Whether you’re hosting a long Easter lunch, grazing your way through a bank holiday afternoon, or simply raising a glass to spring’s arrival, Easter is a time to share generously with family and friends. From smoked salmon and fish pie to glazed ham, spring salads, hot cross buns (and plenty of chocolate in between!) it’s an occasion that deserves something special in the glass…

At Chilworth Manor Vineyard, our traditional method sparkling wines are made for more than just aperitifs. Thanks to extended lees ageing, they offer both depth and body, while their naturally high acidity (typical of a cool climate vineyard) keeps them fresh and food-friendly. That acidity works much like a squeeze of lemon, cutting through richness and lifting flavours, whether you’re enjoying creamy sauces or oily fish. And while sweeter dishes can make a dry wine feel sharper, a touch of sweetness in a dish – a glazed ham for example - can create a beautifully balanced contrast.

Our latest release, The Bishop 2019, is a perfect centrepiece wine. Golden in colour, with aromas of dried apricot and quince, it has spent over five years on the lees, developing a complex palate of stone fruit, nuts and pastry. Its bright acidity and toasty depth make it a natural partner for smoked salmon, dressed crab or grilled fish, complementing their richness without overpowering delicate flavours. It’s equally at home alongside roast chicken or guinea fowl, where its balance of freshness and complexity enhances both the meat and any buttery or creamy accompaniments.

For Good Friday, salmon en croûte paired with our Classic Cuvée ‘Alwyn’ 2018 is a timeless choice. With over 60 months on the lees, Alwyn brings fine bubbles, crisp acidity and subtle brioche notes that cut through the buttery pastry while echoing its golden, flaky texture. The wine’s freshness lifts the richness of the salmon, while its creamy mousse mirrors the softness of the fish: this is a pairing that feels both elegant and celebratory.

Meanwhile, our  Brut Rosé 2021 is one of the most versatile bottles in the range. Pale salmon in the glass, with notes of brioche, fresh yeast and delicate red berries, it is dry, fresh and lively, with a long, savoury finish. It pairs beautifully with an asparagus and goat’s cheese tart: the wine’s acidity lifts the green freshness of the asparagus while balancing the creaminess of the cheese. It’s equally at home with glazed ham, where a touch of residual sugar softens the saltiness and complements the sweetness of the glaze, while the red fruit character naturally enhances the pork.

For more relaxed moments, these wines shine just as brightly. The Bishop is a natural choice for smoked salmon blinis or dressed crab to start, while Alwyn works beautifully with potted shrimp or a warm leek tart. Brut Rosé makes a perfect Easter aperitif, equally suited to smoked trout, light starters or simply enjoyed in the spring sunshine.

And for those lucky enough to still have a bottle of our sell-out 2024 still Rosé to hand, it’s the ideal companion for a grazing platter or spring salad.

Whatever you choose to enjoy, the key is balance: richness with freshness, sweetness with complexity, and most importantly embracing a chance to share good food and great wine with friends and family!