What Wine Goes With Lamb?
By Bordeaux Brian for Pair It & Share It · Published
BOTTOM LINE
Lamb's rich, slightly gamey flavor suits savory reds with good structure. Rioja (Tempranillo), Bordeaux-style blends, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Rhône blends are the classics. Herb-crusted rack or roast leg suits Rioja or Bordeaux; slow-braised or spiced lamb suits Syrah or Grenache.
Quick decision
- Rack of lamb or roast leg with herbs→ Rioja Reserva or a Bordeaux blend
- Grilled lamb chops→ Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec
- Slow-braised lamb shoulder or shanks→ Syrah or a Rhône blend
- Spiced lamb (Moroccan, Middle Eastern)→ Grenache or a Rhône blend
Why structured reds work
Lamb has more fat and stronger flavor than beef filet. Tannin and acidity cut through the fat, and savory, herbal notes in Rioja, Bordeaux and Syrah echo rosemary, garlic and thyme.
Match intensity to cooking
Pink, roasted lamb shows off older, more savory reds like a Rioja Reserva. Long braises become soft and deep; they suit fuller, riper wines such as Syrah, Grenache or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape–style blend.
Mint sauce and spices
Sweet mint sauce and jelly can clash with tannic wines. Use a little, or choose a fruitier red such as Grenache. With cumin, cinnamon and apricots, ripe Grenache-based wines fit better than very tannic Cabernet.
Common questions
- Is Pinot Noir good with lamb?
- It can be, with simply roasted or pink lamb. For richer, braised or spiced lamb, a fuller red like Syrah or Rioja is usually better.
- What wine goes with lamb chops?
- Grilled chops suit Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec or Syrah. Herb-crusted chops also suit Rioja.
Choosing a glass? See the Tempranillo wine glasses its makers document, in the free Wine Glass Finder.
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About the author. Bordeaux Brian brings more than 30 years of wine experience and firsthand experience in vineyards and wine regions around the world. His focus is practical: helping people make better wine decisions without the intimidation.