What wine goes with lamb? Pairings for leg, shoulder and chops
713 wines to serve with lambWith lamb, choose a spicy, sun-drenched red: Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, or a Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of blackcurrant and mint. The fragrant, slightly fatty meat loves silky tannins and aromas of garrigue.
Leg of lamb with herbs calls for a Rioja or a Tuscan Sangiovese, slow-cooked shoulder for a generous Grenache, grilled chops for a Malbec or an Australian Shiraz. Our selection covers Italy, Spain, South Africa and Argentina to go with every way of cooking it.
Ouled Thaleb - Tandem Alain Graillot 2022
A high-altitude Moroccan Syrah, sun-drenched and fresh. Morocco meets the spirit of the Rhône.
Yarra Yering - Carrodus Shiraz 2018
A Shiraz from the Yarra Valley of great finesse, combining aromatic intensity, freshness and depth of texture
Errázuriz - La Cumbre 2019
A Chilean Syrah from the Aconcagua Valley, deep and structured, combining aromatic intensity with elegance on the palate.
Mac Forbes - Hugh Cabernets 2019
A precise, elegant Yarra Valley Cabernet, driven by fine tannins and remarkable freshness.
Villa Oliveira - Touriga Nacional 2017
A deep, elegant Touriga Nacional from the Dão, between black fruit, granite freshness and spice.
Moss Wood - Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A great Margaret River Cabernet, deep, refined and built for ageing.
Reta - Romelio 2020
A Chilean red from the Maipo Valley, combining Andean freshness, intense fruit and elegant structure.
Ridge Vineyards - Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A precise, deep mountain Cabernet, driven by freshness. A fine structure built for ageing.
Harlan Estate - Harlan 2021
A deep, finely chiselled expression of the Napa Valley hills.
Moss Wood - Ribbon Vale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021
A deep, classy Margaret River Cabernet, driven by black fruit, cedar and elegant freshness.
Beaumont Family Wines - Raoul's Red Blend 2023
A South African red blend combining maritime freshness, ripe fruit and a supple structure for an accessible and tasty tasting experience.
Yarra Yering - Agincourt Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
A Yarra Valley cabernet combining freshness, aromatic precision and elegant structure.
Michelini i Mufatto - Encrucijada Mencía 2021
A precise and fresh expression of Mencía from Bierzo, combining aromatic finesse and mineral tension.
Otronia - Rugiente 45 Pinot Noir 2019
A high-latitude Patagonian Pinot Noir, precise and vibrant, where extreme freshness meets the elegance of the southern terroir.
Otronia - Block I Pinot Noir 2019
A Patagonian Pinot Noir from a cold climate, precise and vibrant, where the freshness of the extreme south meets an elegant aromatic depth.
Blank Canvas - Una Volta 2020
A precise and elegant New Zealand Syrah that combines freshness, aromatic depth and a silky texture.
Yarra Yering - Carrodus Cabernet Sauvignon 2017
A highly precise Cabernet Sauvignon from the Yarra Valley, combining aromatic intensity, freshness and fine texture.
Elizabeth Spencer - Cabernet Sauvignon Mendocino 2022
A Mendocino Cabernet Sauvignon combining coastal freshness, intense fruit, and elegant structure.
Vasse Felix - Tom Cullity 2018
A great red wine from Margaret River, combining depth, finesse and maritime tension.
Henschke - Mount Edelstone Museum Release 2013
A Shiraz from a historic vineyard, combining aromatic depth, freshness and silky texture.
Otronia - Rugiente 45 Merlot 2019
A high-latitude Patagonian Merlot, combining freshness, aromatic precision and elegance on the palate.
Caelum - Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva 2019
An intense, structured and elegant Argentinian Cabernet, with deep aromas of black fruits and spices.
Henschke - Wheelwright Shiraz 2019
A Shiraz from the Eden Valley combining aromatic depth, freshness and elegant structure.
Kanonkop Wine Estate - Black Label Pinotage 2022
A powerful and precise Pinotage of the terroir, which intensely expresses the signature of Simonsberg.
Which wine for which lamb recipe?
