Santorini Escape with Sigalas Assyrtiko and Going Down Under with Stargazer Rada Pinot Noir

Dear Members,

We trust that you are all staying safe, strong and healthy during these times. As part of social distancing efforts, many of us are hunkering down and embracing all life has to offer under one roof.. Whether it’s working from home, home-schooling our kids or logging in more hours of video conferencing with loved ones around the world, we hope that this month’s Toasst box offers a small source of comfort and opportunity for virtual travel through our wines from around the world.

To make our wines more accessible to members and non-members, we're excited to announce a new Shop page that offers single Toasst boxes for purchase, including a 'Best of Box' with wines that have been voted by members as their favorites and a 'Pinot Discovery' box offering a selection of trending Old World and New World Pinots from leading winemakers. As with any of our subscriptions, these boxes are available as gifts and are the perfect way to either enjoy a virtual tasting together with friends or enjoy while entertaining at home. To help with doing our part in supporting the community during these challenging times, we will be donating 10% of proceeds in April to local charities helping to support some of Hong Kong’s most vulnerable populations during this unprecedented time. 

While some of you may be already looking into preparations for your Easter or Passover brunch (while keeping it to a small gathering, of course), we put our heads together to think about recipes that require simple, easily accessible items that are more readily available at your local grocer. A Greens and Feta Crostata offers an elegant, simple option that can be served at room temperature for a brunch or hot out of the oven. For a bit of fun that kids can be involved in, we suggest Spanish-style Deviled Eggs with Pimentón (with optional crispy jamón). For the recipes, check out toasst.co. These would be perfect complements to more sizable mains including the traditional roast ham, lamb or chicken or even a Beyond Meat Shepherd’s Pie for our vegan members.

And more importantly, what’s in the box for Easter brunch? 

Whisking you away to the Aegean islands with merely a whiff, the Sigalas Assyrtiko-Monemvasia PGI Cyclade 2018 will pair wonderfully with the aforementioned Crostata. Hailing from Oia in beautiful Santorini (hence the photo for virtual travel inspiration!), Domaine Sigalas is a  highly well-regarded Greek wine producer behind this floral, intensely aromatic gem of a wine. A 50/50 blend of native grapes Assyrtiko and Monemvasia made from old vines, this wine features a clean, mineral salinity and perfumed nose accompanied by lemon citrus aromas and tropical notes that end on a cheery bright note to help lift the palate and spirits. In addition to our brunch pairing suggestions, this wine invites classic seaside Mediterranean fare. Try with pan-seared scallops, grilled octopus salad, or a meaty white fish such as a lightly grilled branzino. 

To pair with your more substantial mains, we suggest the delectable Stargazer Rada Pinot Meunier Pinot Noir 2018. As part of the new generation of Australian winemakers that include Mac Forbes and Bill Downie, New Zealand-born female winemaker Sam Connew has piloted a project from her Palisander vineyard in Tasmania marrying the varietals of Pinot Meunier and Pinot Noir to produce this wonderfully addicting, light-medium bodied wine. A distinct blend of fruit and savoriness, the translucent red color is supported by substance and spicy notes from the Meunier with acidity and fresh cherry on the finish. We can't get enough of the crunchy mouthfeel and soft, elegant tannins that subtly persist on the tongue. As possibly one of the best red wines for an Asian food pairing, this is a versatile wine that speaks to a a variety of cuisines. Try with a rosemary roast chicken, spicy ginger beef stir-fry, smoked duck breast, marinated pork tenderloin with apple or a roast pork chow mein. 

As part of Easter festivities, we couldn’t resist including a sparkling wine. From an award-winning Catalonian producer, the Segura Viudas Brut Reserva is a high quality cava made in the same traditional method as French champagne. Having spent 15 month with lees contact, this wine offers a defining freshness and complexity without the price tag. Fruit forward aromas with apple, pear, apricot and tropical notes combined with balanced acidity finished off by a clean, dry and memorable long mid-palate finish. Pair as an aperitif with the Deviled Eggs dish mentioned earlier or mild soft milk cheese including Camambert or Brie. 

Also - whether it’s an innovative pairing with your Easter brunch, every day dinner or virtual happy hour drink of choice - we would love to hear your ideas and feedback on the wines in your Toasst box at info@toasst.co or on Instagram and Facebook.

Stay positive. Send questions, comments and feedback to info@toasst.co and share your Toasst experience on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. We’re pretty sure members would love to hear from each other. 

Thank you for your support and being a part of Toasst. #livebetter #winebetter

Amy & Christina 

p.s. If you haven’t already, remember to sign up for our mailing list at toasst.co for the latest news, offers and wine tips.