Easter Stickies
… matching chocolate …
Considering how much chocolate might be heading into households over the next few days, a quick assessment of wines that might be able to cope with these dietary additions seemed an option.
Also, to provide a relatively easy point-of-purchase given the closeness to Easter, Waitrose seemed a good place to start. Apologies, as I do seem to be covering this retailer extensively at the moment, but their speed of online delivery to your nearest store plus their extensive selection, makes them an easy option for last minute thoughts on vinous matters.
A collection was acquired, and a small panel was assembled.
The ‘banker’ in this equation was the Rutherglen Muscat that I knew would be able cope with chocolate, and any other pudding that might be under construction for the weekend, regardless of the sweetness level, and was a useful reference point for the other wines.
The first two listed here, out of the six tasted, were delicious, but not suited as a pairing option for chocolate.
1 - Santa Cristina Vin Santo 2021
Given the price, this was a real surprise. Light aromas of toffee apples and figs, with a delicate and elegant palate that had dried fruits sitting alongside very light acidity and bundles of ripe, honeyed flavours. Not overly complex, but a delight to drink, and would work well as an aperitif with toasted almonds and tomato-based bruschetta, and unquestionably a light foie gras. Half-bottle.
£14.44 - Waitrose - includes 25% discount for six or more - merchant link
2 - Feiler-Artinger On The QT Bin 33: Ruster Ausbruch
A very classy Austrian wine in great packaging. Lightly honeyed notes on the nose, with a refreshing balance between sweetness and acidity. Stone and tropical fruits are very much in evidence, and the grapefruit acidity works with the ripe blossom flavours. Again, no match for chocolate, but if you are eating apple crumble, bread and butter pudding, or a Bakewell tart, this would be ideal. Also, a ripe and high quality Gorgonzola would be a treat. Half-bottle.
£19.88 - Waitrose - includes 25% discount for six or more - merchant link
3 - Fèlsina Vin Santo Chianti Classico
This is rather grown up. The vineyard is northeast of Sienna, and this exquisite wine is made from Trebbiano, Malvasia and Sangiovese grapes. The grapes are allowed to dry out until the January or February after the harvest, concentrating the juices, then a slow fermentation follows, and finally around 7 years in casks. On the nose and palate tropical fruits - pineapples and mangos - combine with stone fruit flavours of peaches and apricots. Yes, it will pair with chocolate, but that’s not where it stops. If the foie gras is very rich and opulent, then pile it onto the brioche, and fill a large glass of this nectar to create a exceptionally memorable moment. Half-bottle.
£30.00 - Waitrose - includes 25% discount for six or more - merchant link
