For mild lamb curry, red wines like Shiraz, Zinfandel, Carménère, Primitivo, and Merlot are excellent choices. These wines offer bold fruit flavours, earthy undertones, and balanced tannins that pair well with the richness of the lamb. Red wines like Côtes du Rhône Villages also work, adding a refreshing contrast to the mild spices, while Châteauneuf-du-Pape’s complexity enhances the dish’s depth.
For spicy (hot) lamb curry, off-dry white wines like Riesling, Muscat, or a sweet Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive are ideal. Their slight sweetness helps cool the heat of the spices while enhancing the aromatic nature of the curry. These wines bring out the dish’s vibrant flavours without overpowering the spice. However, do keep in mind, white wines don’t hold up great to the heavier flavours of lamb, thus, these pairings are more about offering refreshment, and stamping out the heat.
When pairing red wine with Rogan Josh, several options stand out, including Beaujolais Cru, Grenache, Bardolino Superiore Classico, and Lambrusco. These wines feature bright fruit flavours, moderate acidity, and soft tannins, making them excellent companions for the rich, spiced lamb curry. Each wine enhances the dish’s aromatic profile while maintaining a balanced interaction. However, it’s worth noting that heavily oaked wines may clash with Rogan Josh, as their intense flavours could overwhelm the delicate spices and complexities of the dish.
For lamb curry in a rich tomato sauce, Chianti Classico is one of the best pairings. Chianti Classico is a rustic red wine featuring notes of cherry, earth, leather and smoke. What makes this smooth red wine perfect for Lamb Curry is its high acidity. Tomatoes and high-tannin red wines do not pair well at all, so, if you tried an oaked Cabernet Sauvignon with Lamb Curry in Tomato sauce, the tannins and the acidity in the tomatoes would clash, making the wine taste metallic and flat.
Lamb curry is a rich and aromatic dish featuring tender lamb simmered in a sauce made with a variety of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, often combined with ingredients like tomatoes, onions, garlic, and ginger. It can vary greatly depending on regional influences. In Indian cuisine, lamb curry may feature a yoghurt-based sauce or coconut milk for a creamier texture, while in Caribbean and Southeast Asian styles, the curry may be spicier or sweeter, using ingredients like Scotch bonnet peppers or tamarind. The heat level and spice combinations can range from mild and fragrant to intensely spicy, allowing for diverse flavour profiles.
+ Click on the plus sign in the table below to expand upon why these individual pairings work! +
Best Wine with Lamb Curry
| Type | Varietal | Food | Why This Pairing Works | Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White Wine | Grüner Veltliner | Lamb Curry |
Grüner Veltliner is an excellent pairing for lamb curry, offering a refreshing contrast that enhances the dish's flavours. This Austrian white wine is known for its bright acidity and crisp profile, featuring notes of green apple, white pepper, and citrus. These characteristics complement the spices in the lamb curry, balancing the richness of the meat while cutting through its fat. The wine’s peppery undertones can echo the aromatic spices found in the curry, such as cumin and coriander, creating a harmonious relationship between the two. Additionally, the refreshing acidity of Grüner Veltliner helps cleanse the palate, making each bite of the curry feel vibrant and lively. |
|
| Red Wine | Chianti Classico (DOCG) | Lamb Curry - Tomato Sauce |
Chianti Classico pairs beautifully with lamb curry in a tomato-based sauce. The bright acidity of the Chianti helps cut through the richness of the lamb, while its flavours of ripe cherry, herbs, and a hint of black pepper play well with the spiced tomato curry. The wine's firm tannins also provide a nice structure that balances the dish, and its earthy undertones enhance the deep, savoury notes of the lamb. This pairing creates a vibrant contrast, where both the wine and curry's flavours are brought to life. |
|
| Red Wine | Morgon (AOP) - Beaujolais Cru | Lamb Curry |
