Five Minutes with the Bunny

This Week in the Wine Corner: Good of you to take time to talk with us here in the Wine Corner, Easter Bunny. Few people know that you're passionate about wine. We have so many questions for you. 

Easter Bunny:  I'm all ears.

TWWC: We hear you have an extensive wine cellar in your hutch. Can you give us an idea of what it holds?

E.B: Well, we're mainly looking for quality wine that pair well with what's on the table. We're not into chasing points or seeking out cult wines -- don't have the budget for that sort of thing. People have no idea how little the Ms. and I survive on. I may be the Easter Bunny, but the key word there is Easter. It's seasonal work, you see. Not much happening for me the rest of the year. For 51 weeks I'm really just another rabbit, putting my pajamas on one leg at a time -- hopping about, reproducing, that sort of thing.

TWWC: Surely you're being too modest. We've heard that you're in demand as a professional taster and that you've consulted on many of the world's top vegetarian restaurant wine lists.

E.B. It's true, but in fact these gigs are mostly PR. All they really want is the Easter Bunny's imprimatur. I just show up for a few photos and a little nose twitching. 

TWWC: But what a nose it is, renowned for its ability to tease out and identify a host of scents and flavors many of which we ordinary enthusiasts would overlook. Perhaps, to give our readers an idea of your remarkable skills, you could choose a random note from your cellar book to share?

E.B.  Oh sure. Let's see . . . okay, here's a typical one: 
1982 Pichon-Lalande Paulliac.  Medium deep carrot-orange with specks of garden soil. Aromas reminiscent of fresh and candied carrot with hints of elongated root vegetable and carrot remoulade. Pair with braised carrot, carrot Vichyssoise, carrot gratin, cassoulet of carrot or a hearty carrot soup garnished with a pinch of finely chopped carrot tops. Drink now or hold until carrot season.

TWWC: Precisely! How many of us would have completely missed the carrot note in that wine?  Most, I dare say. Thank you, Easter Bunny. How can readers who wish to be in touch reach you?

E.B.  They can just address their correspondence to me, the Tooth Fairy, Santa Claus, or The Almighty. We all use the same P.O. Box. Now, if you'll excuse me, I passed a carrot patch on the way here I'm just dying to pop into. Feeling a bit peckish, you see . . .

- Stephen Meuse
 

Before: Domaine Vigneau-Chevreau Vouvray Pétillant. Fully dry, but with lovely bright fruit and an appetizing freshness, this sparkling Chenin Blanc makes an ideal and affordable before-dinner sip. Greeting your guests with the pop of a cork and glass of bubbly sets a convivial, festive mood. $25.95

After: Château Le Payral Saussignac.  From our favorite naturalist producer in Bergerac, near Bordeaux, comes this affordable sweet dessert wine. Pleasing notes of ripe apricot and some zesty acidity will bring your spring holiday meal to a dramatic and delicious finish. $32.95/500ml

Bunny Knows Best À Table #1 Twin Pack
One each of the above in a beribboned black paperboard tote, $39 net
Email us at wine @formaggiocambridge to order

Quality and price don't always go hand in hand, but there are times when spending a little more really does amp up the experience. Pietradolce Etna Bianco is pure Cataratto from the slopes of the ancient but still active Mt. Etna; Buondonno Chianti Classico, a pleasingly rich version of a historic Tuscan blend, with the native Sangiovese benefitting from a bit of this naturalist estate's own Merlot fruit. Team them up for a high-fidelity holiday wine experience.