Five Wines to Pair with Your Easter Dinner

When it comes to choosing a wine for Easter dinner, there are a few qualities that can make a great pairing. First and foremost, the wine should complement the flavors of the food, rather than overpowering or clashing with them. This means choosing a wine with acidity and tannins that can cut through rich or fatty dishes, while also having enough body and flavor to stand up to bold flavors. Versatility is also important, as Easter dinner often features a variety of dishes, from ham or lamb to side dishes and desserts. A good Easter wine should be able to pair well with a range of foods. Finally, a wine for Easter should be celebratory and enjoyable, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion. 

Here are five types of wines that could be great choices to enjoy with Easter dinner, along with the reasons you might consider them when you buy wine online: 

• Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with moderate acidity and subtle tannins. It can pair well with a range of dishes, including roasted or grilled meats, fish, and vegetarian options. The fruity and earthy notes in a Pinot Noir can complement traditional Easter dishes like roasted lamb, ham, or turkey. A great choice is the 2019 Davis Family Vineyards Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, which is assembled from grapes at choice vineyards across the appellation, creating layers of complexity.
• Chardonnay is a medium-bodied white wine that can be either oaked or unoaked. Its crisp acidity and notes of apple, pear, and citrus make it a versatile pairing for many Easter dishes, from creamy casseroles to roasted chicken or fish. Consider the 2021 Sangiacomo Sonoma Coast Chardonnay, from the home of your favorite wine store California, Bottle Barn. Aged in French oak, this Chardonnay offers aromas of baked apple and pear alongside spices like nutmeg and chai; you’ll catch notes of white rose petal and quince too.
• Rosé is a broad category of light-bodied wine that can come in many different styles, from bone-dry to slightly sweet. It’s refreshing acidity and fruit-forward flavors make it a great choice for Easter brunch or a light dinner. Rosé can pair well with salads, charcuterie, and seafood dishes. For this special event the 2021 Domaine Tempier Bandol Rose is worthy and produced using biodynamic methods, a classic blend of Mourvedre, Grenache and Cinsault.
• Riesling is a white wine with a range of sweetness levels, from bone-dry to dessert-sweet. Its high acidity and notes of peach, apricot, and honey can pair well with spicy or salty dishes. A dry Riesling can complement Easter ham or roast pork, while a sweeter Riesling can pair well with desserts like carrot cake or fruit tart. One example is the 2020 Prinz Jungfer Riesling Kabinett, aged on its lees, lending a creaminess alongside intense aromas of mango, ripe apple, pear, and peach with notes of minerality.
• Then there’s that definitive red wine bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with high tannins and notes of blackberry, cassis, and vanilla. It can pair well with hearty Easter dishes like prime rib, rack of lamb, or beef stew. Its bold flavors and structure can stand up to rich and savory flavors. Bottle Barn has hundreds to choose from. How about the 2019 Hayfork Lewelling Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon from St. Helena in Napa Valley? Critic Jeb Dunnuck says: “Medium to full-bodied, it has integrated acidity and a layered, textured, balanced style. Need a great Napa Cabernet under $100? Buy this."