What Wine Goes with Lamb?

Lamb is a delicious and versatile meat that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you roast it, grill it, braise it or stew it, lamb has a rich and tender flavour that pairs well with wine. But what wine goes with lamb? The answer depends on the cut and preparation of the lamb, as well as your personal preference. Here are some general guidelines and suggestions for lamb wine pairing. Here are some tips and suggestions from our experts at www.kwmwine.com.

Elements to Consider for Lamb Wine Pairing

• Lamb is a red meat, but it is not as heavy or fatty as beef. Therefore, it usually pairs well with a lighter red wine that has moderate acidity and tannins.

• The preparation, spices, herbs and sauces will also play a factor in lamb wine pairing. Different lamb dishes can call for different wines.

• The best wine matches with lamb tend to be with red wine, however, a white wine with some guts and high acidity will also pair with lamb.

Classic Wine Pairings with Lamb

Sometimes the best wine with lamb is the traditional pairing. These are the classic wine pairings with lamb that are a safe bet.

• Lamb and Bordeaux: Bordeaux is made up of several red grapes but dominantly Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc. Red wines from Bordeaux are medium to full-bodied with moderate acidity. Bordeaux pairs best with roast lamb with herbs. For example, try Chateau Langoa Barton 3eme GCC Saint Julien 2017 for a special Sunday lunch.

• Lamb and Chianti: Chianti is a region in Tuscany, Italy that produces brightly acidic red wines from the Sangiovese grape. Pair Chianti with braised lamb shoulder with rosemary and garlic. For example, you can try Toscolo Chianti Classico Riserva 2018

• Lamb and Rioja: Rioja is a region in northeast Spain that makes amazing wines from a blend of Tempranillo and Garnacha. The best lamb pairing with Rioja is with lamb shanks. For example, you can try Mendieta Osaba Osaba Mendi Rioja 2020

• Lamb and Assyrtiko: Assyrtiko is grown all over Greece but is famous in Santorini. Assyrtiko is medium-bodied, and oaked Assyrtiko can be quite full-bodied. Lamb’s fat content needs serious acidity to cut through it. Assyrtiko’s acidity is searing! Pair Assyrtiko with lamb roasted in the oven with oregano and lemon potatoes. For example, you can try Papagiannakos Greek Assyrtiko 2022

Lamb Wine Pairing by Cut and Preparation

A fool proof pairing with lamb is Syrah because it’s full-bodied and has high acidity to match the weight and cut through the fat of lamb. Syrah also pairs great with anything with herbs and spices which lamb always has. However, here are some more specific suggestions for different cuts and preparations of lamb.

• Roast leg of lamb: This is a classic lamb dish that can pair well with a variety of red wines. However, if you want to enhance the flavour of your roast leg of lamb, you may want to choose a wine that has some oak aging or high tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux. These wines can add some complexity and structure to your roast leg of lamb and create a harmonious match.

• Lamb chops: Lamb chops are tender and juicy cuts of lamb that can be grilled or pan-fried. They pair well with a lighter red wine that has moderate acidity and tannins, such as Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Côtes du Rhône or young Rioja. These wines can complement the delicate flavour of lamb chops without overpowering them.

• Lamb burgers: Lamb burgers are a popular BBQ option that can be customized with different toppings and sauces. Depending on how you dress your lamb burger, you may want to choose a different wine. For example, if you like your lamb burger with cheese and bacon, you may want to go for a rich and robust red wine, such as Zinfandel or Shiraz. These wines can handle the fat and saltiness of your lamb burger and offer some ripe fruit flavours to balance it out.

• Lamb tagine: Lamb tagine is a Moroccan dish that consists of slow-cooked lamb stewed with spices, dried fruits and nuts. It has a lot of sweetness and spice that can be tricky to pair with wine. A fruity red wine, such as Grenache or Côtes du Rhône, can work well with this dish, as it can echo the sweetness of the tagine and offer some contrast with its acidity.

Consider Your Personal Preference

Finally, when choosing a wine to go with your lamb dish, you should also consider your own taste and preference. There is no definitive rule for wine pairing, and different people may enjoy different combinations. The best way to find your favourite wine to go with your lamb dish is to experiment and try different options. You can also ask for recommendations from our friendly and knowledgeable staff at www.kwmwine.com. We have a wide range of wines from different regions and styles that can suit any palate and budget. You can also read reviews and ratings from other customers to get some ideas.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many possible wine pairings with lamb. The best way to find your favourite is to experiment and have fun. Whether you go for a classic or a more adventurous pairing, you can’t go wrong with a delicious glass of wine and a succulent piece of lamb. Cheers!