What Is The Best Wine To Go With Lamb?

The meaty tenderness of lamb can be prepared in so many ways and can also be paired with lots of delicious herbs and seasonings for extra flavour.

Wine is incredibly complementary to the tenderness of the meat, so it's no wonder why so many of us pair the two when we cook!

How To Match Your Lamb Dish With The Right Wine

Although you may think the specific type of wine doesn't matter, it does! The most suitable wine to enhance the flavour will vary greatly on the dish and how the meat is prepared.

It is understandable that you may be scratching your head, so we'll break down the suitability of different types of wine.

Red Wines

Red wine is what you would typically associate with pairing with lamb meat and it is no wonder why when they go together like bread and butter!

Syrah (Shiraz)

Shiraz wines are packed with fruity and spicy flavours to provide a perfect partner for rich meats, especially when paired with a slow-cooked lamb shank or in milder lamb curries.

Try: Percheron Shiraz

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon has deep, slightly acidic, and aromatic flavours which brilliantly complement a roast lamb dinner. You can also pair a cabernet sauvignon with lamb chops or a roasted leg of lamb.

Try: Deer Point Cabernet Sauvignon

Pinot Noir

The classic fruity tastes of a Pinot Noir pair well with tender lamb cutlets such as chops for a softer flavour, but you can also use it with a rack of lamb, shepherd's pie, or even in a lamb curry.

Try: La Girouette Reserve Pinot Noir

Chianti

The juicy acidic and fruity flavours of a Chianti works perfectly with lamb in general. However, it makes for a delicious lamb roast or lamb shoulder, especially when pairing wine with other seasonings.

Try: Uggiano Chianti Reserva

Bordeaux

Bordeaux and lamb is a classic wine pairing, with the bold aromas enhancing roast lamb, lamb chops, or even a rack of lamb.

Try: Chateau Brande Bergere

White & Rosé Wines

White wines are not as commonly used with red meat like lamb, but it certainly isn't off the table as you can find some fantastic wine pairings.

Chardonnay

The freshness and oakiness of a Chardonnay is an atypical choice for lamb but the white wine can pair well with exotic flavourings in lamb chops.

Try: Jack Duggan Chardonnay

Rosé Champagne

Rosé champagne may seem like an unlikely wine pairing for lamb, but it can work well with lamb shanks or for barbecued lamb.

Try: Le Dolci Colline Spumante Rosé

FAQs

Should the cut of lamb affect my wine choices?

The lamb cut should be considered when choosing your wine to ensure you get optimal flavour. Certain cuts of meat such as chops are a lot softer, therefore, they should be paired with a milder wine so it's not too overpowering.

Which red wines are good for using in lamb dishes?

This will depend on what cut of meat you are pairing it with. But generally, a red Bordeaux, Chianti, or a Cabernet Sauvignon are considered safe options.

Why is white wine not as popular with lamb?

Lamb is quite a fatty meat which is why red wine is typically paired with lamb as it complements the flavour.