Pink, slow-cooked or spiced, lamb changes character with the recipe. The wine follows the same path.
| Dish | Wines to choose | Why it works |
|---|---|---|
| Roast leg of lamb with garlic seven-hour leg of lamb, pink leg of lamb | Rioja (Tempranillo), Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon | Fine tannins frame the pink meat, and the garrigue notes answer the thyme. |
| Slow-cooked shoulder shoulder, lamb shank | Grenache, Spanish Garnacha, Mourvèdre | Melting meat with concentrated juices calls for a warm, round wine with ripe fruit. |
| Grilled chops chops, barbecue skewers | Malbec, Shiraz, Syrah | Grilled fat and herbs find their echo in dark fruit and pepper. |
| Tagine and couscous tagine with prunes, couscous royal | Primitivo from Puglia, Grenache, Pinotage | Dried fruit and sweet spices go well with a generous red with supple tannins. |
| Spring navarin navarin with spring vegetables, stew | Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc | A light stew calls for a fresh, easy-drinking red with red fruit aromas. |
| Méchoui and kefta méchoui, cumin skewers | South African Syrah, Negroamaro | Cumin and flame call for a spicy, fleshy, generous wine. |
| Herb-crusted rack rack, lamb noisettes | Barolo, Langhe Nebbiolo, Brunello di Montalcino | A noble cut deserves a great red with finely chiselled tannins and aromas of rose. |
With mint sauce or a tangy marinade, prefer a livelier red served at around 15 °C.
Syrah, lamb's ideal travelling companion
If only one grape variety could go with lamb, it would be Syrah. Its notes of pepper, black olive and violet extend the rosemary and garlic. In the Swartland or Constantia, in South Africa, it keeps a lovely freshness; under the name Shiraz, in Australia, it gains roundness and sweet spice, perfect for barbecued chops.
Grenache is the other great ally. In Spain, Garnacha gives warm wines with jammy fruit that melt into a shoulder slow-cooked for hours. In Italy, the Sangiovese of a Chianti Rufina from Fattoria di Basciano brings acidity and tart cherry, enough to lighten a Sunday leg of lamb. Choose according to the season: fresh Syrah in spring, sun-drenched Grenache when the days grow shorter.
Three pairings to try
Easter leg of lamb and Chianti Rufina. The cherry and acidity of Sangiovese liven up the pink meat.
Slow-cooked shoulder and Garnacha. Two melting textures that answer each other, with a touch of spice.
Tagine with prunes and Primitivo. The ripe fruit of Puglia embraces the sweet and savoury.
The Wine Wanderer Team
Your questions about wine and lamb
What red wine goes with leg of lamb?
With a leg of lamb, serve an elegant red with fine tannins: a Tempranillo-based Rioja, a Chianti, or a South African Cabernet Sauvignon. For a meltingly tender seven-hour leg of lamb, a Grenache is a better fit. Our detailed pairings are gathered in our guide what wine goes with leg of lamb.
What wine goes with slow-cooked shoulder of lamb?
For a slow-cooked shoulder of lamb, choose a round, warm red such as a Grenache, a Spanish Garnacha or a blend with Mourvèdre. The melting meat and its caramelised juices call for ripe fruit and enveloping tannins. An Australian Syrah also works very well.
White or red wine with lamb?
Red is usually the best choice with lamb, thanks to its tannins and spicy aromas. A rich white, such as a Viognier or a barrel-aged Chenin, can however go with milk-fed lamb or a shank with citrus. A more structured orange wine also makes an original pairing.
What wine goes with lamb tagine?
With a lamb tagine, serve a fruity red with supple tannins: Primitivo from Puglia, Grenache or South African Pinotage. Dried fruit and sweet spices love a generous wine served slightly chilled. Discover more ideas in our article what wine goes with couscous or tagine.
What wine to serve with Easter lamb?
For Easter lamb, go for an elegant, springlike red: Pinot Noir from New Zealand, Sangiovese from Tuscany or Cabernet Franc. These fresh wines go with the tender meat of milk-fed lamb and spring vegetables. For a big family meal, a Brunello di Montalcino marks the occasion.
At what temperature should wine be served with lamb?
Serve wine with lamb between 15 and 17 °C. A Grenache or a Shiraz benefits from being slightly chilled to keep its brightness. Great young reds, such as a Barolo, open up better after an hour in a decanter.