Master of Wine, Christy Canterbury, Approved French Wines for Your Easter Brunch

About Christy Canterbury, MW:
Christy Canterbury is a Master of Wine based in Brooklyn, New York. She was the seventh woman in the United States to earn the prestigious Master of Wine Title.Today, there are just over 50 Masters of Wine in the US.
Her passion for wine began in Dallas, Texas, and ultimately took her to New York by way of Paris, where her love of the industry was fully affirmed. Christy’s written work can be found in Decanter, Wine Enthusiast, Wine-Searcher, Tim Atkin, and more.
She has overseen wine programs for numerous fine dining groups, including Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group, as well as Culinary Concepts by Jean-Georges Vongerichten.  

Delavenne NV Champagne Grand Cru Nature (Non-Dosé Champagne)

  Why Now, According to Christy: “Because your family and friends deserve a sophisticated treat to start!” 
About the Wine: Produced from a 60/40 blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from the Grand Cru of Bouzy, this textured and tasty wine offers flavors of green apple, citrus peel, brioche, saline, and chalk. Fruit for this wine was farmed organically and fermented native yeasts prior to aging for an impressive four years on the lees before release.  
Brunch Pairing: There’s no better way to kick off a big meal than with a glass of something bubbly—and for something extra special, a bottle of Grand Cru Champagne is where it’s at. Citrusy, toasty, and laden with natural acidity, this palate-cleansing wine is perfect for sipping with a variety of savory and sweet brunch favorites, from French Toast to Eggs Benedict and beyond. You really can’t go wrong here.  

Château La Coste 2022 Coteaux d'Aix-En-Provence (Rosé) 

  Why Now, According to Christy: “Because spring has sprung!
About the Wine: Produced from a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Vermentino, this crisp, light-on-its-feet wine is produced from hand-picked and hand-sorted fruit grown at high altitudes on old vines. In the cellar, the wine ferments with native yeasts and ages for six months in a combination of vats and used barrels.  
Brunch Pairing: Similar to sparkling wine, rosé is one of the most food-friendly wine categories out there, thanks to the wines’ absence of tannins and high levels of natural acidity. From fruit salad to soft cheeses to a variety of homemade quiches, this citrusy, mineral-driven wine promises to bring the best out of your seasonal brunch fare.  

Domaine la Rouviole 2022 Minervois Les Pièces Blanches (Unoaked White) 

  Why Now, According to Christy: “Smells of spring blooms, making it perfect for any glaze you choose for a spiral ham.” 
About the Wine: Crafted from a 50/50 blend of Grenache Blanc and Rolle (otherwise known as Vermentino), this round-yet-balanced wine shows vivacious flavors of lemon, white stone fruit, and hints of acacia.  
Brunch Pairing: For omelets, quiches, and savory vegetable-based gratins, this palate-coating white wine promises to go the limits. Although weighty and round on the palate, ample amounts of natural acidity keep the wine fresh and lively—and its unoaked nature means fruit-forward flavors are placed front and center on the palate. 

Nic Rager 2021 Pinot Noir (Light-Bodied Red) 

  Why Now, According to Christy: “It’s great for pairing with ham, as well as when you’re entertaining a big, thirsty family.” 
About the Wine: Who says that delicious wine needs to break the bank? This budget-friendly Pinot Noir offers a seriously good bang for your buck. Medium-bodied, peppery, and laden with notes of red cherry, tree bark, and hints of plum, this easy-drinking wine is a bona fide crowdpleaser. 
Brunch Pairing: Light-bodied reds with bright acidity and low to medium levels of tannins are great with slightly heartier fare, including root vegetable tarts, savory toasts, and all things breakfast meat (bacon, sausage), as well as Easter’s signature dish, ham.  

Domaine de la Rectorie 2017 Banyuls Cuvée Pierre Rapidel (Sweet) 

  Why Now, According to Christy: “Perfect for any cakes you or your family make for your feast…or just dessert in a glass! 
About the Wine: Sweet wines don’t always get the love they deserve, but this incredible Banyuls from Domaine de la Rectorie promises to win over the hearts of wine lovers everywhere—dessert wine skeptics included. Produced from a blend of Grenache (90%) and Carignan (10%), this unique style of dessert wine ferments for four days prior to the addition of neutral distillate, which halts fermentation, boosts the final ABV, and most importantly, leaves a bunch of residual sugar in the wine. On the palate, expect flavors of dried fruits (raisins, figs), hazelnuts, and hints of candied orange zest to lead to a long, persistent finish.  
Brunch Pairing: All things sweet! From homemade pies and festive cupcakes, to crème brûlée, fruit tartlets, and simple butter cookies, this beautiful dessert wine promises to create a match made in heaven. Not much of a dessert person? Grab a hunk of savory comté and let this pairing blow your mind.