We hope you join us tonight, Friday April 2 from 5-8pm in both the Brooklyn & Manhattan wine stores to taste our annual staff picks for your Easter spread – a red, white and rose for ham and a red for lamb. Like lamb and ham, these wines are not just for Easter anymore.

Leth Gruner Veltliner 2008

Lean and balanced, this Austrian Gruner Veltliner is a versatile food wine that goes particularly well with ham and other pork dishes but is often overlooked in favor of our cheaper pop-top Gruners. Its minerality and subtle fruitiness will mingle nicely with the saltiness of the ham. This is a dry white, with flavors of white pepper and a hint of white flowers.

Chateau de Roquefort Corail Rosé 2009

We just got in the new vintage of this store favorite – the only rosé we carried through the winter. The bright strawberry and raspberry fruit of this Provençal rosé will provide a nice counterpoint to the saltiness of the ham while the lively acidity will quench your thirst and cleanse your palate of the fattiness of the meat, making you crave the next savory bite. The vineyards are located just over the ridge from the famed (and accordingly-priced) Bandol region.

Friedrich Becker Estate Pinot Noir 2007

A pure, juicy, elegant wine with taut balance, this is the perfect red wine to enjoy with ham. Unlike a bigger, more tannic red, this light-bodied wine with red fruit essences will harmonize with the dish rather than overwhelm it. Often overlooked because it is German, this is Mike’s favorite pinot at this price.

Paul Autard Cotes-du-Rhône 2008

Bored with Bordeaux? Though the standard pair for lamb is Bordeaux, this year Mike recommends a Côtes-du-Rhone – and in particular our Paul Autard 2008. Grenache provides structure and body and Syrah gives an earthy undertone that will complement flavorful, rich lamb meat. You’ll find plum, cherry, and lavender supported by very firm tannins. This is a big wine.

Manhattan will be tasting Stift Goettwigg Messwein 2008, Fleur de California Vin Gris 2009, Friedrich Becker Estate Pinot Noir 2007 & Chateau Haut Lignieres Le 1er Faugeres 2007.