Morgon, one of the more structured Beaujolais Crus, offers lush red and dark fruit flavours like cherry, plum, and blackberry, along with earthy, mineral undertones. These flavours beautifully complement the rich, aromatic spices of lamb curry. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the curry’s richness, while its smooth tannins and subtle spiciness harmonize with the dish’s bold flavours. This pairing works especially well with lighter, tomato-based curries, where the wine’s fruitiness and fresh profile bring a refreshing contrast to the warmth and complexity of the lamb curry. |
|
| Red Wine | Beaujolais Cru | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Beaujolais Cru showcases notes of cherry, raspberry, and subtle earthiness, which can enhance the complex spices in the Rogan Josh. The low tannins of Beaujolais Cru allow the dish's flavours to shine without fighting with any of the hotter spices in the dish, while its acidity helps cut through the richness of the lamb. |
|
| White Wine | Vouvray | Lamb Curry |
Vouvray, made from Chenin Blanc in France’s Loire Valley, pairs beautifully with lamb curry due to its versatility and balance of sweetness and acidity. Depending on its style, whether dry or off-dry, Vouvray offers ripe fruit flavours like quince, apple, and pear, which can help temper the heat and spices of the curry. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness of the lamb, while the wine’s slightly honeyed and mineral qualities add depth to the pairing. |
|
| White Wine | Pinot Gris | Lamb Curry |
The wine’s stone fruit flavours, like peach and pear, along with subtle honeyed notes, provide a gentle sweetness that mellows the heat and spices of the curry. Its crisp acidity balances the richness of the lamb, while its slightly oily mouthfeel complements the curry’s sauce, helping to soften the intensity of the dish. |
|
| White Wine | Viognier | Lamb Curry |
Viognier, with its aromatic and full-bodied profile, pairs beautifully with lamb curry. Its lush flavours of ripe apricot, peach, and tropical fruit offer a touch of sweetness that softens the heat and spices of the curry. The wine's floral and slightly spicy notes, such as honeysuckle and ginger, enhance the complexity of the dish, while its rich, oily texture matches the curry’s creamy sauce. Viognier’s moderate acidity keeps the pairing balanced, cutting through the richness of the lamb. Goes great with Lamb Curries featuring coconut> |
|
| White Wine | Torrontés | Lamb Curry |
Torrontés, an aromatic white wine from Argentina, pairs beautifully with lamb curry due to its vibrant floral and fruity character. The wine's notes of jasmine, peach, and citrus provide a refreshing counterpoint to the richness and spices of the curry. Its bright acidity helps to balance the heaviness of the dish while enhancing the complex flavours of the lamb and the spices. The slight fruitiness of Torrontés softens the heat, making each bite of the curry more enjoyable. |
|
| Red Wine | Vinsobres | Lamb Curry |
Vinsobres, a red wine from the southern Rhône, is a blend typically dominated by Grenache and Syrah, offering a robust and spicy profile that pairs well with lamb curry. The wine’s dark fruit flavours, like blackberries and plums, along with hints of black pepper, herbs, and earthy notes, complement the rich and aromatic nature of the curry. The tannins in Vinsobres are usually well-structured but not overpowering, which pairs nicely with the tenderness of the lamb. The wine’s natural spiciness enhances the curry’s warmth, while its acidity balances the dish's richness. |
|
| Red Wine | Shiraz | Lamb Curry - Mild |
Shiraz is an excellent pairing with lamb curry, particularly when the curry is rich and aromatic. The bold, spicy, and fruity characteristics of Shiraz, especially from regions like Barossa Valley, complement the intense flavours of the curry. Its tannins help balance the lamb’s tenderness, while the dark fruit notes and peppery finish enhance the curry's spices without overwhelming the palate. I would not pair Shiraz with Lamb Curries that contain tomatoes, or spicy hot curries. High tannin wines and tomatoes do not mix. Neither does alcohol and hot spice - it's sorta like putting out the fire with gasoline. If the curry is lightly tomato-based, a medium-bodied Shiraz should be fine. |
|
| Red Wine | Zinfandel | Lamb Curry - Mild |
