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Lamb is a rich and slightly gamey meat with complex flavours, and pairing it with the right wine can make for an incredible dining experience. In this guide, we’ll explore why certain wines, such as Syrah or Merlot, are a great addition to any meal where lamb is the main feature and what Canadian wines you should consider for the different dishes.

The Best Wine Pairing with Lamb

Lamb is a flavorful and robust meat commonly enjoyed during special occasions, including Ramadan, Easter, and Hanukkah. To ensure the perfect wine pairing, it’s essential to consider both the cut and the method of preparation.

Many flavours complement lamb, so it is often cooked using a variety of herbs, spices, and seasonings, including mint, rosemary, fennel, garlic and more. The best wine to accompany lamb depends on the dish's ingredients and cooking method. Here are traditional pairings for three favourite lamb dishes.

Roast Leg of Lamb

Few dishes are as classic as a whole-roasted leg of lamb. The meat is tender and juicy, with a delicious gamey flavour. The incredible crispy outer crust is often created by a mix of Dijon mustard, garlic, and savoury herbs like thyme and rosemary.

Pinot Noir is a classic choice, mainly when lamb is prepared medium-rare. Its bold, dark fruit flavours can complement the rich taste of a leg of lamb, while the fresh, juicy acidity helps balance the cut's fat for those who favour a savoury Pinot Noir. Additionally, the earthy undertones create a perfect pairing with the lamb’s subtle gaminess. Syrah (Shiraz) also works well as it can handle the lamb without being overwhelmed and shares common flavour characteristics.

Try a wine from one of these wineries:

  • Pinot Noir, Mason Vineyards - Niagara, ON
  • Pinot Noir, Blue Mountain Vineyard and Cellars - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Pinot Noir, Spearhead Winery - Kelowna, BC
  • Syrah, Moon Curser Vineyards - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Shiraz, Konzelmann - Niagara, ON

Rack of Lamb or Lamb Chops

The rack of lamb is celebrated for its rich flavour and tenderness, which places it among the pricier cuts. It can be prepared whole or cut into chops, endearingly known as 'lamb lollipops'. Provençal seasonings, such as garlic and rosemary, dominate the preparation, and the herbal characteristics present in Cabernet Sauvignon-based blends complement perfectly. When enjoying a rack of lamb, you can't go wrong with a wine pairing from the cellar with some aging.

Try a wine from one of these wineries:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Andrew Peller - Niagara, ON
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Mission Hill Estate Winery - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Jackson-Triggs - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Pelee Island Winery - Pelee Island, ON
  • Cabernet Sauvignon, Burrowing Owl - Okanagan Valley, BC

Lamb Shanks

Lamb shanks can be a tough cut, but with hours of slow cooking, they turn incredibly tender, falling right off the bone. They soak up a lot of flavour from the braising liquid. While red wine is commonly used, you don’t have to splurge on a cooking wine. A basic bottle of Merlot or Cabernet Franc works perfectly since the flavours will be richly concentrated by the end of cooking.

Merlot's rich core complements the tender, flavorful lamb beautifully. Cabernet Franc brings balance with its structure and acidity, counteracting the meat's richness. The finesse and complexity of these wines elevate the taste of the braised lamb, enhancing the enjoyment of every bite.

Try a wine from one of these wineries:

  • Big Red Select, Big Head Wines - Niagara, ON
  • Stratus Red, Stratus Vineyards - Niagara, ON
  • Merlot, Burrowing Owl - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Cabernet Franc, Poplar Grove - Okanagan Valley, BC
  • Cabernet Franc, Two Sisters Vineyards - Niagara, ON
  • Cabernet Franc, Trius - Niagara, ON

Whether you choose a roasted leg of lamb, a rack of lamb, or lamb shanks, you’re set to pick out the ideal wine to accompany your dinner.

Can I Pair White Wine with Lamb?

The classic approach is to enjoy red meat with red wine, as most white wines lack the intensity to enhance the rich flavour of lamb. Ultimately, wine pairings are about personal preference, so feel free to enjoy them together if you prefer white wine!

If you decide to accompany your lamb with white wine, avoid tart varieties like Riesling and Pinot Grigio unless you're enjoying a dish such as lamb curry. Instead, choose a more nuanced wine like an oaked Chardonnay.

If you're considering a wine to pair with a lamb dish not listed here, focus on the herbs, spices, and other ingredients it features. Select a wine that enhances those flavours. If you're unsure, a pinot noir or a blended red wine is always a safe option.

Want to learn more about which wine to pair with your favourite dishes? Book a Wine Tasting and Lunch Tour with Winery Guys Tours for a guided experience through wineries in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Book Now for the perfect blend of flavour and relaxation!

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