Lamb Burgers & Wine Pairing

Shiraz makes an excellent pairing with a lamb burger, thanks to its rich, full-bodied profile and moderate tannins. The juicy, peppery, and sometimes smoky characteristics of Shiraz complement the robust flavours of lamb, especially if the burger has been seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme. The dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, along with the wine's natural spiciness, can elevate the savoury depth of the lamb and any additional toppings, like grilled onions, barbecue sauce, or aged cheese.

Known for its vibrant acidity and dark fruit flavours, Baco Noir brings out the rich, savoury qualities of lamb while offering a refreshing balance. The wine’s blackberry, plum, and earthy notes, combined with subtle smokiness, harmonize well with the gamey and juicy nature of the lamb burger. Its acidity cuts through the fat, and if the burger includes robust toppings like grilled mushrooms, sharp cheese, or a smoky sauce, Baco Noir’s depth and slight rustic edge enhance the dish even more.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape is a Rhône blend, typically made with Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, and offers a rich tapestry of flavours including ripe red and black fruits, earthy spices, and herbal undertones. These characteristics work beautifully with the savoury richness of a lamb burger. The wine’s bold structure, balanced acidity, and velvety tannins enhance the juicy texture of the lamb, while its subtle notes of leather, pepper, and garrigue (wild herbs) complement a variety of toppings, such as roasted red peppers, goat cheese, or a smoky aioli.

Zinfandel pairs beautifully with a lamb burger due to its bold flavours and medium tannins, which mirror the richness of the lamb. The fruit-forward profile of Zinfandel, with notes of blackberries, plums, and sometimes a hint of spice, can balance well with the savoury, slightly gamey nature of the lamb. If the burger includes elements like smoky spices, caramelized onions, or a sharp cheese, Zinfandel's acidity and spice can enhance those flavours further, creating a well-rounded pairing.

The deep, dark fruit notes of blackcurrant, blackberry, and hints of tobacco or cedar in Cabernet Sauvignon work beautifully with the richness and slightly gamey taste of lamb. The wine's tannins help cut through the fat in the lamb burger, while its boldness can stand up to strong toppings like blue cheese, grilled mushrooms, or a smoky barbecue sauce.

Furthermore, a young Cabernet Sauvignon is going to taste smoother, as the bold tannins will be tamed by the fats and proteins found in your lamb burger. The lamb itself will taste more flavourful with a Cabernet Sauvignon as the tannin in the wine will breaks down protein molecules in your mouth, releasing additional flavours you might not get otherwise.

Malbec is a fantastic pairing with a lamb burger due to its bold, dark fruit flavours and smooth, velvety tannins. The juicy notes of blackberry, plum, and sometimes hints of cocoa or spice in Malbec sing well beside the rich, earthy flavours of the lamb. The wine's moderate acidity and soft tannins create a balanced contrast with the fattiness of the lamb, while enhancing toppings like roasted peppers, caramelized onions, or a smoky sauce.

Monastrell (also known as Mourvèdre) is a bold, intense choice for pairing with a lamb burger. Its deep, concentrated flavours of blackberries, plums, and earthy, herbal notes pair beautifully with the rich and slightly gamey taste of lamb. Monastrell’s firm tannins and robust structure can stand up to a well-seasoned lamb burger, especially if it’s topped with bold ingredients like smoked bacon, blue cheese, or caramelized onions. The wine’s earthy undertones and spicy finish enhance the savoury qualities of the lamb, creating a deeply satisfying, flavour-packed pairing.

Gigondas, a Rhône Valley wine often dominated by Grenache with a blend of Syrah and Mourvèdre, makes a fantastic pairing with a lamb burger. Gigondas has a robust, full-bodied character, with flavours of ripe blackberries, cherries, and spices, along with earthy and herbal undertones. This wine’s firm tannins and balanced acidity cut through the fat while enhancing the savoury, slightly gamey flavours, as the tannin breaks down the protein molecules in the lamb.

The earthy and peppery qualities of Gigondas also pair well with lamb burgers that feature toppings like caramelized onions, roasted red peppers, or smoked cheese.

Primitivo’s bold fruit flavours, such as blackberry and plum, hold up to the juicy, savoury profile of the lamb burger, while its moderate tannins and peppery spice enhance the meat's richness. The wine’s acidity cuts through the lamb's fattiness, providing a refreshing contrast. If the burger is seasoned with herbs like rosemary or topped with feta cheese or mint, the wine’s earthy undertones and fruitiness harmonize beautifully.

Argentinian Malbec is a stellar choice for pairing with a lamb burger, thanks to its bold flavours and smooth texture. Known for its rich dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, along with hints of cocoa and spice, Argentinian Malbec dances beautifully with the juicy, slightly gamey character of lamb. The wine's moderate acidity and plush tannins help to balance the richness of the burger.