A medium-bodied Zinfandel’s rich, fruit-forward profile, with notes of blackberry, plum, and dark cherry, stands up well to the hearty, spiced flavours of lamb curry. The wine’s spicy undertones, often with hints of pepper, clove, or cinnamon, complement the aromatic spices in the curry, while its medium body and moderate tannins balance the dish’s richness. Zinfandel’s natural acidity helps cut through the fat in the lamb, and its juicy character adds a vibrant contrast, making for a robust and satisfying pairing that enhances the complexity of both the wine and the curry. If the lamb curry is spicy hot - go with a lower alcohol red wine like a Beaujolais villages. If the lamb curry is mild with its spices, a medium-bodied Zinfandel (which hasn't seen much oak) will work even better. Zinfandel's that have seen a lot of oak, tend to be high in alcohol, which will make any hot spices in the curry taste even hotter! |
|
| Red Wine | Carménère | Lamb Curry - Mild |
Carménère, a red wine primarily grown in Chile, pairs wonderfully with lamb curry due to its rich, full-bodied profile and distinctive flavours. The wine's deep notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, combined with earthy undertones and hints of green bell pepper, enhance the savoury richness of the lamb while complementing the dish's aromatic spices. Carménère's moderate tannins and bright acidity help balance the richness of the curry, cutting through the creaminess of the sauce. |
|
| Red Wine | Grenache | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Grenache is an excellent match for Rogan Josh, as its ripe red fruit flavours and medium body harmonize with the dish's rich, spiced profile. The wine's inherent sweetness and soft tannins help to mellow the heat of the curry, while its peppery and herbal notes enhance the complexity of the spices like cardamom and cinnamon. Grenache’s moderate acidity also balances the richness of the lamb, making the pairing lively. |
|
| Red Wine | Lambrusco | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Rogan Josh, a fragrant and medium-heat spiced lamb curry, pairs well with Lambrusco, a slightly fizzy red wine. The wine’s fruity and lightly sweet character, with flavours of red berries and a touch of earthiness, provides a refreshing contrast to the rich and aromatic spices of the Rogan Josh. The acidity in Lambrusco helps cut through the curry's richness, while its gentle tannins and effervescence add a lively element to the pairing, keeping the dish from feeling too heavy. |
|
| Red Wine | Primitivo | Lamb Curry - Mild |
Primitivo, an Italian red wine known for its bold, fruity character, pairs exceptionally well with lamb curry. The wine’s rich flavours of black cherry, plum, and raspberry provide a luscious backdrop that meshes beautifully with the savory richness of the lamb. Its moderate tannins and warm spice notes mirror the curry's bold spices, enhancing the overall experience. Primitivo's higher alcohol content can also help cut through the richness of the dish, while its fruity sweetness balances the heat of the curry. |
|
| Rosé | Rosé | Lamb Curry |
Rosé, with its bright acidity and fresh red fruit notes, pairs nicely with lamb curry by offering a refreshing contrast to the dish's bold flavours. The light body and vibrant strawberry, raspberry, and citrus nuances of a dry rosé help balance the richness of the lamb and the spiciness of the curry. Its crispness cuts through the creamy texture of the sauce, while the wine's delicate fruitiness mellows the heat. |
|
| White Wine | Sylvaner | Lamb Curry |
Sylvaner's bright notes of green apple, pear, and subtle herbal undertones provide a refreshing contrast to the richness and spices of the curry. The wine's zesty acidity helps to cleanse the palate, cutting through the dish's creamy texture while enhancing the aromatic flavours of the lamb. Sylvaner's light body and clean finish ensure that it doesn’t overshadow the curry, allowing the bold spices and savoury elements to shine. |
|
| White Wine | Chablis | Lamb Curry |
Known for its crisp acidity and mineral-driven character, Chablis brings a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lamb. Its flavours of green apple, citrus, and subtle flintiness provide a sharp, clean palate that helps balance the bold spices and creamy texture of the curry. The wine’s lean structure and zesty freshness lift the savoury, spicy elements of the dish. |
|
| White Wine | Savennières | Lamb Curry |
