Lamb Chops & Wine Pairing

Bordeaux pairs wonderfully with lamb chops due to its rich structure and complexity. The wine’s deep flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and tobacco complement the savoury richness of the lamb, enhancing its natural qualities. Bordeaux's firm tannins cut through the fat, providing a balanced mouthfeel that makes each bite more satisfying. Additionally, the wine's earthy undertones and hints of cedar can accentuate any herbs or spices used in the lamb’s preparation, creating a harmonious blend of flavours.

Tempranillo Reserva, known for its deep cherry and plum notes, offers a wonderful fruitiness that complements the rich, savoury essence of the lamb. The wine's ageing process imparts layers of vanilla, leather, and spice, which enhance the grilled or roasted flavours of the lamb chops. Additionally, the wine’s firm tannins and refreshing acidity cut through the richness of the meat, balancing the dish and ensuring a harmonious dining experience.

Rosso di Montalcino, a lighter and more approachable sibling of Brunello, pairs beautifully with lamb chops. Its bright red fruit flavours—cherry, raspberry, and cranberry—offer a fresh contrast to the rich, savoury lamb, while its lively acidity cuts through the fat, cleansing the palate with each bite. The wine’s subtle herbal and earthy notes enhance any seasoning on the lamb, such as rosemary or thyme, and its soft tannins provide just enough structure without overpowering the dish. This pairing brings out the juicy, tender qualities of the lamb while highlighting the wine’s elegance and vibrant character.

Sierra Nevada Bigfoot, a bold barleywine-style ale, pairs excellently with lamb chops. The intense malt backbone, featuring deep caramel and toffee flavours, complements the savoury richness of the lamb, while the ale's strong hop bitterness provides a sharp contrast to the meat’s fattiness. Bigfoot's pine and citrus hop notes elevate any herbal seasoning on the lamb, adding complexity to each bite. The beer’s high alcohol content and full body stand up to the hearty lamb, creating a robust and flavourful pairing.

Merlot pairs nicely with lamb chops, offering a smooth and approachable contrast to the meat's rich flavours. The wine’s soft tannins and velvety texture complement the lamb’s succulence without overpowering it. Merlot typically features flavours of ripe plum, cherry, and blackcurrant, which enhance the natural sweetness of the lamb. Additionally, its subtle herbal notes can accentuate any seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme, used on the meat. The wine's moderate acidity refreshes the palate, making each bite enjoyable and balanced.

Syrah pairs exceptionally well with lamb chops, thanks to its full-bodied character and complex flavour profile. The wine’s rich dark fruit notes—such as blackberry and plum—enhance the savoury qualities of the lamb, while its spicy undertones and hints of black pepper complement any seasoning used on the meat. Syrah's firm tannins cut through the fat, providing a balanced mouthfeel and elevating the dish's overall richness. Additionally, the wine’s earthy and herbal nuances can bring out the lamb’s natural flavours.

Shiraz often features spicy and peppery notes, which can elevate any seasoning or marinade used on the lamb, creating a delightful complexity. The wine’s moderate tannins provide structure and help cut through the meat's fat, while its juicy acidity refreshes the palate with each bite. This pairing highlights the succulent character of the lamb while allowing the vibrant and bold flavours of the Shiraz to shine through.

Malbec pairs excellently with lamb chops, thanks to its bold fruit profile and smooth texture. The wine’s rich flavours of dark fruit—such as blackberry and plum—bring out the savoury richness of the lamb, enhancing its natural sweetness. Malbec’s moderate tannins provide a nice structure, cutting through the fat of the meat and ensuring a balanced mouthfeel. Additionally, its hints of cocoa and spice can elevate any seasoning on the lamb, creating a delightful synergy between the two. This pairing showcases the succulent qualities of the lamb while allowing the robust character of Malbec to shine through.

Fitou, a robust red wine from the Languedoc region of France, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. Its blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre offers rich flavours of dark fruit, such as blackberry and plum, which beautifully waltz with the savoury qualities of the lamb. The wine’s earthy undertones and hints of spice enhance the dish, especially if the lamb is seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme. Fitou's moderate tannins provide enough structure to cut through the lamb's fat, while its balanced acidity refreshes the palate.

Barbaresco, with its elegant structure and complex flavour profile, pairs beautifully with lamb chops with a lot of fat. The wine’s notes of cherry, raspberry, and floral undertones enhance the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb, while its earthy and spicy nuances complement the meat's natural flavours. The moderate tannins in Barbaresco provide a nice balance, cutting through the fat and ensuring a smooth mouthfeel. Its lively acidity refreshes the palate, making each bite of lamb feel lighter and more vibrant. This pairing highlights the tenderness of the lamb while showcasing the wine’s finesse and depth.

