Tender texture and intense flavour: lamb is an ingredient that finds its place in the gastronomic traditions of many countries, enriching tables on the most diverse occasions, from family Sundays to festive meals such as Easter. The goodness of dishes in which it plays a leading role can be enriched by tasty side dishes and condiments, but an equally central role is played by the wine pairing, which must be able to cope with the particular aftertaste of this meat.
Here is a guide to the best wines to pair with lamb, so that you are never caught unprepared!
Lamb: a meat with strong flavours, what wines should it be paired with?
One of the most serious mistakes one could make when looking for a wine and lamb pairing is to be misled by the apparent delicacy of this type of meat, which is much more savoury and decisive than one imagines, characterised by a distinctive aftertaste reminiscent of game.
We are therefore faced with marked flavours, as well as a soft texture conferred by the presence of a good percentage of fat. These traits make it particularly well matched with red wines, especially those characterised by strong tannins, capable of defatting the palate and counterbalancing the intensity of the flavours.
Depending on the cooking method and seasoning, however, one can also opt for refreshing whites, lively bubbles or well-structured rosés.
To every preparation its own combination: how to find the perfect wine for lamb
Anyone with a little creativity and imagination in the kitchen knows that many different dishes can be created from a single ingredient. This is because the flavours of a raw material change considerably depending on various factors, such as the cooking method.
The latter is decisive for lamb: fried lamb chops, for example, give the palate a crispy, unctuous texture and a mouth-watering flavour, while barbecuing gives clear smoky hints. Baked lamb is a riot of full-bodied flavours, and stewed lamb, enriched with tasty sauces, is even more so.
It goes without saying, therefore, that the choice of the perfect wine must first take this into account. Red, white, rosé or bubbly? The secret lies in the recipe!
Fried or grilled lamb: which wines to pair?
Among the most popular lamb recipes are lamb chops, a dish that lends itself well to many situations: at an elegant dinner, if well arranged on the plate and accompanied by a gourmet side dish, or at a more relaxed party, during which they can take on the role of tasty finger food. The type of cooking is the discriminating element, as well as the one that determines the wine to go with the dish.
Fried ribs, for example, with their crispy breadcrumbs and fatty texture that sticks to the palate between bites, call for something refreshing and lively, like a bubbly. An excellent candidate is a bottle of ‘Cépage’ Oltrepò Metodo Classico DOCG Brut, which blends the best traits of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in the glass, perfectly balancing structure and freshness. The senses are gladdened by scents of flowers and balsamic notes, while the palate can enjoy a lively and refined perlage, perfect for this dish.
An entirely different profile is offered by grilled ribs, which during cooking take on the typical smoky aftertaste imparted by the embers. A good wine for grilled lamb is a well-structured red wine with an intense organoleptic bouquet, such as a Butirah Syrah Sicilia DOC 2022, characterised by an elegant deep red colour and a successful combination of spices and red fruit. On the palate it is equally captivating, capable of holding its own against the biting hints of grilled food with a rich flavour.
Which wine goes well with roast or stewed lamb?
Among the great classics of home cooking, the roast leg of lamb stands out for its goodness and familiarity, even better if accompanied by a side of roast potatoes.
Here, too, it is wise to call in full-bodied reds with strong notes.
A red wine for lamb that meets these criteria is well represented by a bottle of ‘Le Masse di Greve’ Chianti Classico DOCG Riserva 2018.
The two-year maturation in oak barrels is reflected in every feature of this Tuscan wine, from the intense garnet colour to the aromas of red fruit, leather, vanilla and spices. On the palate, the tannins are balanced by good freshness and a touch of acidity, traits that make it an excellent wine for roast lamb!
Excellent when the weather is gloomy, but really suitable for any season, stewed meat dishes provide the palate with a riot of flavours and an enveloping texture. The delicious sauce that characterises them is usually obtained by using the cooking juices from the meat, with the addition of broth, wine or slowly stewed vegetables.
An excellent wine for lamb stew - suitable for example for lamb and vegetable stews, braised meats and stews - is an Aglianico, specifically ‘Il Repertorio’ Aglianico del Vulture DOC 2022, which can also be used to deglaze the meat during cooking.
It only takes a few moments of tasting to understand why it is suited to the task: in the goblet it first presents itself in a luminous ruby red guise, and then shows off an aromatic charge that mixes fruity notes with hints of vanilla and wood. The tannins are powerful, ideal for holding its own in this delicious dish.
When aromas and spices take centre stage in your lamb recipe
In addition to the method of cooking, the best combination of wine and lamb is also determined by the seasonings, such as aromatic herbs (thyme, rosemary, bay leaves, oregano, etc.) and spices (paprika, cumin, cloves, etc.), which amplify the intensity of the flavours, imparting sweet or spicy notes.
In general, the best combinations of wine and lamb with herbs involve white wines, even better if they have herbaceous or Mediterranean organoleptic notes. But which white wine goes well with lamb, specifically?
In this case, Svinando proposes an ‘Elibaria’ Vermentino di Gallura DOCG 2023, which offers on the nose notes of aromatic herbs typical of Sardinia, mixed with floral and fruity hints. Fresh, immediate and easy-drinking, this wine with its greenish hues enchants all the senses, offering a lively tasting experience.
Spiced lamb, on the other hand, can be paired with a rosé with refreshing, fruity notes, provided it has sufficient structure to hold up to the intensity of the dish. Thanks to its versatility, the Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC ‘Orsetto d'Oro’ 2022 does this job well, showing off cherry and morello cherry aromas and a slightly acidic aftertaste that counteracts the heaviness of the spices.
Now that you know how to pair lamb dishes, find the perfect bottle for your recipes in the Svinando catalogue!