Savennières, a Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley, offers a unique and sophisticated pairing with lamb curry. This wine is known for its rich, textured body, high acidity, and complex flavours of quince, apple, honey, and minerality. These characteristics make it a versatile match for the bold spices in lamb curry. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the richness of the lamb, while its depth of flavour complements the curry's aromatic spices. The minerality and slight nuttiness of Savennières also bring an earthy balance to the dish, enhancing both the curry’s intensity and the lamb’s savouriness. |
|
| Other | Lassi | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Lassi, a traditional yogurt-based drink, pairs wonderfully with Rogan Josh. The cool, creamy texture of lassi helps soothe the palate, providing relief from the rich, aromatic spices of the Rogan Josh. Lassi's refreshing qualities balance the warmth of the dish, making it a great way to cleanse the mouth between bites. The yogurt in both the drink and the curry creates a harmonious combination, while the lassi's lightness contrasts the hearty, spiced meat, offering a refreshing pairing. |
|
| Red Wine | Bardolino Superiore Classico | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Bardolino Superiore Classico pairs well with Rogan Josh, offering a lighter, fruity contrast to the rich, spiced curry. The wine’s red berry flavours, soft tannins, and bright acidity help lift the hearty lamb and aromatic spices of the Rogan Josh, keeping the pairing vibrant. Its subtle herbal notes also enhance the earthy spices in the dish without overwhelming them. |
|
| Red Wine | Valpolicella Classico / Rosso | Lamb Curry - Tomato Sauce |
Valpolicella Classico, a light to medium-bodied red wine from Italy's Veneto region, pairs well with lamb curry. Its bright acidity and fresh red fruit flavours, such as cherry and raspberry, provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the lamb and the spices in the curry. The wine’s subtle earthy and herbal notes harmonize with the depth of flavours in the dish, while its low tannins won't clash with any hot spices in the dish. |
|
| White Wine | Côtes du Rhône Villages, White | Lamb Curry - Mild |
White wines from Côtes du Rhône often blends of grapes like Grenache Blanc, Marsanne, and Roussanne, and offer vibrant citrus, stone fruit, and floral notes, along with a rich, round mouthfeel. These characteristics complement and contrast the aromatic spices and richness of lamb curry. The wine’s bright acidity helps balance the curry's heat and fattiness, while its subtle minerality and herbal undertones, like fennel or thyme, enhance the earthy and complex flavours of the dish. This pairing brings a refreshing contrast to the boldness of the curry while maintaining harmony with its spices. |
|
| Beer | American Brown Ale | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
American Brown Ale can be a delightful pairing with Rogan Josh, as its nutty, caramel malt flavours provide a rich counterpoint to the dish's spiced profile. The beer's medium body and moderate sweetness can help to balance the heat of the curry while accentuating the tender lamb. The subtle chocolate and coffee notes in the brown ale can mirror some of the warm spices found in Rogan Josh, creating a pleasing interplay of flavours. Additionally, the beer's carbonation refreshes the palate, making each bite of the curry feel vibrant and satisfying. |
|
| Beer | American India Pale Ale | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
American India Pale Ale (IPA) can be a lively pairing with Rogan Josh, thanks to its hoppy bitterness and fruity citrus notes. The hops in the IPA cut through the richness of the lamb and the creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast. The beer's citrus and pine flavours may also work well with the warm spices in the curry, adding an additional layer of complexity. However, it’s important to choose an IPA with balanced bitterness to avoid overpowering the dish. |
|
| Beer | Weissbock | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Weissbock, a strong wheat beer, can be an interesting pairing with Rogan Josh. Its rich, malty sweetness and creamy mouthfeel complement the dish's spiced and aromatic profile, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich lamb. The fruity notes of banana and clove typical of Weissbock can echo some of the warmer spices found in the curry, while its carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites. |
|
