Best Wines to Serve with Every Lamb Dish

Posted on Wednesday, June 18, 2025

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by Outside Contributor

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Lamb is a wonderfully versatile meat and different cooking methods can open up a world of delicious flavors—think grilled, lamb kebabs, slow-simmered stews and more. Matching wine with lamb multiplies those mouthwatering possibilities. From full-bodied reds to rich whites, there’s a bottle out there to complement nearly any lamb recipe.

Red and White Wines with Lamb

Lamb has long been a favorite match for hearty red wines. If you enjoy rich, structured reds, a classic Cabernet Sauvignon makes a satisfying companion to lamb’s savory depth.

But don’t feel restricted—white wines can be just as rewarding. Rich whites like a creamy Chardonnay can bring out the best in lighter lamb preparations, or a floral Gewürztraminer can also surprise you with how well they highlight herbs and spices.

And don’t overlook rosé. A dry French rosé, such as those from Tavel or Bandol, will pair wonderfully with grilled lamb, with their freshness and herbal nuances.

Top Wines for Roast Lamb

Roast lamb brings bold, meaty flavors to the table—often with a hint of grassiness or gaminess. It calls for a wine with the strength and character to match.

A Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon fits the bill, offering ripe black fruit and grippy tannins that cut through the richness. Or opt for a Tuscan Sangiovese that offers dark cherry, cocoa and spice notes.

For a Mediterranean twist, pair herb-crusted Greek-style lamb—seasoned with rosemary, garlic and oregano—with a bottle of Xinomavro. This earthy, medium-bodied Greek red has just the right savory notes to echo the herbs.

Best Wines with Lamb Stews and Casseroles

When it comes to cozy, slow-cooked dishes like lamb stews and hotpots, a generous red wine can enhance the warming flavors.

Try a Tempranillo from Rioja. Its vibrant red fruit flavors bring a touch of brightness to a rich stew. Malbec is another great option, delivering dark cherry, plum and spice, while matching the lamb’s hearty flavor profile.

For a French-inspired lamb casserole, reach for a Grenache-heavy red from the Côtes-du-Rhône. Its ripe fruit and subtle spice will round out the dish beautifully.

Prefer something more elegant? A California Pinot Noir offers red fruit and fresh acidity that lifts the dish’s richness.

Ideal Wines for Grilled or Barbecued Lamb

Barbecued or grilled lamb can take on many flavors depending on seasoning and cooking style, from smoky char to herb marinades. That means you’ve got room to play with pairings.

Herb-rubbed lamb chops grilled to medium-rare shine with a bold red—Cabernet Sauvignon is a dependable go-to with its herbal undertones and depth.

For barbecue, look for a wine that balances smoky char with fruit and spice. A full-bodied Grenache blend from Priorat will offer richness, blackberries and a hint of spice to complement grilled flavors without overpowering the meat.

Wines to Match Lamb Curries and Tagines

Curries and Moroccan tagines are infused with warming spices and complex sauces, so they require equally nuanced wine pairings.

A creamy curry made with coconut milk or almonds benefits from a wine with a touch of sweetness and zingy acidity. Try an off-dry Riesling or a dry Chenin Blanc—both balance spice while refreshing your palate.

For bolder, tomato-based curries like lamb Rogan Josh, Gewürztraminer is a top pick. This exotic, slightly sweet white has the aromatics to stand up to strong spices and tame the heat.

Red wine lovers can reach for a Zinfandel or Syrah with spicy dishes. A well-structured Syrah, with flavors of deep fig, black currant and peppery spice, will hold its own alongside a lamb tagine.

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