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 Ham
or Lamb?
That
is the question of the month. Although there are countless
options for Easter dinner, ham and lamb seem the most
popular choices in the Detroit area. Ham, be it salt-cured,
smoked, brined, or any combination thereof, is a staple
on many an Easter brunch/dinner table. Leg of lamb, either
on the bone or boneless and rolled seems to be another
popular Easter centerpiece. Listed below are baker’s
dozen choices for your Easter ham, lamb, or dessert.
Happy Easter!
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 2001
Pierre Sparr Gewurztraminer Reserve
$15.99
This delightful white from Alsace is uniquely aromatic and floral on
the nose (rose petals/geraniums). It smells like it may be sweet, but
it finishes dry with notes of lychee and clove on the palate. Great with
clove and pineapple spiked ham.
www.alsace-wines.com
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 2003
Leasingham Bin 7 Clare Valley Riesling
$17.99
This DRY Riesling from Australia’s Clare Valley offers up notes
of lime and white flowers on the nose. It is refreshingly clean and crisp
with concentrated lime, mineral, and lemon with good acidity on the palate.
As they say in Oz, “It’s schmick!” Try with Virginia
ham, fresh spring asparagus, and au gratin potatoes.
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 2002
Georg Albrecht Schneider Niersteiner Paterberg Riesling
Kabinett
$9.99
This German Riesling is relatively dry, but fruitier than the Leasingham.
It’s more delicate and light with green apple, pear, and citrus
characters and is a great compliment to a honey-glazed ham and lighter
spring fare.
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 2001
Teldeschi White Zinfandel
$9.99
The Teldeschi white zin is not as sweet
as most. It is pleasantly fruity and off-dry
and is a great foil to a simple, mildly brined
ham.
www.teldeschi.com
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 2002
Saintsbury Carneros Vin Gris of Pinot Noir
$12.99
This dry rose from esteemed Pinot producer Saintsbury has delightful
notes of flowers and strawberry on the nose and has clean and crisp light
cherry and strawberry on the palate. Great with West Virginia salt-cured
ham.
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 2002
Castle Rock Russian River Valley Pinot Noir
$12.99
This outstanding value Pinot is the second label of small, but well regarded
Napa winery August Briggs. Delightful notes of cherry, subtle violet,
and vanilla accentuate the nose while cherry with subtle cinnamon appear
on the palate. This wine is versatile enough to go with either ham or
lamb, or of course, both.
www.castlerockwinery.com
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 2002
A to Z Willamette Valley Pinot Noir
$18.99
This small Oregon winery has really hit the mark with this gorgeous Pinot.
Rich, dark cherry and subtle earth dominate the nose while the dark cherry
persists on the palate with richness and complexity. Again, this Pinot
can go either way, but probably favors the lamb.
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 2000
Marques de Caceres Rioja Crianza
$12.99
This great Spanish red has great berry and spicy cedar on the nose which
both carry over to the palate. It finishes smooth and velvety and is
a great compliment to leg of lamb with rosemary.
www.vineyardbrands.com
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 2002
Piping Shrike Barossa Valley Shiraz
$14.99
This full-bodied shiraz is a whopper for the price. This small production
wine from the famed Barossa Valley of Australia offers copious berry,
spice, and vanilla on the nose. Blackberry, Tellicherry Pepper, and raspberry
cream are dominant on the palate. A great match with garlic-studded leg
of lamb.
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 2001
Alexander Valley Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon
$19.99
This is s great cab for the price. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s
beautifully balanced with rich cassis, plum, and cherry. DELICIOUS! A
must for slow rotisserie cooked leg of lamb.
www.avvwine.com
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 2000
Trinitas Russian River Valley Zinfandel
$23.99
This stunning zin made by Matt Cline (formerly of Cline winery) is the
complete package. It’s rich, round, and full-bodied with blackberry
and raspberry fruit and great briary spice. A must-have with an oregano
and garlic rubbed leg of lamb.
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 2000
Chateau La Cardonne (Medoc)
$18.99
This Bordeaux from the famed 2000 vintage is a great offering for a reasonable
price. Dark and rich with cassis, cherry, and subtle pencil-lead, this
wine is wholly satisfying with leg of lamb or a hearty beef roast.
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 2002
Umberto Fiore Moscato d’Asti
$13.99
Just a nice, light frizzante (half-sparkling) dessert wine from Piedmont
in Northern Italy. It’s very floral (almost perfumed) and delicate
with citrus and melon notes. Great with Easter dessert breads, pies,
jellybeans, and marshmallow Peeps.
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 Also,
for Passover…
Try
the Reconati wines from Israel. These Kosher wines come
from Galilee and are not made in the mevuschal method
(a Kosher process involving heat-pasteurization). The
wines are Kosher year-round, not just for Passover. These
wines are DRY, varietally correct, and well made. Please
give them a try, whether you’re Kosher or not.
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