A WINE FOR EASTER-Meaningful, Delicious and French

~Doc Lawrence

Easter Sunday traditionally includes family, friends, food and for many, good wine. Obviously, this Easter Sunday will be anything but traditional. With the pandemic still looming large and mandatory shelter-in-place orders, chances are this Easter is going to involve creative ways of connecting.

Hopefully, you were able to take the appropriate precautions and get out long enough to acquire the necessary provisions to prepare a festive meal.

I always have a bottle or two of the regal red wine that, for me, most represents Easter:

Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

The name Châteauneuf-du-Pape means "new castle of the Pope", and harks back to the early 14th Century, when Avignon, in the southern Rhone region of France was chosen as the new home for the Pope's court. The incumbent Pope at that time was Clement V, whose name also features in the ancient and prestigious Château Pape Clément in Graves. The town's name is literally drenched in history.

If spring lamb is on the Easter feast table, you cannot go wrong with this highly-regarded wine. Don’t hesitate to serve it with other entrees like beef, duck or roast pork.

Here’s a delightful video that takes us on a tour of the region.

https://youtu.be/4b6SUuKdRXs

Better days are ahead. In the meantime, take time to ponder the deep meaning and spiritual importance of Easter.