Best Wine Pairing For Lamb Chops: Our 9 Favorites

  • Last Updated - 3/21/23
wine to pair with lamb chops

Quick Answer: For red wines, go for a medium-bodied Merlot and Malbec. And for a white or sparkling wine choose a Chardonnay or Champagne!

There are many different lamb dishes. But if you’re looking for the perfect wine for lamb pairings, more specifically lamb chops, look no further!

In this blog post, we will list nine (9) of the best wine options to pair with this delicious dish. Whether you are looking for a red or white wine, we have got you covered. Keep reading to learn more about why these wine choices would be perfect for your next dinner party!

Table of Contents

What are Lamb Chops?

roast lamb curry roast lamb curry roast lamb curry

They are simply cutlets of lamb, usually from the rib or shoulder area. 

And they are noted for their tender texture and robust flavor, are a go-to among many fans of lamb dishes. Typically they have a mild flavor that is slightly gamey and nutty, making them a great match for wine.

They are available in three different cuts: rib, loin, or shoulder.

  • Rib chops have richer flavor than other chops due to the higher fat content and connective tissue but lack tenderness after cooking.
  • Loin chops offer exceptional juiciness with delightful marbling while remaining flavorful without being overly greasy.
  • Shoulder chops which are the least fatty of the three, but they’re also a bit tougher.

And typically the loin chops are the most popular because they are the most tender and meaty of all the cuts. Therefore, loin chops should be roasted or grilled to medium-rare temperatures for maximum flavor.

9 Best Wines to Pair Lamb Chops

young lamb stew young lamb stew lamb wine lamb wine

1) Malbec (Best Overall)

malbec vs merlot comparison

A perfect lamb wine pairing would be Malbec! Because this red wine has flavors of dark fruit, such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry, as well as hints of vanilla, smoke, and spice. And these flavors can complement the rich, savory flavors of lamb, as well as any herbs or spices used in the dish.

Also with its high tannin content, it brings out the juiciness of the lamb. Additionally, its medium body won’t overwhelm the delicate flavors of your lean meat.

Finally, the earthy flavors of the wine will harmoniously compliment the gaminess of the savory lamb dish.

BEST MALBEC

2) Merlot (Runner Up Overall)

Another red wine and similar to Malbec, Merlot often has fruity flavors such as black cherry, plum, and blackberry, which can complement the flavors of the lamb chops. The wine’s fruitiness can enhance the dish’s natural flavors and create a more complex taste profile.

Also, its smooth and velvety texture, can help coat the palate and soften the flavors of the lamb. Plus, the wine’s texture can also help to create a more cohesive pairing, as the smoothness of the wine can complement the tenderness of the juicy and succulent meat.

Lastly, Merlot is a versatile wine that can pair well with a variety of lamb dishes, including roasted lamb, lamb stews, and lamb kebabs. Its versatility makes it an ideal wine pairing to have on hand when serving lamb.

BEST MERLOT

3) Chianti (Best Italian)

In Rome, Lamb Scottadito (translating to “burned fingers”) is a traditional dish composed of succulent grilled lamb cutlets that are so tasty you can’t help but devour them straight off the grill. It earned its name due to how quickly it’s eaten and the inevitable burning sensation on your fingertips from consuming these delightful chops while they’re still hot!

And with notes of dark cherry, leather, and black pepper, Chianti is the perfect Italian wine to bring out the Italian seasoning and savoriness of the dish. Plus, this wine has good tannins and acidity which will help cut through the fat in the lamb.

BEST ITALIAN REDS

4) Pinot Noir (Best for Garlic Herb Crusted)

pinot noir and grilled lamb chops pairing wine pairing

The pairing between Pinot Noir and lamb is often very successful due to the bright acidity and tart red fruit notes in the Pinot Noir being a magnificent counterpart for the savory richness of the lamb.

Pinot Noir is a wine that has light yet intense flavors that can pull out the natural flavor in the lamb. Not only does this wine have delicate fruit notes of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, but also earthy flavors of mushroom and forest floor that pair perfectly with the gaminess of the meat.

BEST PINOT NOIR

5) Syrah (Best for Chimichurri Sauce)

lamb wine pairing wine

Syrah (or Shiraz, if you’re in Australia) is a full-bodied and highly aromatic red wine with an array of sweet fruit flavors ranging from blackberries to cherries and plums along with notes of pepper and licorice.

These intense notes are perfect for pairing with the richness of mouthwatering grilled lamb since the slight fattiness helps to balance out the robust tannins that can make your mouth feel dry. In turn, Syrah’s fruit-forward character adds a lovely contrast against any earthy undertones present in the lamb dish.

BEST SHIRAZ

6) Zinfandel (Best for Garlic Mint Sauce)

Zinfandel wine is a great wine pairing because it has medium to high levels of tannins that can help cut through the proteins of the meat. Subsequently, the succulent meat will mellow out the tannins in the wine which makes it remarkably smooth.

And this wine also has a bold, spicy flavor profile that pairs nicely with any herbs or spices you may have used in your preparation of the dish.

Zinfandel wine is a great choice for those who love bold-flavored wine. With notes of blackberry jam, raspberry, and pepper, this wine has a robust flavor that can stand up to the gaminess of the dish, while not overpowering it.

BEST ZINFANDEL

7) Cabernet Sauvignon (Best for Red Wine & Red Meat Lovers)

Cabernet Sauvignon wine pairs perfectly with lamb because it has high tannins that can bring out the juiciness of the lamb, while the acidity in the wine can cut through the fat of your dish.

Additionally, it also has dark fruit flavors such as blackberry, cherry, and currant that contrast nicely with the nutty flavor of the meat. 

BEST CABERNET SAUVIGNON

8) Chardonnay (Best White Wine for Greek Dishes)

pairing wine pairing lamb chops

For those who prefer a white wine, then Chardonnay is the perfect choice. This wine has bright flavors of citrus, pineapple, and apple that pair well with almost any lamb dish.

And Greek lamb often have Mediterranean-inspired flavors, such as garlic, lemon, and oregano, which can complement the subtle fruit and citrus notes in Chardonnay. Plus, the wine’s creamy texture and subtle oak notes can also complement the smoky, earthy flavors of the lamb.

Additionally, the wine’s moderate acidity can also help cut through the fat in the lamb and sauce to refresh the palate between bites, making each sip and bite more enjoyable.

Finally, its medium to full body allows it to perfectly complement the weight of the meat without overpowering their unique flavors. In fact, both the flavors in the wine and meat will be enhanced by each other.

BEST CHARDONNAY

9) Champagne (Best Sparkling Wine)

Champagne is a great wine pairing for lamb because it has bright, fruity flavors that will bring out the subtler notes in your dish.

Plus, its light body won’t weigh down the delicacy of the meat while still enhancing its flavors.

And finally, this wine also has good acidity and effervescence which will balance out the richness of the fat in the loin chops.

BEST CHAMPAGNE

Summary

In the end, the intense flavor of lamb will be matched perfectly with any of these nine (9) wine varieties.

Whether you prefer red wine, white wine or sparkling wine, there is sure to be something for everyone. So when pairing wine with lamb, pick one from this list and get ready to enjoy a truly delicious meal!

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