Your mom gave you her best ham recipe and Aunt Judy is bringing the green bean casserole. But what do you do about the wine?

Tracy Briggs and Brian Frank have the answers.

By: Brian Frank – Happy Harry’s

When coming up with the perfect pairing of wine to go with any meal, in this case Easter, you sometimes have to look beyond what the main course centers around, whether its turkey, ham, or beef
roast. The main reason is because if your holiday meals are anything like your family meals,there are so many more side dishes and choices to go along with the main course. These side dishes bring in an array of flavors and textures that should not be over-looked. Offering several different types of wines both red and white will satisfy the taste profiles of your complete meal and your guests will be
smiling too.

Below is a food and wine pairing guide, but like I stated above sometimes you have to look
beyond the main course and think of all the side dishes being served…

Ham
White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay (light or no oak styles), Gewurztraminer, Vouvray
Red Wines: Rose (dry to off dry styles), Pinot Noir (lighter fruit forward styles)

Brian’s Recommendations: Ste Michelle Gewurztraminer & Charles Smith Kung Fu Girl Riesling

Turkey
White Wines: Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio
Red Wines: Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Zinfandel (fruit forward styles)

Brian’s Recommendations: Kim Crawford Un-Oaked Chardonnay & Maso Canali Pinot Grigio

Pork Roast
White Wines: Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Gewurztraminer
Red Wines: Pinot Noir, Chianti, Sangiovese, Merlot, Zinfandel, Beaujolais

Brian’s Recommendations: DaVinci Chianti & Mud Pie Zinfandel

Beef Roast
Red Wines: Cabernet, Bordeaux, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz/Syrah, Barolo

Brian’s Recommendations: Columbia Crest Grand Estates Cabernet & Osso Anna Merlot

Beef Tenderloin
Red Wines: Cabernet, Bordeaux, Merlot, Zinfandel, Shiraz/Syrah

Brian’s Recommendations: Joel Gott 815 Cabernet & Apothic Red Blend

Lamb
Red Wines: Cotes du Rhone, Rioja, Shiraz/Syrah, Malbec, Grenache

Brian’s Recommendations: Las Rocas Garnacha & Parallele 45 Cotes du Rhone

Lasagna / Spaghetti
White Wines: Sauvignon Blanc, White Bordeaux
Red Wines: Chianti, Sangiovese, Barbera

Brian’s Recommendations: Terra d’Oro Barbera & Santa Cristina Sangiovese

Dessert
White Wines: Moscato d’Asti, Sparkling Asti, Champagne (demi- Sec style), Muscat, Sauternes, Sherry
Red Wines: Port (ruby, tawny, or vintage)

Brian’s Recommendations: Lazurro Moscato d’Asti & Hardys Whiskers Blake Tawny Port