Grenache, Shiraz, and Mourvèdre (GSM) is a fantastic blend that pairs beautifully with a lamb burger. This trio combines the best characteristics of each grape: the bright red fruit and spiciness of Grenache, the boldness and peppery notes of Shiraz, and the earthy, robust qualities of Mourvèdre.

When paired with a lamb burger, GSM enhances the rich, savoury flavours of the meat while providing a delightful contrast to its juiciness. The fruity notes of the wine complement the lamb's natural sweetness, while the spice and earthiness add depth to the overall experience.

This pairing is especially well-suited for lamb burgers that feature bold toppings, such as feta cheese, olives, or a spicy sauce. The GSM blend's acidity and tannins help cut through the fat of the burger, creating a balanced and satisfying match.

Tempranillo is a great choice for pairing with a lamb burger, thanks to its versatile flavour profile and moderate tannins. This Spanish varietal often showcases notes of cherry, plum, and leather, with hints of vanilla and spice from oak aging.

The wine's bright acidity helps cut through the richness of the burger, enhancing the overall balance. If the lamb burger is topped with ingredients like roasted red peppers, feta cheese, or a smoky aioli, Tempranillo's earthy undertones and fruitiness will elevate those flavours, creating a delicious and satisfying pairing. Whether you opt for a younger, fruit-forward style or a more aged, complex version, Tempranillo offers a delightful match for a lamb burger.

Rioja Reserva is a superb companion for a lamb burger, bringing a delightful complexity to the table. Primarily crafted from Tempranillo, this Spanish wine showcases rich notes of dark fruit, vanilla, and earthy spices, enriched by its time in oak barrels. The vibrant fruitiness and subtle spice of Rioja Reserva beautifully enhance the savoury, slightly gamey characteristics of the lamb, while its smooth tannins and balanced acidity effortlessly cut through the burger's richness. This pairing is especially harmonious with toppings like aged cheese, grilled onions, or a smoky aioli, allowing the wine’s depth to elevate the burger’s flavours.

Ribera del Duero Reserva and a naked lamb burger (with minimal toppings) create a fantastic pairing that highlights the rich, bold flavours of both the wine and the dish. The Reserva designation indicates that the wine has been aged for a minimum of three years, often resulting in deep, concentrated flavours of dark fruits like blackberry and plum, along with complex notes of leather, tobacco, and spice. These characteristics complement the juicy, savoury profile of the lamb burger beautifully.

The wine's firm tannins help to cut through the richness of the lamb, while its vibrant acidity refreshes the palate, ensuring that each bite remains satisfying. Additionally, if the lamb burger is seasoned with herbs such as rosemary or garlic, the wine's earthy undertones enhance these flavours, creating a harmonious and delicious experience.

This pairing works best with a lamb burger that features a minimal amount of toppings. If you are loading your lamb burger up with ketchup, mustard, relish, and other acidic toppings, go for a Ribera del Duero Crianza - which is a wine that has seen very little oak aging. Oak adds tannin to the wine, which may clash with vinegar based condiments, in that it could make the wine taste flat and metallic.

Left Hand Sawtooth Ale and a lamb burger make for an enjoyable and complementary pairing. Sawtooth Ale is an amber ale with a rich malt backbone that features caramel and toasty notes, which enhance the savoury, juicy profile of the lamb burger. The beer's mild hop bitterness provides a refreshing contrast, cutting through the richness of the lamb while accentuating its flavours.

Additionally, the slightly fruity and nutty undertones of Sawtooth Ale pair well with any seasonings or toppings on the lamb burger, such as feta cheese, mint, or tzatziki sauce. This pairing results in a well-rounded experience, where the malty sweetness of the beer balances the lamb's robust character, creating a satisfying meal that's perfect for casual dining or outdoor gatherings.

Merlot pairs wonderfully with a lamb burger, especially because of its softer tannins and approachable fruit flavours. The smooth, velvety texture of Merlot, with its notes of plum, black cherry, and hints of chocolate or spice, complements the juiciness of the lamb without overpowering it. This pairing is extra delicious if the lamb burger is served with sautéed mushrooms or cheese.

Garnacha (Grenache) pairs beautifully with a lamb burger due to its ripe, fruity character and soft tannins. The wine's vibrant red fruit notes, such as raspberry, cherry, and hints of herbs or pepper, mirror the rich, slightly gamey flavour of lamb. Garnacha’s moderate acidity and smooth mouthfeel balance out the juiciness of the burger while allowing the lamb’s natural savoury qualities to shine. This pairing works especially well with Mediterranean-style toppings like roasted red peppers, goat cheese, or a touch of smoky paprika.