Bread and wine are undeniably the essence of Christian rituals, but beyond their ecclesiastical symbolism, we dare to go one step further and say they symbolize nourishment for the body and for the soul. Sharing food means nurturing, sharing together the fruits of one’s labor. Sharing wine means communion, openness, connection.
The feast that marks the end of Lent – the Easter meal- is less about the re-encountering of meat and cheese, and more about gathering with family and loved ones. And such a special occasion calls for a wine to match – remember that the host’s efforts to fill the table can be at least partially rewarded if you bring along a good bottle of wine!
Start with Bubbles, Smiles, and Light Pairings
Before the “culinary hostilities” begin, the joy of reunion deserves to be celebrated with a glass of bubbles… This is where things can get complicated, because there are so many great sparkling wines in Romania, so that hesitation is perfectly normal. We settled on the new sparkling wine from Avincis, 100% Crâmpoșie Selecționată – lively, with notes of hay and white flowers, and a hint of fruit. Relaxed and relaxing, as it should be, it pairs well on its own or with fine pastries.
Wine for Starters
For platters with fresh cheeses (or soft ones like Brie or Camembert), green onions, bell peppers, and radishes, you need a semi-vegetal wine, preferably with fruity hints. We thought of an Alb de Histria (Fetească Regală + Chardonnay), a bit wild to match the “green” flavors and very expressive.
For those with more classical tastes, the Fetească Albă from the „Fetească de Tohani” collection (from Tohani Romania, obviously) complements the rustic accents with elegant notes of white flowers and sweet green apples.
For deviled eggs and mayo-based salads (chicken, mushroom, beef), you also need a white wine with high acidity and more floral than fruity – Zghihară de Averești Diamond Selection from Domeniile Averești is an inspired choice.
If you have seafood salads or grilled fish (lean meat), the pairing is well-established: Aligoté Caii de la Letea Volumul II. They go perfectly together! Or, if you lean towards international varieties – Sauvignon Blanc Scoarțe, from Crama Olterra – by the way, Histria, Olterra, and Sarica Niculițel are all part of the Vintruvian Group, and as different as each region’s tastes are, they share a common vision of what quality wine means.
For cold cuts, lamb haggis (drob), or other meaty starters, we recommend a fresh rosé full of life and optimism – Vinul Cavalerului Secret, produced by SERVE exclusively for Carrefour Romania’s Deschidem Vinul Românesc / We Open the Romanian Wine program.
Wine for meats
Since we mentioned the Vintruvian Group – it also includes Crama DeMatei, where you’ll find one of Romania’s most valuable wines, covered in gold at international competitions and listed on the shortest “must-have” wine lists – Patima după Matei, Fetească Neagră Single Vineyard. It’s truly a special wine, to be shared with special people during special moments – especially if you’ve cooked something special, too.
For lamb or mutton, many wines work – from Negru de Drăgășani to Pinot Noirs – but this might be the time to stick with a classic Fetească Neagră, especially given the abundance of remarkable examples: from the organic Pătrar by Domeniul Bogdan, to the cheerful Sonorum by Gramofon Wine, or the more sober Apogeum (Apogeum being the only winery in Romania dedicated exclusively to this grape variety).
If you’re still unsure and want a simpler yet exclusive solution that will please everyone at the table, try the new Cuvee Rouge 49 from Beciul Domnesc – a personality-packed blend in a limited edition of just 5,506 bottles.
Pour la bonne bouche
No Easter meal is complete without pască or cozonac (traditional sweetbread and a cheese+sweetbread+raisins cake) – the perfect match for an Eiswein from Jidvei, a special wine made from naturally raisined and frozen grapes. A harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat, and one that will surely make this gathering unforgettable!