The wine’s rich flavours of cherry, plum, and dried herbs complement the savoury qualities of the lamb, while its earthy undertones enhance the dish’s overall depth. The high tannins in Barolo cut through the fat of the lamb, providing a pleasing contrast and ensuring a balanced mouthfeel. Additionally, the wine’s acidity refreshes the palate between bites, making each taste more enjoyable. This pairing brings out the tender, juicy qualities of the lamb while showcasing the elegance and complexity of Barolo.

Fatty lamb chops are essential when pairing with lamb chops. If you remove all the fat, there won't be much flavour to you chops, and the remaining lamb flavours will be obliterated by the bold flavours of Barolo.

Hermitage, known for its rich and full-bodied Syrah, pairs exquisitely with lamb chops. The wine’s intense dark fruit flavours—such as blackberry and plum—beautifully meshes with the savoury richness of the lamb. Its smoky, peppery notes add complexity, enhancing the grilled or roasted qualities of the meat. The robust tannins of Hermitage provide structure, cutting through the lamb’s fat, while its lively acidity refreshes the palate, ensuring each bite remains enjoyable.

Nebbiolo, with its high acidity and firm tannins, pairs beautifully with lamb chops. The wine's complex profile features flavours of cherry, rose petal, and earthy notes, which enhance the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb. Nebbiolo’s robust tannins cut through the meat's fat, providing balance and structure, while its bright acidity refreshes the palate, making each bite feel lighter. The wine's herbal and floral nuances can also complement any seasoning on the lamb, such as rosemary or garlic.

Vinsobres, a lesser-known Rhône wine primarily made from Grenache and Syrah, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. The wine’s vibrant red fruit flavours, like cherry and raspberry, contrast nicely with the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb, while its peppery notes and herbal undertones add depth and complexity to the dish. The moderate tannins of Vinsobres provide structure without overwhelming the lamb, and its refreshing acidity cuts through the fat, keeping the palate invigorated.

Châteauneuf du Pape is an exceptional pairing with lamb chops, thanks to its rich and complex profile. The wine’s blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre offers an array of flavours, including ripe red and dark fruits, herbs, and subtle spices. These characteristics beautifully complement the savoury richness of the lamb, while the wine’s earthy notes enhance the meat’s natural flavours. The robust tannins and lively acidity in Châteauneuf du Pape cut through the fat, providing a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall experience.

Montefalco Rosso, a blend of Sangiovese, Sagrantino, and other local varietals, pairs beautifully with lamb chops. The wine’s bright red fruit flavours, such as cherry and raspberry, provide a vibrant contrast to the rich, savoury lamb, while its earthy undertones enhance the meat's natural flavours. The moderate acidity cuts through the fat, refreshing the palate with each bite, and its soft tannins offer just enough structure to support the lamb without overwhelming it. Hints of spice and herbs in Montefalco Rosso complement any seasonings used, creating a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.

Pinotage, with its unique profile of dark fruit, smoke, and earthy undertones, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. The wine’s ripe blackberry and plum flavours complement the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb, while its subtle notes of coffee and chocolate add an intriguing complexity. Pinotage’s moderate tannins provide enough structure to cut through the fat of the meat, enhancing its tenderness with each bite. The wine’s smoky finish can also echo any char from grilling or roasting the lamb, creating a harmonious connection between the two.

Montepulciano d'Abruzzo pairs excellently with lamb chops, offering a rich, balanced flavour profile to the meat's juicy flavours. The wine’s dark fruit notes—black cherry, plum, and blackberry—enhance the lamb's savoury richness, while its moderate acidity cuts through the fat, refreshing the palate. Montepulciano’s soft tannins and earthy, slightly spicy undertones, often with hints of black pepper and tobacco, add depth to the dish and highlight the lamb's natural seasoning. The full-bodied yet smooth texture of the wine pairs well with the lamb’s tenderness.

Côtes du Rhône, with its blend of Grenache, Syrah, and other Rhône varietals, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. The wine’s ripe red and dark fruit flavours—such as plum, black cherry, and raspberry—balance the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb, while its peppery and herbaceous notes, often featuring hints of thyme and lavender, enhance the seasoning of the dish. The smooth tannins and moderate acidity of Côtes du Rhône cut through the lamb’s fat, creating a refreshing contrast. The wine’s subtle spiciness and earthy undertones bring out the depth of the grilled or roasted lamb chops.

