WINES FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE

                   Ham is the most popular entree served for Easter Dinner.  Let us help you with your wine pairings.
                   For those who enjoy a dry white wine we suggest Gewurztraminer.  The spiceness of this wine will pair with baked ham very nicely.  Another nice selection is Dry Riesling.  Many people have never had a dry style Riesling but it appeals to those who enjoy Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.  But it's a Riesling that pairs well with ham.  If you're a honey glaze ham lover, Semi-Sweet Riesling or Rose' are great choices; some fruitness without delivering a lot of sweetness, yet pairing well with the glaze.  If you're entertaining a large group, you might want to select Riesling for its versatility.  It pleases the palate of a wide variety of wine lovers.  For the die hard red wine drinker the best option is Pinot Noir.  I suggest you select a wine from a cooler growing region like Burgundy, Washington, New York or Pennsylvania.

Here is a great glaze for ham:

Alpine Spice Glazed Ham
2/3C. golden brown sugar, firmly packed
1C. Sand Castle Alpine Spice
1/8 C. honey

Combine sugar, Alpine Spice, and honey; simmer on stove until it thickens to a syrupy consistency.
Remove ham 30 minutes before baking ends; remove drippings.  Score top of ham in criss-cross pattern.
Cover ham with glaze.  Bake in hot oven (400F).
Continue to baste ham with rest of glaze, in two or three applications every 8-10 minutes.  Do not baste ham with rest of glaze that has run down into drippings as it dulls luster of glaze.

And if You're Enjoying Lamb..................

Roasted Leg of Lamb is a popular entree choice for many.  The important role that garlic and rosemary play in a lamb dish contribute to the selection of a proper wine.  Pinot Noir, Nebbiolo, and Barbara grape based wines do well with lamb, the gaminess of the meat and robust herbs.  Wines from Northern Italy and Burgundy are excellent choices.  Want to try something new?  Go with Egri Bikaver (Bull's Blood) from Hungary.

Remember, wine is a condiment to a meal; it is designed to highlight the dish, not complete with it or over power it.  If you're spending good hard earned money on food make sure the wine showcases the food.