Red meat
Wine with Lamb
The Sunday-roast pairing every dinner host should know.
Short answer
Lamb's gamier flavor calls for structured, herb-friendly reds — Bordeaux blends, Rioja Reserva, or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape are the classics. For a Mediterranean preparation (rosemary, garlic, olive oil) pair with Tuscan Sangiovese or Greek Xinomavro. For lamb chops, the slightly savory tannin of Cabernet Franc works beautifully.
Top wine picks
1
Bordeaux Blend
Cab Sauv + Cab Franc + Merlot — structured tannins meet rich lamb.
2
Rioja Reserva
Tempranillo's savory backbone is born for slow-roasted lamb shoulder.
3
Châteauneuf-du-Pape
Grenache-led warmth pairs with Mediterranean herbs and olive oil.
4
Tuscan Sangiovese
Brunello or Chianti Classico Riserva for tomato-and-rosemary lamb.
5
Cabernet Franc
Loire-style Cab Franc with grilled chops — peppery, lifted, savory.
What to avoid
- Light whites
- Sweet wines
- High-alcohol fruit-forward reds