Chianti Classico, a Sangiovese-based wine, pairs beautifully with lamb chops due to its vibrant acidity and firm tannins. The wine’s bright red fruit flavours, like cherry and raspberry, contrast with the lamb’s savoury richness, while its herbal and earthy undertones bring out the seasoning, such as rosemary or thyme. The acidity of Chianti Classico cuts through the lamb’s fat, keeping the palate refreshed and balanced. Its tannic structure enhances the texture of the lamb, making each bite more satisfying.

Sangiovese, with its bright acidity and medium body, makes an excellent pairing with lamb chops. The wine’s red fruit flavours—cherry, raspberry, and red plum—contrast beautifully with the rich, savoury lamb, while its earthy undertones and herbal notes enhance the seasoning on the meat. The acidity in Sangiovese cuts through the lamb’s fat, refreshing the palate between bites, while its moderate tannins provide structure without overwhelming the dish. The combination brings out the juicy, tender qualities of the lamb while highlighting the wine’s lively character.

Brunello di Montalcino pairs beautifully with lamb chops, enhancing the dish with its bold structure and elegant depth. The wine’s rich cherry, plum, and dried herb notes balance the savoury flavours of the lamb, while its firm tannins help cut through the meat’s fat, leaving a smooth finish. Earthy undertones and hints of black pepper in the Brunello bring out the roasted or grilled character of the lamb, creating a harmonious blend of richness and subtle spice.

Badger Tanglefoot, a strong pale ale with a balanced malt sweetness and floral hop bitterness, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. The ale's caramel and toffee notes contrast with the rich, savoury flavours of the lamb, while its moderate bitterness enhances the seasoning on the meat, like herbs or spices. The crisp, effervescent quality of Tanglefoot refreshes the palate, cutting through the lamb's fat and elevating the dish without overwhelming its natural flavour.

Ladoix pairs beautifully with lamb chops, as its structured yet smooth nature enhances the rich flavours of the meat. The earthy undertones and red fruit notes in Ladoix balance the savoury, juicy lamb, while its acidity cuts through the fat, leaving a clean finish. Hints of black pepper and mild tannins bring out the lamb’s depth.

This pairing is even more exceptional if mushrooms accompany your lamb chops.

Aglianico’s deep, dark fruit flavours—such as black cherry and plum—complement the rich, savoury qualities of the lamb. Its firm tannins provide structure, cutting through the meat's fat and enhancing the overall mouthfeel. Aglianico also features earthy and spicy notes, often with hints of leather and herbs, which can elevate the dish, especially if seasoned with rosemary or garlic. The wine’s moderate acidity helps refresh the palate, making each bite of lamb even more enjoyable.

Zinfandel pairs delightfully with lamb chops, as its bold fruitiness dances beautifully with the rich, savoury flavours of the meat. The wine's jammy notes of blackberry and raspberry enhance the natural sweetness of the lamb, while hints of black pepper and spice in Zinfandel echo any seasoning used on the meat. Its moderate tannins provide enough structure to balance the lamb's fat, and the wine's lively acidity refreshes the palate between bites.

Sagrantino di Montefalco, with its powerful tannins and intense character, pairs wonderfully with lamb chops. The wine’s bold dark fruit notes—blackberry, plum, and black cherry—provide a rich contrast to the lamb’s savoury flavours. Its robust tannins cut through the fat of the lamb, while the earthy, leathery undertones and hints of black pepper enhance the meat’s depth. The full-bodied nature of Sagrantino stands up to the hearty texture of lamb chops, creating a balanced yet intense pairing.

Rioja Reserva, known for its vibrant red fruit notes of cherry and plum, is enhanced by the complexity brought from aging in oak, which imparts hints of vanilla, spice, and earthy undertones. The medium to full-bodied structure of Rioja Reserva features well-integrated tannins and bright acidity, allowing it to cut through the richness of the grilled lamb chops effectively. This interplay enhances the lamb's smoky, charred qualities, making each bite more enjoyable.

The wine's deep, rich flavours of blackcurrant, plum, and blackberry beautifully complement the smoky, charred notes of the lamb chops. Cabernet Sauvignon's firm tannins help to cut through the richness of the lamb, while its hints of spice and oak add complexity to the meal. This pairing is particularly delightful when the lamb is seasoned with herbs like rosemary or thyme, as the wine's earthy undertones further elevate the dish. Furthermore, you want fattier and flavourful lamb chops for this pairing to shine.

