter feast, ensuring that every bite and sip is a celebration of the senses.

1. A staple of Easter dinners, lamb offers a rich and savoury flavour that demands a wine with depth and complexity but not too overwhelming for the soft and delicate texture. Look for wines with lots of fruit, herbs, and spices that complement the richness of the meat beautifully. If you prefer something a bit adventurous we recommend Bourgogne Gamay Les Deux Terres Domaine Thibault Ligier Belair 2019. An iconic family name in Burgundy, they have been important winemakers and traders in the region since 1720 tracing back to Claude Marey, secretary to the King of France at that time. From across Burgundy and Beaujolais they produce wines of superior power, always backed by finesse and freshness. Le Deux Terres brings together 85% Gamay from Beaujolais and the Macon with 15% Pinot Noir from Bourgogne. This produces a silky fruit-forward wine, with lots of juicy cherry and berry fruit alongside a beguiling floral perfume. 
 

2. Whether it's baked scallops, or locally caught clams and crayfish, shellfish dishes are a delightful addition to any Easter menu. For these lighter and more delicate flavours, we suggest opting for a crisp and refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay. These wines offer vibrant acidity and citrus notes that pair perfectly with the brininess of shellfish, enhancing their natural flavours without overpowering them. Our top pick is Chardonnay Turitelles Domaine d`Altugnac 2022. Jean-Luc Terrier and Christian Collovray are proudly joined by their sons, Julien Collovray and Pierre-Alexis Terrier, working in their Limoux vineyards, situated at 500 meters elevation, which thrive on shallow soils rich in limestone. Hand-harvested Chardonnay grapes undergo fermentation and aging in stainless steel tanks, ensuring the preservation of its freshness and varietal essence. Despite hailing from a warm region, Jean-Luc and Christian masterfully maintain acidity, tension, and vibrancy in this white wine. This particular vintage bears striking resemblance to Chablis, boasting a pale straw hue and a profile reminiscent of lemon confit, white flowers, green apple, white peach, and yuzu.

3. Chocolate: No Easter celebration would be complete without indulging in decadent milk and white chocolate treats. From creamy truffles to elegant chocolate-dipped strawberries, there's no shortage of sweet delights to enjoy. When it comes to pairing wine with milk and white chocolate, we recommend choosing a wine with a hint of sweetness to complement the richness of the chocolate. For white chocolate, Moscato d'Asti is an excellent choice, offering notes of ripe fruit and honey that balance the sweetness of the chocolate beautifully. We recommend La Morandina Moscato d'Asti DOCG 2022, from the Morando Family. They have a lineage deeply rooted in the Piedmont region since 1580. Presently, the estate possesses over 21 hectares of vineyards strategically positioned within the heart of the most esteemed production zones. 100% White Muscat - Through a deliberately unhurried and natural fermentation process, the wine's effervescence unfolds in an alluring and persistent way. The resulting wine embodies a remarkable freshness, presenting a vivid array of floral aromas underscored by peach and citrus with a balanced sweetness. 

For milk chocolate, to complement the slightly darker notes we can't think of a better option than Cline Cellars Late Harvest Mourvèdre 2019. Coming from Contra Costa county, just east of the Bay Area, this luxurious dessert wine is made from Mourvedre grapes that have begun to raisin on the vine. This results in a small yield of very concentrated fruit. The nose is full of sweet black cherry and chocolate notes leading into a rich, fully sweet palate. This is a perfect wine for milk chocolate and a great Easter treat.

4. Hot Cross Buns: A beloved Easter tradition, hot cross buns are a deliciously spiced treat that pairs perfectly with a variety of wines. For a classic pairing, we recommend serving hot cross buns with a glass of sweet dessert wine or even a sweet Sherry. These fortified wines offer rich flavours of dried fruit, nuts, and spice that complement the warm spices of the buns. Why don't you try Benguela Noble Late Harvest for something a little different. Walker Bay has become synonymous with quality Sauvignon Blanc and the proximity of these Benguela vineyards to the Bot River lagoon helps to create favourable conditions under which botrytis cinerea can flourish, amplifying the flavour and sweetness of the Sauvignon Blanc grapes for this Late Harvest Sweet wine. The concentrated sugar is balanced by the natural acidity and fresh profile of the Sauvignon and helps create a perfectly balanced dessert wine that can only be described as golden nectar. Not too dissimilar from a Sauternes it is a fantastic decadent treat this Easter.

5. Simnel Cake: A quintessential Easter dessert, Simnel cake is a rich fruitcake adorned with marzipan and traditionally enjoyed during the holiday season. When it comes to pairing wine with Simnel cake, we suggest reaching for a fortified wine such as Madeira or Marsala. These wines offer nutty, caramelized flavours that complement the sweetness of the cake and enhance its fruity undertones, creating a delightful harmony of flavours. A unique pairing that we love is having the cake with Conde de Sabugal, Moscatel do Douro. Port's fruitier cousin, fortified Moscatel from the Douro valley. A lovely sweet sipper perfect for fruit desserts. The wine has a warm orange colour and an intense aroma of flowers, exotic fruits, candied orange peel and dried apricot. The taste is soft and ends with a remarkable freshness resulting in a long aftertaste. Not something you'll easily find just anywhere so it is definitely worth snatching up.

At Butler's, we believe that the perfect wine pairing has the power to elevate any dining experience, turning a simple meal into a memorable occasion. This Easter, celebrate with the ones you love and savour every moment with our curated selection of wines that are sure to delight your palate and enhance your Easter feast. Cheers to a season filled with joy, good food, and great wine!