10 Best Wines for a Lamb Dinner

A beautiful Bordeaux makes a very nice lamb pairing, no matter how you prepare it. Lacoste Borie (around $33) is a classic example of the Pauillac region, which is known for blends dominated by Cabernet Sauvignon. You'll enjoy this red's dark fruits, intriguing spice, and perfectly round tannins. With a wine this elegant, it's only right to pair it with an amazing dish, and few can outshine the classic crown of lamb.

For a budget-friendly red, it will be difficult to beat Marqués de Riscal Reserva. It's a fantastic model of the red wines produced in Spain's Rioja region and has a price tag that's often less than $20. The primary grape is the much-expected Tempranillo, which is prolific in wines from the area.

This is a favorite Rioja for many wine aficionados and offers an elegant, complex flavor with a perfect balance of dark fruits, tannins, and acidity. Serve it alongside a stuffed leg of lamb and savor the experience.

Easter dinner is a special occasion, so it's a nice excuse to break out a really nice Cab Sav. This is everyone's favorite red wine varietal for lamb pairings and all of your guests will appreciate the bottle of Truchard Cabernet Sauvignon. It will set you back about $40, but the first taste will prove its value. You'll enjoy rich red fruit notes and a stunning array of tannins that are as ripe as can be, making it a great match for a rack of lamb with red wine sauce.

Bordeaux wines are among the best matches for lamb, and white wine lovers will be delighted with this dry white Bordeaux. Made from an equal blend of Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon grapes, Chateau Guiraurd's Le G is an affordable ($20 or less) introduction to the producer's very impressive portfolio.

This wine is slightly dry and has a nice acidity that punctuates the citrus notes, which are dominated by grapefruit. Pair it with a rosemary-garlic lamb shoulder and sweet potatoes for an Easter dinner to remember.

Invite a bottle of Australian Shiraz to your dinner table and all of your guests are sure to walk away happy. With a selection like Layer Cake Shiraz, you'll be even happier because this spicy, rich red sells for just $13. The wine offers everything that makes the style memorable, including rich, dark berries and an array of exotic spices. Pair it with lamb chops Dijon for a delectable dinner.

For a nice California Zinfandel, give Theorize a try. The style is wonderful with lamb and this particular $14 bottle encapsulates the famous red wine perfectly. You'll enjoy the smooth tannins that offer a velvety background for an array of flavors, from cherries and strawberries to figs and maple syrup.

This red is surprisingly bright and pairs strikingly well with a slow-cooked leg of lamb. And, at this price, you can afford to have an extra bottle ready to make the red wine gravy.

Chianti is always a good choice when lamb is on the menu and Famiglia Zingarelli Chianti Classico is a nice pick. It's reasonably priced at $16 or so and has a nice fruitiness everyone at the table's sure to enjoy. This Italian wine is a medium-bodied, semi-dry red, so it's approachable, and of course, would be fantastic with Italian grill lamb chops.

If you're going to have a rosé with lamb, make sure it's from Bandol. A fantastic choice is Bieler Père et Fils Réserve Rosé (around $20), one of the best examples of Provançal rosés you can find. Predominately made of red wine grapes (Grenache, Syrah, and Cabernet Sauvignon), it offers the dry acidity for which the French region is known. The herbal and strawberry notes are ideal for a dish like rosemary garlic lamb shanks.

You do have to be choosy when pairing white wines with lamb, but Gewürztraminer is one that will rarely let you down. At around $38, Tramin Nussbaumer Gewürztraminer is another special treat for the holiday.

The wine is simultaneously intense and elegant. With each sip, you'll discover fascinating nuances, from mango and lychee to ginger and cloves. It's a worthy companion for any lamb dish, but best with lots of herbs and spices like this Porchetta-style roast lamb.

If you prefer an affordable white with your lamb-centered meal, Mark West Chardonnay is a nice option. Often priced just under $10, this California Chardonnay is easy to find and holds beautiful fruit notes of citrus, pear, peach, and green apple with a gentle oak. It's a fun option if you want to break from Easter dinner tradition and serve a flavor-packed dish like Moroccan grilled lamb chops.