Shari’s Picks® for April.

We look forward to April in our house. Spring has finally arrived! The days are longer. The skies are brighter. Our youngest daughter was born in April. We have happy memories of her annual birthday parties. Easter is around the corner.

I will not be hosting Easter this year. Instead, our eldest daughter is having an Easter gathering at her home. She and her husband are new parents who want to host but don’t have the energy to create a traditional meal. As she describes it, we will be grazing. This approach presents an ideal opportunity to pair food-friendly and versatile sparkling and rosé wines with the myriad of diverse foods to be served.

Cava, the famous sparkling wine of Spain, is made using the same technique as Champagne from local grape varieties. Cava is crowd-friendly and affordable. Since sparkling wine is the most food-friendly of all wine styles, Villa Conchi Brut Seleccion is perfect with appetizers and can stand up to my devilled eggs! This sparkling white wine is fresh and crisp, with toasty aromas and a zesty finish. Its pretty, bright blue label, makes Villa Conchi Brut Seleccion ready-made for the Easter table! It is under $20 until April 23.

**Villa Conchi Brut Seleccion**| Xarel-lo, Parrellada, Macabeo | Catalonia, Spain | 750 mL | 11.5% alc | sugar 13 g/L | cork finish | LCBO +577148 | $ 21.95 | *Sale **$19.95**
(Save $2.00 until April 23)

Rosé is an ideal choice for a grazing party. Some consider rosé wines the white wine for red wine drinkers. I enjoy its freshness and versatility. Made from blending red and white grapes, Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2021 is from southern France, home of delicious rosé wines. The wine is pale pink with soft berry aromas and a dry, crisp finish. Serve Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2021 chilled with shrimp dishes, salads and spicy foods. It is $13.95 until April 23.

**Gérard Bertrand Gris Blanc Rosé 2021**| Grenache | Languedoc-Roussillon, France | 750 mL | 12.5% alc | sugar 2 g/L | screw cap | VINTAGES +14673 | $ 15.95 | *Sale **$13.95**
(Save $2.00 until April 23)

Are you looking for red wine to serve with a traditional Easter meal? From the Rioja region in Spain, Beronia Reserva Tempranillo 2018 will pair very well with roast meats, ham, gorgonzola cheese and even chocolate. This rich red is from 40-year-old vines. Beronia Reserva Tempranillo 2018 has a deep red colour, rich vanilla and blackberry flavours and a lingering, silky finish. Enjoy a $3.00 discount until April 23.

**Beronia Reserva Tempranillo 2018** | Tempranillo | Rioja, Spain | 750 mL | 14% alc | sugar 3 g/L | cork finish | VINTAGES + 50203 | $ 21.95 | *Sale **$18.95**
(Save $3.00 until April 23)

Do you want to self-indulge, splurge or share a special red wine? Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2017 is delicious, drinkable and very balanced. It is smooth, with red cherry flavours, soft, fine tannins and a lingering finish. Priced at $51.95, it is $5 off until April 26. You can serve Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2017 with hearty foods such as lasagna, beef tenderloin, roast duck, leg of lamb and Pecorino cheese.

**Banfi Brunello di Montalcino 2017**| Sangiovese | Tuscany, Italy | 750 mL | 15% alc | sugar 4 g/L | cork finish | VINTAGES +378257 | $ 56.95 | *Sale **$51.95**
(Save $5.00 until April 23)

If you get a chance to travel to Tuscany, I highly recommend visiting the spectacular medieval Castello Banfi, home of the world-famous wines of Banfi. Surrounded by vineyards and olive groves, the hilltop heritage property features gorgeous rooms, two restaurants and a glass museum. You will be glad you did!

I hope you have a bright April!

Cheers,

Shari

I can be reached at sharispx@gmail.com

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