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What wine pairs with lamb? Lamb can be paired with a robust red wine with a smooth tannic structure. Wines like Syrah or Merlot, when served alone and without any sauce. However, because lamb meat, in particular, tends to absorb the flavor of the sauce in which it is cooked, we must go farther if the meat is marinated.
There are a plethora of excellent ways to prepare lamb, as well as a plethora of lamb wine pairings. This lamb wine pairing guide will help you find the ideal match, whether you’re making a complete roast lamb or just some lamb burgers. What kind of wine goes well with lamb? Continue reading to find out!
CONSIDER THESE FACTORS WHEN PAIRING LAMB WITH WINE
Lamb is a meat that falls between beef and game meat. It has a soft texture and is high in iron, vitamins, and omega-3 fatty acids, all of which are beneficial to your health. Consider the high fat content of lamb meat when mixing wine with it.
The best wines to pair with lamb are medium to full-bodied with strong acidity, according to wine pairing regulations. Lamb wine matching is also influenced by the preparation, spices, herbs, and sauces.
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IS IT BETTER TO SERVE RED OR WHITE WINE WITH LAMB?
The best wine to pair with lamb is usually red, although a white wine with some guts and high acidity will also do well. Below are some red and white wine pairings with lamb. Continue reading!
MY THOUGHTS ON LAMB WITH CLASSIC WINE PAIRINGS
The classic pairing with lamb isn’t always the greatest. These are the safe bets when it comes to wine pairings with lamb. There’s no way you’re going to mess this up!
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WHEN CONSIDERING YOUR WINE FIRST
Assyrtiko And Lamb
If you do it right, white wine and lamb can be a delicious combination! Lamb and Assyrtiko may not be a traditional lamb wine combo, but it has been for generations. Assyrtiko is grown across Greece, although it is particularly well-known in Santorini. It has a medium body and is oaked. Assyrtiko can have a lot of body.
The fat content of lamb necessitates a high level of acidity to cut through it. The acidity of Assyrtiko is scorching! Pair Assyrtiko with grilled lamb with oregano and lemon potatoes in the oven.
Bordeaux And Lamb
Red meat and lamb A typical lamb wine pairing is Bordeaux. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet are the most common grapes that make up Bordeaux. Bordeaux red wines have a medium to full body and moderate acidity. You may also want to consider pinot noir.
Bordeaux is finest served with herb-crusted roast lamb. I’d even go so far as to say that Bordeaux whites (Sauvignon Blanc and Semillon mixes) would go well with a tender cut of lamb.
Chianti And Lamb
Chianti is a Tuscany region known for producing intensely acidic red wines made from the Sangiovese vine. Rosemary and garlic roasted lamb shoulder goes well with Chianti.
Rioja And Lamb
Rioja is a region in northeast Spain where excellent wines are made from a combination of Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes. The acidity of the Tempranillo is beautiful, and the fruitiness of the Garnacha adds to the combination. Lamb shanks are the best lamb pairing with Rioja.
WHEN CONSIDERING YOUR LAMB PAIRINGS FIRST
Leg Of Lamb Roasted In The Oven
The roast leg of lamb dish is served simply with spices and light sauces in this wine pairing (such as some lemon zest and olive oil). Roast lamb requires a robust, smooth wine with plenty of tannins to complement its savory and rich flavors, which is why we recommend a Syrah or Malbec.
After all, if it grows together, it goes together, and lamb meat grilled in the oven begs for a Greek wine match. If you haven’t already, try a Xinomavro. You’re not in the mood for an adventure? You can’t go wrong with Cabernet Sauvignon and grilled lamb.
Lamb Chops On The Grill
A semi-sweet fruity red will go nicely with grilled lamb with a dry and spicy rub or marinate to help cool the heat. A fruity Merlot or Barbera is a good choice.
Lamb Shanks Braised
As previously said, lamb tends to fully absorb the taste of the sauce in which it is cooked, and this is especially true of braised lamb in a heavy sauce. In reality, wine is a common element in braised lamb sauce, so there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
Simply pick a full-bodied wine with earthy and peppery notes, such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Malbec, to stand up to and enhance the robust flavors of the sauce and dish if you cook the braised lamb in a red wine sauce.
One of the most delectable portions of lamb is the shank. It’s commonly made by slow cooking it for several hours. Tempranillo from Spain, Syrah from the Rhone Valley, or a rich Malbec from Argentina match nicely with this rich lamb entrée.
Lamb Burgers
Lamb burgers are a delicious way to mix up your grilling routine. Like other grilled meats, lamb burgers, combine best with red wines that have been aged in wood to bring out the smoky notes. Lamb burgers pair well with Syrah or a fruity Zinfandel.
Summary: What Wine Pairs With Lamb?
Lamb can be paired with a robust red wine with a smooth tannic structure, such as Syrah or Merlot, when served alone and without any sauce. However, because lamb meat, in particular, tends to absorb the flavor of the sauce in which it is cooked, we must go farther if the meat is marinated.
There are a plethora of excellent ways to prepare lamb, as well as a plethora of lamb wine pairings. This lamb wine pairing guide will help you find the ideal match, whether you’re making a complete roast lamb or just some lamb burgers.
Check out our post about the best wine to pair with jambalaya. HERE!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best wine to have with lamb?
A: The best wines to have with lamb are ones that can stand up to the strong flavor of the meat. Some examples include:
- Bordeaux
- Rhône Valley wines
- Zinfandel
- Barolo
If you’re looking for a white wine to pair with lamb, try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay.
Q: Can you drink red wine with lamb?
A: Yes, you can drink red wine with lamb. In fact, many people believe that red wine is the best type of wine to pair with lamb. If you’re looking for a specific red wine to pair with your lamb dish, try a Bordeaux or a Rhône Valley wine.
Q: What goes well with lamb besides wine?
If you’re not a fan of wine or are looking for something different to pair with your lamb dish, try beer or cider. Some other non-alcoholic options include juice or soda.
