Easter is here: which Italian wines to pair with the traditional menu?

Easter is approaching and, like every year, tradition dictates that we gather with relatives or friends to taste together the tasty dishes typical of this occasion, but which Italian wines should be paired with the Easter menu? Knowing the best labels to accompany and enhance traditional Easter dishes allows you to enjoy to the full both the characteristics of the dish and those of the wine, for an unprecedented food and wine experience!

Italian red wines to pair with English Easter brunch

Choosing the right wine when you have so many different dishes and flavours at the table can seem like a challenge, especially when you need to balance the sweet and savoury flavours that characterise typical dishes such as Easter Glazed Ham or, for example, duck à l'orange. Fresh red wines with balanced tannins and acidity and rich floral and fruity bouquets such as Pinot Noir or a good Primitivo are the perfect match for these Easter dishes.

For those who opt for classic lamb, which wine should be paired with this tasty and succulent meat? For those who prefer full-bodied red wines, Barbaresco, Brunello di Montalcino and 'Stupore' Bolgheri Rosso DOC 2021 are popular labels, while those who prefer soft-tasting reds, Chianti Classico and Amarone della Valpolicella are surprising in combination with lamb.

Which white wines to pair with ham, lamb and duck?

With all the tasty dishes that grace the table at Easter, satisfying everyone's taste preferences is easy when you know the Italian wine labels that perfectly match traditional Easter dishes. White wines, unlike reds, have no tannins and are characterised by less structure and more freshness and flavour.

However, there are some Italian white wines with an important structure and body, sometimes subjected to maturation, allowing wines such as 'Vin Soave' Soave Classico DOC 2021, Chardonnay, Riesling and Pinot Grigio to accompany caramelised ham meat very well, in a play of aromas and flavours that is captivating. And with lamb, which white wines can be paired? Wines such as Passerina, Pecorino and Vermentino di Sardegna are perfect for the occasion and for pairing with seasonal vegetables.

Easter menu: if it's festive, there are the right Italian bubbles

Bubbles are lively and versatile, and Italy boasts a large production of exceptional bubbles: from Prosecco DOC to the famous Metodo Classico sparkling wines such as Franciacorta DOCG, Trento DOC and the Alta Langa DOCG wines, capable of accompanying the entire meal with panache. Great rosé bubbles such as, for example, 'Berlucchi 61' Franciacorta Rosè DOCG, with its soft mousse and elegant aromatic notes, accompany all hors d'oeuvres, both meat and vegetable, making even vegetarians happy! There are many Italian bubbles that are excellently suited to accompany the entire meal, enhancing the characteristics of typical Easter dishes. For pairing with dessert, however, the ideal is to reserve a couple of bottles of Prosecco in the Dry type, to be uncorked with traditional desserts!

Grand finale: sweet wines to go with Hot Cross Buns and Simnel Cake

It's not Easter without the typical Easter sweets: from the ever-present fluffy Hot Cross Buns to Simnel Cake and chocolate eggs, there is no shortage of sweet treats to lick your lips! But which Italian wines go well with sweets and chocolate? The perfect sweet wine to pair with Hot Cross Buns is for example 'Rosis' Moscato Rosa Alto Adige DOC 2021, which with its rose and nutmeg aromas and aromatic taste enhances the appreciation of cinnamon and sultanas. With the Simnel Cake and chocolate eggs, on the other hand, wines such as 'Na'Jm' Malvasia delle Lipari Passito DOC 2020 and Recioto della Valpolicella Classico DOCG are the dessert wines of choice for these Easter desserts!

Now that you know everything about which wines to pair with typical Easter dishes, don't be unprepared and celebrate this occasion by tasting the labels that the experts at Svinando have selected for you on this occasion!