Warm climate Cabernet Sauvignon often has a slight minty or eucalyptus flavour to it (very subtle, it's not like the wine tastes like toothpaste), which further complements your grilled lamb chops, should you accompany it with a mint sauce, or if you had mint leaves in your marinade.

Malbec’s bold fruit flavours, such as blackberry, plum, and black cherry, beautifully complement the smoky, charred notes of the grilled lamb chops. The wine’s smooth tannins and moderate acidity help cut through the lamb’s richness, enhancing the overall experience. Additionally, Malbec's hints of cocoa, spice, and earthy undertones elevate the savoury qualities of the lamb, especially if seasoned with herbs like rosemary or garlic.

Newcastle Brown Ale, with its smooth, malty profile, offers notes of caramel, toffee, and nutty undertones that beautifully complement the smoky, charred flavours of the grilled lamb chops. The ale’s moderate carbonation and mild bitterness help to cut through the richness of the lamb, enhancing its savoury qualities without overwhelming the palate.

Grilled lamb chops served with a rich Bordelaise sauce pair exquisitely with Bordeaux wine, creating a sophisticated culinary experience. The deep, complex flavours of Bordeaux, characterized by dark fruit notes like blackcurrant and plum, complement the savoury, smoky essence of the grilled lamb. The tannins in the wine enhance the meat's juiciness, while the wine's earthy undertones and hints of cedar and tobacco resonate with the robust flavours of the Bordelaise sauce, made from red wine, bone marrow, shallots, and herbs. This pairing creates a luxurious balance, with the wine's structure and acidity cutting through the richness of the dish.

A medium-bodied Shiraz is a perfect match for barbecued lamb chops, offering notes of blackberries, pepper, and sometimes a hint of smoke or leather, enhances the savoury depth of the lamb. The tannins in Shiraz also help cut through the fattiness of the chops, balancing the dish with a smooth, slightly spicy finish. A good medium-bodied Australian Shiraz, in particular, with its ripe fruit and earthy undertones, creates a harmonious pairing that elevates the natural flavours of barbecued lamb.

A Full-Bodied Shiraz will work well for BBQ Lamb Chops slathered in a heavy sauce, but take note, you will taste very little of the lamb in this instance, as the delicate flavour of lamb is rather subtle. Thus, you are more or less pairing the wine to hold up to the sauce alone

Saint-Émilion AOC, with its Merlot-dominant blends, makes an elegant pairing with barbecued lamb chops. The wine's smooth tannins, earthy undertones, and flavours of plum, blackcurrant, and a touch of tobacco complement the lamb’s smoky, charred richness. The inherent softness and velvety texture of a Saint-Émilion Bordeaux balance the lamb’s fatty nature, while the wine’s subtle herbal and mineral notes enhance any seasoning or herbs used in the barbecue.

Côtes du Rhône is a fantastic pairing with barbecued lamb chops, offering a well-rounded blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that complements the smoky, savoury flavours of the meat. The wine’s ripe red fruit notes, such as cherry and raspberry, meld beautifully with the charred richness of the lamb, while its peppery spice and herbal undertones, like thyme or rosemary, echo any seasonings used in the barbecue. The moderate tannins and acidity of a Côtes du Rhône cut through the lamb’s fat, balancing each bite with a fresh, fruity lift. This approachable yet flavourful wine enhances the lamb’s complexity, making it a perfect companion for the grill.

Grenache is an excellent choice to pair with barbecued lamb chops, offering a medium-bodied richness that complements the tender, smoky meat. With flavours of ripe red fruits like cherry and raspberry, along with subtle notes of spice and herbs, Grenache enhances the natural sweetness and savouriness of lamb. Its soft tannins and moderate acidity provide balance, cutting through the fat of the lamb while still allowing the juicy flavours to shine. Whether the lamb is simply seasoned or brushed with a herbed marinade, the wine’s earthy undertones and fruit-forward profile create a harmonious and satisfying pairing.

Rioja Reserva is a superb choice for pairing with barbecued lamb chops, offering a blend of vibrant fruit and aged complexity that highlight the rich flavours of the meat. The wine typically features dark cherry, plum, and raspberry notes, alongside hints of vanilla, spice, and leather from its time in oak. These characteristics enhance the smoky, charred essence of the lamb while providing a lovely contrast to its savoury richness. The moderate tannins of a Rioja Reserva help to balance the fattiness of the lamb, ensuring a smooth mouthfeel with each bite. This pairing shines, particularly when the lamb is seasoned with Mediterranean herbs or served with a tangy barbecue sauce, as the wine’s acidity and fruitiness elevate the overall experience.

