Easter: just like Christmas but without all the stress and heat

Don’t worry about overindulging; just skip a chocolate to leave room for some more of the wet stuff.

Long Rail Gully Murrumbateman Riesling 2016 ($22).

I like Easter. It is like Christmas without the stress. A few days off work (with apologies and thanks to those who do work then), a chance to see family and friends, and the excuse to eat and drink in a semi-festive way. No trees, decorations or presents; just good times.

There is also less need for vinous cannon fodder for the masses that inevitably arrive at some stage or other at Christmas.

There is no need to worry that the generic white tastes rather tart when paired with mince pies, or that the big, bold red is cutting a swath through the barbecue crowd “enjoying” 40C heat. No, Easter is much more relaxed. You can drink the wine you want to, and you can enjoy it with others in a much more easygoing setting.

And if you do become worried about overindulging, skip the chocolates and enjoy another glass of one of these good wines instead.

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1. Long Rail Gully Murrumbateman Riesling 2016 ($22)
Canberra District Wine Week is well under way and there are plenty of events on this weekend. Swing into Long Rail Gully Winery near Murrumbateman on Saturday or Sunday for its popular Pie and Pinot extravaganza, but make sure you come away with some 2016 riesling for your own Easter wine parade. James Hal­liday gave it 95 points and called it “Value +++”. I just call it delicious.

The nose mixes citrus fruit and blossom, while the palate follows with a bite of green apple and plenty of lime.

It is so pure and clean, fresh and dry, but there is also enough fruit weight to allow you drink it on its own as well as with the customary seafood matches, or Thai or Chinese cuisine.

www.longrailgully.com.au

2. Cloudy Bay Te Koko Sauvignon Blanc 2013 ($60)

I don’t really do New Zealand sauvignon blanc, or at least not the stuff that is pushed out by the big box retailers on “two for” or “three for” deals. However, Cloudy Bay’s 2013 Te Koko is completely at odds with its mass-produced relatives.

It is all about structure, texture, richness and the complexities that result from the grape juice being fermented in oak barrels rather than the more common steel tank.

Yes, it is dry and there is crisp acidity, but the layers of flavours give a depth not usually associated with Marlborough sauvignon blanc.

There is plenty of citrus fruit and soft stone fruit but you’ll also find herbs and asparagus.

It’s not your regular sauvignon blanc but it is well worth a try.

cloudybay.co.nz
3. Chateau Mont Redon Lirac 2013 ($35)
You may not have heard of Lirac, but if I were to say Chateauneuf-du-Pape you would nod sagely in appreciation of the great wines and papal connections for which this small part of southern France is known.

Lirac is just across the river from Chateauneuf-du-Pape, and while the wines enjoy many similarities the prices are, fortunately, oceans apart.

Chateau Mont Redon’s 2013 Lirac is a snip at $35. A blend of grenache, syrah and cinsault, it has a lovely deep and yet bright colour in the glass. The voluptuous nose is all black fruit at first, with oaky characters coming through later, while the palate is very smooth up front, giving red cherry, dark fruit, spicy hints and even a bit of chocolate. How fitting.

www.vintageandvine.com
4. Toro Albala Don PX Gran Reserva 1986 (375ml $62. Magnum $224)
It is rare that I recommend sherry but this 30-year-old gran reserva really is something special. Made from the Pedro Ximenez grape, it is rich, rich, rich, having spent the past few decades maturing in American oak.

It is extremely dark to look at, and this gives a good idea of the concentration you can expect in its mouth-feel and taste. The sweet raisins, chocolate and candied fruits are balanced by the last remnants of acidity, and there is also a savoury edge.

It is generally sold in 375ml bottles but I have also seen a few magnums around the traps. It will keep in the fridge for months if given the chance, but that is pretty unlikely: you’ll be surprised just how popular sherry can be.

www.bibendum.com.au