Yesterday, for the first time in months, my lawn wasn’t covered in snow. Green spikes of daffodils were peeking through the wet earth, reaching upward to feel the warmth of the sun. I scooped up my daughter, grabbed my hubby’s hand and took a walk around the yard to soak up some delicious vitamin D. Spring has finally sprung in Michigan, and we couldn’t be happier. The long, bitter winter is over; Daisy the Duck has found her way back to Nino’s Troy parking lot; the tulips are arriving on the dock by the truckload; and bright, pastel bursts of color are found around the stores. Easter is right around the corner, and I have just the wines to pair with your holiday feast! Whether you’re having ham, serving lamb, or hosting a brunch, here are my picks for the big day:

Punkt Genau Sparkling Grüner Veltliner Weinviertel, Austria NV –
Spring is the perfect time for something new and surprising! Greet your guests with this sparkling Gürner Veltliner, whose name means “on the spot.” This bubbly hits the spot every time with its bright acidity and forward green apple fruit.

Masi Masianco Delle Venezia, Italy 2012 –
Crisp, clean and fragrant, Masi’s white blend of Pinot Grigio and Verduzzo is a terrific pairing for ham. Floral and peachy, with snappy acidity, it’s also terrific for appetizers.

Murrieta’s Well The Whip White Blend, Livermore Valley, California 2012 –

The nose on this amalgam of flavorful white grapes is powerful and intoxicating. Notes of honeysuckle, peach, apricot and orange blossom fill the senses. It’s a dynamic blend of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Orange Muscat, Viognier, Pinot Blanc, Semillon, and Muscat Canelli. The Whip is fruity enough to balance the saltiness of ham while providing enough acidity to keep it refreshing and bright.

Martin Laforet Grand Ordinare Bourgogne, France 2011 –
With luscious, fresh raspberries and wild strawberries on the nose, this Pinot Noir/Gamay Noir blend from Burgundy screams of spring. Light but vibrant, it’s a good choice if you must have red with ham. However, it’s also bold enough to stand up to lamb. I can’t tell you enough how much I love this wine!

Masi Campofiorin Rosso del Veronese, Italy 2009 –
Rich, ripe black cherry; plum; raisin and spice, Masi’s baby Amarone is medium- to full-bodied and a wonderful pairing for lamb. Masi dries its grapes, making this a ripasso-style wine, which adds layered complexity. Oak aging gives it cedar and baking spice on the finish. The Campofiorin is also delectable with anything off the grill.

Tasting these wines got me excited for spring. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!
Enjoy!

– Jennifer Laurie