Medium-bodied Zinfandel pairs beautifully with barbecued lamb chops, thanks to its rich fruitiness and bold, spicy character. The wine’s notes of ripe blackberries, plum, and a touch of pepper complement the smoky, charred flavours of the lamb, creating a deliciously balanced combination. The jammy sweetness of Zinfandel can help offset the intensity of the grilled meat, while its moderate tannins cut through the lamb's fat, making each bite more savoury and satisfying. This pairing is particularly ideal for lamb chops with a sweet or spicy barbecue sauce, as the wine’s natural fruitiness enhances those flavours.

I would not recommend pairing an expensive and oak aged Zinfandel with barbecued lamb chops as the wine will obliterate the subtle flavours of the lamb.

Malbec pairs wonderfully with barbecued lamb chops, bringing bold flavours and smooth tannins that enhance the rich, smoky taste of the meat. Known for its dark fruit notes—plum, blackberry, and black cherry—Malbec complements the lamb’s savoury depth while adding a touch of sweetness to the palate. The wine's characteristic spiciness, with hints of black pepper and cocoa, also plays well with the char and seasoning from the barbecue. Its velvety tannins help balance the fattiness of the lamb chops, making each bite more succulent, while the robust structure of Malbec ensures it stands up to the intensity of the grilled meat.

Hermitage, Red, made primarily from Syrah, is a bold and refined pairing for barbecued lamb chops. The wine's intense flavours of dark fruits—blackberry, blackcurrant, and plum—beautifully brighten the smoky, charred character of the lamb. Hermitage also brings complex notes of black pepper, leather, smoke, and earthy herbs, which enhance the savoury depth of the grilled meat. Its firm tannins and full-bodied structure provide the strength needed to stand up to the richness of the lamb, while its minerality adds a layer of finesse.

This is another pairing that will only work well with strong seasonings, marinades, sauces, or rubs, as the bold flavours of a Hermitage will obliterate any subtle flavours of the lamb.

Tannat is a bold and robust wine that pairs okay with barbecued lamb chops, provided the lamb chops have a strong flavour. Known for its dark fruit notes, such as blackberry and plum, Tannat also features earthy undertones and a distinctive spiciness that complements the smoky, charred flavours of the lamb. The wine's firm tannins effectively cut through the richness and fat of the lamb chops, enhancing the overall balance of the dish. Additionally, Tannat's acidity adds a refreshing lift, preventing the pairing from becoming too heavy. This combination works particularly well when the lamb is seasoned with herbs like rosemary or marinated with a spice rub, as the wine’s bold character stands up beautifully to the robust flavours.

Cornas, a bold and powerful Syrah-based wine from the Northern Rhône, pairs well with barbecued lamb chops in certain situations. The wine’s deep, dark fruit flavours—blackberry, plum, and blackcurrant—are complemented by notes of black pepper, smoke, and leather, making it an ideal match for the smoky, charred character of grilled lamb. Cornas' robust tannins help cut through the richness of any thick sauces, while its earthy, savoury undertones highlight the meat’s natural flavours. The wine’s firm structure and long, spicy finish harmonize beautifully when the lamb is seasoned with a peppery rub or a powerful barbecue sauce, creating a satisfying, intense pairing.

If you want to actually taste your lamb, forget about this pairing. This pairing only works for strongly seasoned lamb chops.

Super Tuscan wines, typically blends of Sangiovese with other varietals like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, are known for their bold fruit flavours, firm tannins, and rich complexity. The juicy, tender lamb chops, coated in a crispy Parmesan and panko crust, harmonize beautifully with the wine's vibrant notes of dark berries, plum, and hints of spice. The acidity in the Super Tuscan cuts through the richness of the lamb and the crispy coating, enhancing the dish's overall balance. This pairing showcases the robust flavours of both the wine and the lamb.

The tender, savoury lamb, with its robust, slightly gamey flavour, is complemented by the rich, garlicky aioli, which adds a creamy and pungent depth to the dish. When paired with a well-balanced Pinot Noir, the combination is elevated to new heights. The wine’s bright acidity and red fruit notes, such as cherry and raspberry, cut through the richness of the lamb and aioli, while its soft tannins and earthy undertones blend seamlessly with the meat’s natural flavours.

Lamb Chops usually call for a heavier red that features bolder tannin than a Pinot Noir. However, when aioli is used, I find that garlic and tannin clash, and the garlic comes across as pungent and ends up tasting like burnt rubber