| Beer | American Pale Ale | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
The beer's moderate hop bitterness and citrusy notes help cut through the richness of the lamb and creamy sauce, providing a refreshing contrast. The malt backbone of the APA brings a slight sweetness that works nicely with the aromatic spices in the curry, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, the beer’s carbonation helps cleanse the palate between bites, allowing the vibrant spices of the Rogan Josh to shine. |
|
| Red Wine | Rioja Crianza | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Rioja Crianza is a wonderful pairing with Rogan Josh, as its medium body and balanced structure work well with the rich, spiced flavours of the curry. The wine's bright acidity and flavours of cherry, plum, and vanilla from oak aging lift the dish's aromatic profile without overwhelming it. The soft tannins of the Rioja provide a smooth texture that matches the tender lamb, while its earthy undertones resonate with the warm spices like cardamom and cinnamon in the Rogan Josh. |
|
| White Wine | Eichberg Grand Cru - Pinot Gris | Lamb Curry |
Eichberg Grand Cru Pinot Gris, known for its rich texture and aromatic profile, makes a surprising but delightful pairing with lamb curry. Alsatian Pinot Gris from this Grand Cru vineyard often exhibits a full-bodied character with flavours of ripe stone fruit, honey, and spice, which can beautifully complement the warmth and complexity of the curry spices. The wine’s subtle sweetness balances the heat, while its rich texture stands up to the lamb's tenderness. Its earthy and slightly smoky notes harmonize with the curry's savoury depth, creating a nuanced and elegant pairing. |
|
| Red Wine | Pinotage, South Africa | Lamb Curry - Mild |
Pinotage, a unique South African red wine, pairs remarkably well with lamb curry due to its bold fruit flavours and smoky undertones. The wine's notes of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of banana and spice, mirror the richness of the lamb and the complexity of the curry. Its medium to full body and moderate tannins provide a sturdy structure that stands up to the dish's robust spices without overwhelming it. The wine’s earthy and slightly herbaceous qualities enhance the aromatic elements of the curry, creating a harmonious interplay between the wine and the dish. |
|
| White Wine | Pinot Grigio | Lamb Curry |
Pinot Grigio, known for its light body and crisp acidity, pairs well with lamb curry by providing a refreshing contrast to the dish’s richness and spice. Its bright citrus and green apple flavours offer a clean, vibrant lift, cutting through the curry’s bold and savoury elements. The wine’s subtle mineral undertones and restrained fruit character allow it to balance the spiciness without overwhelming the palate, while its acidity helps cleanse the richness of the lamb. I would say this is a good pairing, but it won't knock your socks off. Pinot Grigio won't improve the flavours of your Lamb Curry. However, if there are some spicy elements setting your mouth on fire, you'll be grateful for a cold refreshing sip of your wine! |
|
| White Wine | Off Dry Riesling | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Off-dry Riesling can work with Rogan Josh, though the pairing may not be the most ideal. The wine's slight sweetness and bright acidity can help temper the heat of the curry, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich spices. The fruity notes of apple, pear, and stone fruits in the Riesling flirt with the dish's aromatic qualities, but the wine's lighter body may not fully match the depth of flavours in the Rogan Josh. |
|
| White Wine | Off Dry Riesling | Lamb Curry - Spicy |
Spicy Lamb curry pairs okay well with an off-dry Riesling as the sweet, and sometimes slightly bubbly texture of Riesling, helps put out some of the heat. The sweetness and fruity notes of the Riesling, often featuring flavours like peach, apricot, and citrus, contrast the spices in the curry, which make things interesting. However, nothing in Riesling will complement the lamb in your curry, which is why this rating is somewhat low. However, as a bit of a bonus, the floral and aromatic qualities of the Riesling can highlight the complex spices found in the curry, such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. I'm a bit of a baby with hot curries, so I'm always grateful to have a refreshing glass of off-dry Riesling when I sit down to dine. |
