April is such a variable month, chilly and misty some days with the possibility of glorious sunshine on others and despite being spring the fruit & veg available is still fairly wintery. It’s a good time to experiment with different combinations that add a bit of zing.
Sunshine and longer evenings make for impromptu events and sharing a glass of delicious Coteaux de l’Ardèche – Viognier: Vignerons Ardéchois 2012 accompanied by crudités, small slices of rosemary foccacia and a bowl of plump olives with your friends is a great way to celebrate the new season.
Try a salad of thinly sliced blood oranges with buffalo mozzarella or roasted carrots with ricotta as pretty, fresh and delicious starters (or a lovely lunch with some lightly toasted ciabatta). Compliment the glorious flavours and colours of these dishes with a Côtes de Gascogne: Domaine Millet Rosé - a deep coral coloured rosé that’s bottled under screw-cap to conserve its youthful fruit and vigor.
If the weather is nice enough use it as an excuse to barbecue some fresh mackerel (always better cooked and consumed outdoors). This robust fish can take bold flavours such as cumin, paprika or aromatic herbs such as rosemary, a squeeze of lemon adds a zingy freshness. Such strong flavours require a hearty accompaniment such as IGP Pays Duché d’Uzès ‘Les Pérassières’: Domaine Camp Galhan 2012 or a white wine with plenty of depth.
By: Pippa Goldfinger.
