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Meat · Wine pairing

What wine goes with lamb?

Roast or grilled lamb pairs beautifully with savory reds: Rioja (Tempranillo), red Bordeaux or Syrah. Rosemary and garlic love their herbal notes.

The rule: Herby lamb, savory wine.

By Rate This Wine editors · Updated · How we rate

Lamb

The 3 best wines with lamb

  1. Tempranillo (Rioja)

    1 Tempranillo (Rioja) Medium-to-full red

    Spain’s classic: Rioja Reserva with roast lamb is a perfect match.

    Serve 60-65°F Crianza from $12; Gran Reserva $30+

  2. Red Bordeaux blend

    2 Red Bordeaux blend Full-bodied red

    Cabernet’s cedar and cassis suit lamb with rosemary.

    Serve 60-65°F Bordeaux Supérieur from $15; classified growths $60+

  3. Syrah / Shiraz

    3 Syrah / Shiraz Full-bodied red

    Grilled lamb chops and peppery Syrah share smoky, savory notes.

    Serve 60-65°F Shiraz from $10; Northern Rhône Syrah $30+

Best on a budget: Rioja Crianza or a Côtes du Rhône, both about $15.

Also good

Grenache (Garnacha)Nebbiolo (Barolo)Cabernet SauvignonMalbec

What to avoid

  • Oaky, buttery whites. They clash with lamb’s gaminess.

It depends how you cook it

If you’re having…Pour
Easter leg of lambRioja Reserva or Bordeaux.
Lamb curry or tagineGrenache or Gewürztraminer.
Grilled chops with mintCabernet Franc or Syrah.

Frequently asked questions

What wine goes with Easter lamb?

Rioja (Tempranillo) or red Bordeaux are the classics. Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a lovely splurge.

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