Ultimate Food and Wine Pairing Guide for Easter Dinner: Best Wines for Every Course
As Easter approaches, many are planning festive meals to share with family and friends.
One of the best ways to elevate your Easter dinner is through the perfect food and wine pairing. Whether you’re serving traditional dishes or adding a modern twist, this guide offers expert wine pairing suggestions for each course to enhance your Easter feast.
Best Food and Wine Pairings for Easter Appetizers
1. Deviled Eggs
Wine Pairing: Prosecco or Champagne
Start your Easter meal with deviled eggs paired with a crisp sparkling wine like Prosecco or Champagne. The effervescence and acidity of the wine will refresh your palate and complement the rich, creamy texture of the eggs. This food and wine pairing is the perfect way to begin the meal.
2. Spring Salad
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
A light-bodied white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, is an excellent match for a fresh spring salad. These wines offer bright citrus notes and vibrant acidity, which beautifully complement the freshness of the salad greens and vinaigrette.
Top Food and Wine Pairings for Your Easter Main Course
3. Roast Leg of Lamb
Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot
For the classic Easter main course of roast leg of lamb, opt for a medium to full-bodied red wine such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Their robust flavors and firm tannins pair wonderfully with the richness of the lamb, enhancing each savory bite. This food and wine pairing is perfect for lamb lovers.
4. Honey Glazed Ham
Wine Pairing: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
A slightly sweet white wine like Riesling or Gewürztraminer is the ideal choice for honey glazed ham. The hint of sweetness in these wines complements the honey glaze, while their acidity balances the richness of the meat, making it a great food and wine pairing for this dish.
5. Herb-Roasted Chicken
Wine Pairing: Chardonnay or Viognier
For a versatile food and wine pairing with herb-roasted chicken, choose a light to medium-bodied white wine such as Chardonnay or Viognier. These wines offer enough acidity to cut through the richness of the chicken while enhancing its herbal flavors.
Perfect Food and Wine Pairings for Easter Side Dishes
6. Asparagus with Hollandaise Sauce
Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner
Asparagus with hollandaise sauce is best paired with a crisp, herbaceous white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Grüner Veltliner. The wine’s herbal notes complement the asparagus, while its acidity cuts through the richness of the hollandaise sauce, making it a delightful food and wine pairing.
7. Roasted Root Vegetables
Wine Pairing: Pinot Noir or Grenache
For roasted root vegetables, choose a medium-bodied red wine such as Pinot Noir or Grenache. Their earthy undertones perfectly complement the flavors of the vegetables, while the wine’s acidity adds brightness to the dish. This food and wine pairing is a great choice for those looking for balance.
Sweet Food and Wine Pairings for Easter Desserts
8. Carrot Cake
Wine Pairing: Late-Harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti
End your Easter dinner on a sweet note by pairing carrot cake with a sweet white wine like late-harvest Riesling or Moscato d’Asti. These wines mirror the cake's sweetness and spice, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. This food and wine pairing brings together two sweet delights.
9. Lemon Tart
Wine Pairing: Muscat or Vin Santo
For a zesty and refreshing dessert, serve lemon tart with a light, citrusy dessert wine like Muscat or Vin Santo. The wine's citrusy notes mirror the tartness of the lemon, offering a refreshing finish to the meal. A perfect food and wine pairing for those who love a tangy dessert.
Now that you have the ultimate food and wine pairing guide for your Easter dinner, it’s time to plan your menu. Don’t forget to check out our top wine selections at Keg N Bottle to make your Easter feast unforgettable!