As You Were Sauvignon Blanc & Easter: A Match Made in Heaven
It’s a joyous time of year. It is a time of rebirth. The weather is getting warmer. Flowers are blooming. The vines are starting to see budbreak. New life is all around us and our allergies continuously remind us of it. It’s a wonderful beginning to the 2024 vintage, if I do say so myself. Whether you recognize Easter as a religious holiday or not, these are reasons enough to celebrate. And how do you celebrate? By planning an abundant and wonderful meal, of course! Not as abundant as Thanksgiving, but still a time to pull out the cookbook and plan something a bit fancier than usual (for younger readers: a cookbook is from a time before we had to read 15 pages about a random person’s life before getting to the two-sentence recipe. They just gave it to you back then without the nonsense. Wild concept.) Naturally, a good wine to drink while cooking and with the meal is a crucial element. Some of the better recipes out there may offer you a pairing recommendation but allow me to assist.
There are two main course options that are classic Easter staples: ham and lamb. I would not complain about either option, but my pairing recommendations do differ depending on which you choose. If you’re going with a rack of lamb, I’d recommend a Rhone varietal or a blend of a couple Rhone varietals such as Slouch Hat’s Parade Rest Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM) blend. The gaminess of the Mourvèdre blended with the spiciness of the Syrah and red fruit of the Grenache is a perfect match for lamb. In fact, well before Slouch Hat was even born, lamb with a Rhone varietal blend was my go-to show off pairing. I will always recommend it.
If you choose ham, you can still definitely enjoy the Parade Rest GSM – drinking what you enjoy will always be the best pairing. However, I would recommend Slouch Hat’s As You Were Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity, lightness, and fresh floral and herb flavors of the As You Were Sauvignon Blanc will slice through the fattiness of the ham and anything it’s been glazed with while complimenting its savory deliciousness.
It should be clear I would 100% choose the Parade Rest GSM with a lamb. So why did I title this As You Were Sauvignon Blanc & Easter: A Match Made in Heaven? It comes down to the sides in my opinion. Whether you’re going healthy with asparagus or a bit less so with four cheese scalloped potatoes, As You Were Sauvignon Blanc is the way to go. Of course, let’s not forget deviled eggs. Eggs are a really tough thing to pair with wine, but if I had to choose, I would, again, choose the As You Were Sauvignon Blanc. Therefore, the Sauvignon Blanc wins this holiday.
Our recommendation for what to drink while surrounded by screaming children fighting over easter eggs: tequila and constant reminders that it is a joyous occasion. God speed.
M.P. Fowler
Owner & Chief Sloucher
Slouch Hat Wines