|
| Red Wine | Merlot | Lamb Curry - Mild |
A medium-bodied Merlot’s plush fruit flavours, such as plum, blackberry, and dark cherry, harmonize with the rich, savoury notes of the lamb curry. Its soft tannins and medium body balance the dish’s spiced flavours without overpowering them, while the wine’s gentle acidity helps to cut through the richness of the lamb. Merlot’s subtle earthy and herbal undertones, often with hints of cocoa or tobacco, harmonize with the warm spices in the curry, making for a satisfying and approachable pairing. While Merlot is not my top choice for pairing with Lamb Curry, sometimes, when dining out, your choices of red wine by the glass are limited to maybe 3 different types of wine, and Merlot will often show up on that list. So I wanted to write about this pairing, and explain that it's pretty good (provided the wine isn't full-bodied, and the curry isn't overly hot), since you may have no other options. |
|
| White Wine | Muscat, Off-Dry | Lamb Curry - Spicy |
Off-dry Muscat, known for its floral and fruity characteristics, pairs intriguingly with lamb curry. The wine's vibrant notes of orange blossom, peach, and lychee provide a refreshing sweetness that contrasts nicely with the rich, spicy elements of the curry. This slight sweetness helps to temper the heat while enhancing the aromatic spices, creating a delightful balance. The wine’s acidity and aromatic profile also blend in nicely with the lamb's savouriness. While I make this pairing sound lovely, and it is, Muscat won't enhance the savoury lamb flavours, hence the 3 star rating. |
|
| Sweet Wine | Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive | Lamb Curry - Spicy |
Gewürztraminer Vendange Tardive and lamb curry create an indulgent and harmonious pairing, particularly with curries that have a rich, creamy, or slightly sweet element. Vendange Tardive, a late-harvest style of Gewürztraminer, brings intense sweetness and concentrated flavours of tropical fruits, honey, and spices like ginger and cinnamon. These rich, aromatic notes beautifully complement the warm spices in lamb curry. The wine’s sweetness helps tame the heat of the curry while its bold flavours stand up to the dish’s complexity. This pairing works even better with milder or coconut-based curries, offering a luxurious balance of sweet and savoury elements. I am only giving this pairing 3 out of 5 stars as it's a bit too much for my liking. I would say it deserves a higher ranking, however, at the same time, the pairing only works well with small portion sizes as this wine is a dessert styled wine, and anything more than 3 ounces becomes too much of a good thing. |
|
| Red Wine | Châteauneuf du Pape, Red | Lamb Curry - Mild |
Châteauneuf-du-Pape, a rich and robust red wine from France’s Rhône Valley, pairs wonderfully with a mild lamb curry. Its bold flavours of dark fruit like plum, black cherry, and blackberry, combined with earthy, herbal notes of thyme, black pepper, and leather, create a complex backdrop that complements the depth and spice of the curry. The wine’s full body and structured tannins balance the richness of the lamb, while its warming spice and subtle smokiness enhance the savoury and aromatic components of the dish. Do not pair with very spicy lamb curries! The alcohol content and tannin in the wine will clash with the heat. |
|
| Beer | Amber Lager | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
The stout’s rich, roasted coffee notes and creamy texture can echo the depth of flavours in the curry, enhancing its aromatic spices. The slight bitterness from the coffee can provide a contrast to the dish's richness, while the beer's sweetness helps balance the heat of the spices. However, it’s essential to choose a stout that isn’t overly heavy, as a robust stout might overshadow the intricate flavours of the Rogan Josh. |
|
| Beer | Dortmunder Export | Rogan Josh - Lamb |
Dortmunder Export, a pale lager with a balanced malt profile and moderate hop bitterness, can pair surprisingly well with Rogan Josh. The beer's crispness and refreshing quality help cut through the richness of the lamb and the creamy sauce of the curry. Its mild malt sweetness complements the aromatic spices without overwhelming them, while the light carbonation aids in cleansing the palate between bites. |
|
| Type | Varietal | Food | Why This Pairing Works |