Best Wine Pairing with Lamb

Looking for a luscious wine and food pairing for a lamb dish? We've got the best wine with lamb pairings in this article!

lamb chops on a plate with two glasses of red with with title text that reads "Best Wine Pairings for Lamb."

When it comes to creating a culinary masterpiece, pairing the right wine with your dish can elevate the dining experience to new heights.

One of the most succulent meats to pair with wine is lamb. This red meat offers a rich and robust flavor that can be complemented beautifully with the right choice of vino.

While serving lamb is often thought of as a special occasion dish, there are easy, common lamb dishes quick enough to whip up on busy weeknights. Whether you're making an herb-crusted rack of lamb or an Irish lamb stew, there's a perfect wine pairing for every type of lamb dish.

In this guide, we explore the best wine pairing for lamb. We'll share three outstanding white wines, and three bold red wines. We'll also look at how rosé wine pairs with lamb, and how sparkling wine pairs with lamb. And, we'll shed light on wines that may not be the best choice to match with your lamb dishes.

Ready to dive in? Grab a glass and let's help you find the best wine that goes with lamb!

Jump to:

Wine pairing tips
Pairing white wine with lamb
Pairing lamb with red wine
Rosé wine pairing with lamb
Sparkling wine pairing with lamb
FAQ
Recipes to try
More food and wine pairing guides

Wine pairing tips

lamb chop on a white plate with a glass of red wine.

Three important factors to consider when pairing wine with different lamb dishes:

Richness of the dish - Rich, hearty lamb recipes pair well with equally rich, full-bodied wines.
Flavor profile - Is the lamb dish herbaceous and light? Does it have bright herb flavors or does it have deep earthy flavors?
Lamb cuts - A large, thick lamb shoulder, lamb chop, lamb shank will pair best with a different wine than a lamb loin.

While full-bodied red wines are an excellent choice for lamb due to their robust flavors, certain white wines can beautifully complement specific lamb dishes.

Pairing white wine with lamb

glass of white wine with pasta and meat dish behind.

Here are the three white wines to pair with lamb.

Sauvignon Blanc:
- Ideal for: Grilled Lamb Chops
- Why: The crisp acidity and citrusy notes of Sauvignon Blanc is a great choice for this cut of lamb. This dry white wine has characteristics that cut through the richness of grilled lamb chops, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
Chardonnay:
- Ideal for: Creamy Lamb Stew
- Why: The buttery texture and oaky undertones of Chardonnay complement the velvety texture of a creamy lamb stew, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that dance on the palate.
Gewürztraminer:
- Ideal for: Spiced Lamb Tagine
- Why: The aromatic and slightly sweet profile of Gewürztraminer pairs exceptionally well with the exotic spices in a lamb tagine. It's a good choice to help balance the heat and enhance the intricate flavors of the dish.

Pairing lamb with red wine

glass of red wine with bowl of meatball soup

In general, red wines can make for the perfect lamb wine pairing. Here are the top three robust red wines to pair with lamb:

Merlot:
- Ideal for: Roasted Leg of Lamb
- Why: With its soft tannins and plum-like fruitiness, a red Bordeaux wine like Merlot is a great pairing. This delicious wine harmonizes with the savory richness of a roasted leg of lamb.
Syrah/Shiraz:
- Ideal for: Grilled Lamb Burgers
- Why: The bold black pepper characteristics of Syrah/Shiraz complement the smoky flavor of grilled lamb burgers. This makes it a great option to add depth and intensity to each mouthful.
Cabernet Sauvignon:
- Ideal for: Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb
- Why: The robust structure and dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon stand up well to the rich flavors and herbaceous crust of a rack of lamb. This classic pairing creates a powerful and satisfying experience with every bite and sip.

Rosé wine pairing with lamb

Rosé wine can be a versatile and delightful choice for pairing with certain lamb dishes, offering a refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. Here's how well rosé wine pairs with different types of lamb dishes:

Grilled Lamb Chops:
- Pairing: Rosé wine, with its bright acidity and red fruit notes, complements the smokiness of grilled lamb chops. The light and crisp profile of a good rosé can cut through the fat, providing a refreshing balance to the dish.
Mediterranean Lamb Salad:
- Pairing: A dry rosé works well with a Mediterranean lamb salad, where the wine's acidity enhances the freshness of the salad components, and its subtle fruitiness complements the savory notes of the lamb.
Lamb Kebabs:
- Pairing: Rosé's versatility shines with lamb kebabs, especially those with a mix of spices. The wine's acidity and berry undertones can harmonize with the flavors of the kebabs, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable pairing.

While rosé can be a great match for lighter lamb dishes, it may not be the optimal choice for heartier preparations like roasted or braised lamb, where a more robust red wine might be a better fit. As always, personal preference plays a significant role, so feel free to experiment to discover your perfect rosé and lamb pairing.

Sparkling wine pairing with lamb

glass of sparkling wine with twinkling lights on

Sparkling wine can surprisingly pair well with lamb, particularly in certain preparations and dishes. Here are a few scenarios where sparkling wine can be a delightful choice:

Lamb Chops with Mint Sauce:
- Pairing: The effervescence of sparkling wine, such as Champagne or Prosecco, can cut through the richness of lamb chops. The crisp bubbles cleanse the palate and enhance the experience, especially when paired with the brightness of mint sauce.
Lamb Skewers with Yogurt Sauce:
- Pairing: Sparkling wine complements the tenderness of lamb skewers and works well with a yogurt-based sauce. The refreshing bubbles contrast the richness of the yogurt, providing a lively and enjoyable pairing.
Herb-Encrusted Lamb Loin:
- Pairing: Sparkling wine can be an excellent match for lamb loin with herb crust. The wine's effervescence works harmoniously with the herbal flavors, creating a celebratory and palate-cleansing experience.

FAQ

Are there any wines I should avoid when pairing with lamb?

Lighter reds like Pinot Noir may be overshadowed by the bold flavors of lamb. And overly sweet wines or fruity red wines can clash with the savory notes. It's generally best to avoid wines that lack the structure and intensity needed to stand up to the richness of lamb dishes.

Are there any specific herbs or spices in lamb dishes that I should consider when selecting a wine?

Yes, the choice of herbs and spices matters. For example, a herb-crusted rack of lamb pairs exceptionally well with a Cabernet Sauvignon, as the wine's robustness complements the savory herbs, creating a harmonious flavor combination.

We hope you enjoy these excellent pairings. The next time you make lamb cutlets, lamb roast, lamb chops, or another delicious lamb dish, know that there are several options for the best wine matches to elevate your dinner!