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Best wines to pair with lamb

Lamb is a deliciously versatile meat known for its tenderness and slightly sweet, gamey taste – and it’s even better with the right wine pairing. Whether you roast, grill, fry or slow-cook your lamb in a curry, the meat’s naturally strong flavour shines in a variety of dishes. So, which wines can elevate your dish? Discover the best wines to match with lamb, from full-bodied whites to oaky reds.

Red or white wine with lamb?

If you follow the general rules of food and wine pairings, one place to begin is by matching the colour of the wine to the colour of the meat. If you prefer your delicious Australian lamb nice and pink, on the rarer side, then pair it with a savoury Pinot Noir. Full-bodied, bold red wines can stand up to and complement the naturally strong and rich flavour of well-cooked lamb. For example, smoky, well-done forequarter chops would go down well with a glass ofShiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.

But what if red wine isn’t for you? While traditional ‘rules’ can offer an easy starting point, don’t be afraid to experiment. Modern wine pairing often focuses more on balancing the elements of flavour, food preparation methods and even sauces and seasonings.

This means that certain white wines can also work well with lamb dishes. A full-bodied Chardonnay, bright Gewürztraminer or exotic white Rhône blend are all good choices. A well-structured, fruity rosé can also be a clever pairing for lamb, as it stands up to the strong flavours. Focus on pinks from France’s Bandol and Tavel regions, ideal for serving with grilled lamb.

Best wines with roast lamb

Planning an indulgent roast lamb with potatoes, veggies and gravy this weekend? You’ll need an equally big wine to match.

A full-bodied red blend from Bordeaux is the ideal pairing. A blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, the characteristic notes of blackberry, plum, smoke and dried herbs complement the meat’s natural flavours. Its robust tannins and structure balance out the fat in the dish without being overpowering. From Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Château les Aubitriés 2020 is a soft, smooth red blend with complementary hints of ripe plum and earthy spices. Also look for Bordeaux-style Australian Cabernet-based blends.

A white Rhône blend would also work well with roast lamb – its juicy, ripe stone fruit flavours provide a delicious contrast to the meat.

Slow-roasted Greek lamb is also made to share with friends and family. Rich, herby and delicious, it’s known for its tender meat and flavour-packed fattiness. An ideal red wine pairing would be a GSM blend, made from Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. With its ripe red and black fruits, peppery and earth notes and moderate acidity, this wine can cut through the meat’s richness without being lost.

Alternatively, pair roast lamb with Assyrtiko, a Greek white wine known for its acidity and bone-dry style. It’s ideal for cutting through the roast lamb’s fattiness. Jim Barry Clare Valley Assyrtiko 2022 is a fresh, crisp take on the variety, with tangy notes of Vietnamese mint and citrus plus a mouth-watering acidic finish.

Best wines with grilled and barbecued lamb

Grilling and barbecuing add a deliciously savoury, slightly smoky char to meat, while marinades, herbs and flavoured oils also have an impact on the flavour of lamb.

If you’re cooking lamb chops with a savoury herb crust, they will pair deliciously with a full-bodied wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or oaked Chardonnay. These wines are known for their smooth, layered textures. RedHeads Harmonie Rox Chardonnay 2022, made in the heart of the Barossa Valley, is ripe and creamy with zesty citrus notes.

Lamb koftas are another popular choice. If you’re barbecuing, the bitterness of the char and the lamb’s tenderness need a wine sweet and acidic enough to balance them out. For red wine lovers, a medium-bodied Grenache with bright red fruit and toasty oak would complement the lamb’s depth of flavour – Domaine Martin Rasteau 2020 is an intense and rich Grenache blend with enticing herb and spice aromas.

Best wines with lamb stews, hotpots and pies

Lamb stews are comforting during the colder months. They call for deep and hearty wines to balance their complex flavours. A wine with smoky or pepper notes, such as a Spanish Rioja or a Tempranillo blend from Australia’s Hunter Valley or Adelaide Hills, is the perfect choice. It also has complementary red and dark fruit flavours that could add a touch of sweetness to your meal. A silky, full-bodied Altos R Pigeage Tempranillo Rioja 2018 or a Colab & Bloom Adelaide Hills Tempranillo 2021 would be a good pairing.

If you’re going for a lamb hotpot, this is a slightly lighter dish, so your wine pairing doesn’t need to be as bold. A fruity Pinot Noir has enough acidity to cut through the dish’s richness. An aromatic Viognier will also work well – try a bowl of lamb hotpot with a glass of Zonte’s Footstep Lady of the Lake Fleurieu Viognier 2021, a smooth wine with a warming hint of stem ginger.

Thanks to slow-cooked meat, vegetables, herbs and spices, lamb pies are filling and rich. They call for an equally rich wine, such as a full-bodied Merlot or oaked Chardonnay. Try Lake Alex Langhorne Creek Merlot 2022, known for its rich, fruity notes and food-friendly character.

Best wines with lamb tagines and curries

Slow-cooked dishes such as Asian curries or North African lamb tagines can be packed with complex layers of flavour and chunks of tender meat. Although red wine is the go-to for spiced, sauce-rich dishes, certain styles of white wine could be even better options.

Lamb curries typically have a coconut milk or almond base, making them creamy, rich and satisfying. Combined with a growing, fiery heat, this is the perfect opportunity for a glass of off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. The wine’s natural sweetness can cool the heat, while its high acidity balances the dish’s richness.

If lamb tagine is on the menu, pair it with a bold red wine. Full-bodied reds with peppery or spicy notes, like a warming Australian Shiraz or Spanish Garnacha, are both delicious options. They have dark fruit flavours and enough acidity to cut through the tagine’s richness.

A Barossa Valley Shiraz with savoury hints of tobacco and menthol would pair deliciously with the tender lamb’s natural sweet-savouriness. Elderton East Wing Barossa Valley Shiraz 2021 is powerful and generous red, full of silky flavours of black cherries, mulberries and dark chocolate.