Here’s how to select the best wines with lamb to compliment the rich, savory flavors and elevate your holiday feast.
Lamb and Wine Pairings
Lamb is rich, flavorful, and often the star of special occasion dinners. Whether it’s herb-crusted rack of lamb, slow-roasted leg, or grilled lamb chops, this succulent protein begs for the perfect wine pairing. The best wine with lamb complements its earthy flavor, balances the richness, and enhances every bite.
Below I’ll break down the best wines to serve with a variety of lamb recipes, offering options for both red and white wine lovers.
Lamb Recipes
If you’re looking for lamb recipe, these are my most popular:
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when pairing wine with lamb:
Best Red Wines With Lamb
Red wine is the classic pairing for lamb—and for good reason. Lamb has a distinct gaminess that pairs well with bold, tannic, and earthy red wines. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, these are the top red wines that shine with lamb dishes:
Cabernet Sauvignon
If you’re roasting lamb or preparing a lamb rack with rosemary and garlic, Cabernet Sauvignon is your go-to. Its structured tannins and bold blackberry and black currant notes stand up to the meat’s richness. Look for bottles from Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or Coonawarra.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Garlic herb rack of lamb, braised lamb shanks with herbs, lamb with balsamic glaze.
Syrah/Shiraz
Whether you’re serving lamb chops with a smoky sear or a spicy lamb stew, Syrah (or Shiraz in Australia) is a fantastic match. The wine’s peppery spice and savory undertones match lamb’s depth, especially when grilled or braised. Northern Rhône Syrah or Barossa Valley Shiraz are standout picks.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Moroccan Spiced Lamb Tagine, Grilled Lamb Kebabs with Smoky Harissa, Slow-Roasted Lamb Shoulder with Garlic and Olives.
Malbec
If you’re going for something slightly fruitier but still full-bodied, Malbec is a great lamb companion. It’s juicy, smooth, and brimming with dark berry flavors, which work well with grilled or charred lamb dishes. Reach for a bottle from Argentina, especially Mendoza.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Lamb Empanadas with Chimichurri, Grilled Lamb Chops with Smoked Paprika Rub, Lamb Stew with Red Wine and Root Vegetables.
Tempranillo
For lamb stews or Mediterranean-style lamb with herbs, Tempranillo is a perfect fit. The earthy, dried cherry notes and hints of tobacco pair beautifully with slow-cooked or spiced lamb dishes. Spanish Rioja Reserva or Gran Reservaoptions are ideal.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Spanish-Style Lamb Stew (Caldereta de Cordero), Grilled Lamb Cutlets with Romesco Sauce, Roast Leg of Lamb with Garlic and Smoked Paprika
Zinfandel
Zinfandel is ideal for lamb that’s grilled, barbecued, or spiced with Middle Eastern flavors. It’s bold, jammy, and often has hints of black pepper and smoke. California Zinfandel—especially from Lodi or Sonoma—adds a punch of flavor that complements lamb’s natural richness.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Lamb burgers with caramelized onions and blue cheese, Barbecued lamb ribs with spicy dry rub, Lamb ragù with tomato and red pepper sauce.
Best White Wine With Lamb
While red wines reign supreme, white wine can work, particularly with lighter lamb dishes like lamb tagine or lamb served with citrus and herbs. Go for a full-bodied white that can stand up to lamb’s intensity:
White Rhône Blends
Complex and often creamy, white Rhône blends are a fantastic match for Mediterranean or Provençal-style lamb. These wines have body, floral and stone fruit notes, and savory spice, making them ideal for herb-crusted lamb or lamb with garlic and olive oil. Pair with a wine from the Southern Rhône or a California Rhône-style producer.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Herb-roasted lamb with lemon and fennel, Grilled lamb skewers with tzatziki, Lamb and apricot tagine
Oaked Chardonnay
A bold and buttery oaked Chardonnay pairs well with lamb seasoned with lemon, garlic, or herbs, especially when roasted or pan-seared. Its creamy texture and notes of vanilla and toasted oak match nicely with lamb’s fat content and bring balance to citrusy or yogurt-based sauces. Look for bottles from California, Burgundy, or Australia.
- Recipes Pairing Examples: Lamb loin chops with creamy mustard sauce, Rosemary garlic roast lamb, Lamb and mushroom stroganoff
Viognier
For lamb dishes that include apricot glaze, North African spices, or floral herbs like tarragon, Viognier offers a lovely complement. Its aromas of peach, honeysuckle, and spice bring out subtle sweetness and lift in the dish. Try a Viognier from France’s Rhône Valley or California’s Central Coast.
- Recipe Pairing Examples: Lamb tagine with apricots and almonds, Grilled lamb with peach and herb salsa, Spiced lamb meatballs with yogurt sauce.
Wine Pairing Chart for Lamb
| Lamb Dish | Best Wine Pairing | Wine Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Herb-Crusted Rack of Lamb | Cabernet Sauvignon | Bold, structured, with dark fruit & herbs |
| Grilled Lamb Chops | Syrah / Shiraz | Smoky, peppery, savory |
| Slow-Roasted Leg of Lamb | Bordeaux Blend | Earthy, tannic, balanced |
| Braised Lamb Shanks | Tempranillo | Rustic, aged, with dried cherry & spice |
| Spiced Lamb (Middle Eastern) | Zinfandel | Jammy, peppery, matches bold spice |
| Lamb Stew or Tagine | Malbec | Rich, fruity, smooth tannins |
| Mediterranean-Style Lamb | Grenache or GSM Blend | Herbal, balanced acidity, red berry flavors |
| Lamb with Mint Sauce | Pinot Noir | Lighter, earthy, subtle red fruits |
| Lamb with Citrus or Yogurt Marinade | Viognier or Oaked Chardonnay | Full-bodied white with floral or creamy notes |
Lamb With Wine
When it comes to the best wine with lamb, you have options. Whether you lean into a bold Cabernet or spice-loving Syrah, the goal is to elevate the dining experience. Let your cooking method, seasoning, and personal preferences guide the bottle you uncork.
Hosting a dinner party? Grab a few different bottles and let guests explore. There’s no better way to discover your favorite lamb and wine pairing than tasting your way through the possibilities.