Lamb and Wine Pairing

Savory Lamb Stew Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Savory lamb stews, especially those with deep, rich flavors, can pair beautifully with several types of wines that complement the dish’s bold and hearty nature. Syrah wines are bold, peppery, and full-bodied with dark fruit flavors and spice. Its robust tannins and spicy notes enhance the savory richness of the lamb, balancing out the fattiness and strong flavors. Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with high tannins, dark fruit, and herbal notes. The strong tannins and structure of Cabernet Sauvignon cut through the richness of the lamb, making it a great match for stews, especially those with herbs like rosemary and thyme.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Syrah from the Sonoma Coast, Cabernet Sauvignon from Knights Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Brassfield Estate Syrah, Obsidian Wine Co. Volcanic Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Chacewater Winery Merlot, Sol Rouge Grenache

Braised & Sous Vide Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Braised and sous-vide lamb dishes tend to be rich, succulent, and flavorful, so they call for wines that complement the tenderness and depth of the meat while balancing its intensity. Merlot is a softer red with notes of plum and blackberry, offering good balance to the richness of lamb without overwhelming it. Bordeaux-style Cabernet blends are also a classic pairing with braised lamb shanks.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Merlot from Sonoma Valley, Bordeaux-style Cabernet blend from Alexander Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Osprey Vineyards Hindcite Red Blend, Dancing Crow Vineyards Old Stake 1901 Field Blend, R Vineyards Reba Red

Grilled & Smoked Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
A classic pairing for lamb, Cabernet Sauvignon has bold tannins and flavors of black currant, cedar, and tobacco that stand up well to the smoky and charred notes from grilling. The tannins also help cut through the fat in lamb. Syrah has smoky, peppery, and dark fruit flavors that enhance the flavors of grilled or smoked lamb. The wine’s full-bodied texture and earthy undertones match the richness of the meat. If your lamb is simply seasoned with herbs, a lighter red like Pinot Noir can be a surprisingly good match. It has bright cherry flavors with earthy undertones that enhance lamb without overpowering its natural taste.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Syrah or Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Shannon Family of Wines Buck Shack, Cache Creek Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Brassfield Estate Pinot Noir

Oven & Pan-roasting Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Oven-roasted lamb typically involves slow cooking at lower temperatures, resulting in a succulent, tender dish with concentrated flavors. The rich caramelization on the outside contrasts with the tender inside, making it a perfect candidate for robust wines that can stand up to the depth of flavor. If you’re looking for a wine with slightly softer tannins than a Cabernet but still want robust, dark fruit flavors, Malbec is a great option. Its juicy, spicy character cuts through the richness of the lamb while complementing its savory notes.

Pan-roasting lamb often results in a quicker, more intense preparation, especially if seared to achieve a beautifully browned exterior. Pan-seared lamb chops or steaks are often seasoned with herbs like rosemary, thyme, or garlic, adding an aromatic dimension to the dish. With its rich, bold flavors of ripe blackberry, plum, and sometimes a touch of spice, Zinfandel pairs wonderfully with the crispy, caramelized crust from pan roasting. Its slight smokiness can mirror the sear on the lamb. For a white wine, Chardonnay pairs perfectly with the caramelized crust from pan roasting.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Malbec from Alexander Valley, Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, Chardonnay from the Green Valley in Russian River Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Chacewater Winery Malbec, R Vineyards Zinfandel, Shannon Ridge High Elevation Chardonnay

Air-fried Lamb Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
When air-frying lamb, selecting the right wine can elevate the flavors of both the dish and the wine. For the perfect pairing, it’s important to maintain a balance between bold, rich, and subtle flavors that complement each other beautifully.

Air-frying lamb is a modern method that reduces fat while still delivering a crisp exterior. The air fryer creates a lighter version of lamb dishes while preserving their juiciness. This preparation tends to be a bit less heavy, which means you might opt for wines that offer a bit more acidity or brightness to balance the dish. The lighter body of Pinot Noir, combined with its fresh acidity and red fruit flavors, complements the leaner, air-fried lamb without overwhelming it. The subtle earthiness in Pinot also plays well with the lamb’s natural flavors. With air-fried lamb chops, a crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness, offering a refreshing counterbalance. The wine’s grassy, herbal notes also pair well with lamb seasoned with herbs like mint or rosemary.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Pinot Noir from Fort-Ross Seaview, Sauvignon Blanc from Bennett Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Dancing Crow Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Brunch Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Lamb is rich, flavorful, and versatile, making it great for a wide range of wine pairings, especially for a brunch setting where the meal might be lighter or have more varied flavors. While we often think of eggs and pastries as brunch staples, lamb can be a wonderful addition to the table, offering rich flavors and hearty textures. When paired with the bright and crisp profile of a good Rosé wine, lamb-based dishes can make for an unforgettable brunch experience. And let’s not forget about sparkling wine– the ultimate brunch wine! The bubbles in sparkling wine will cut through any fattiness and richness of lamb.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Rosé of Pinot Noir or Sparkling wine from the Russian River Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Dancing Crow Vineyards Rosé, Bodkin Bubbly Sauvignon Blanc

Lamb Salad Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
For lamb salad, you want to balance the robust, savory flavors of the lamb with wines that complement its richness while enhancing the freshness of the salad ingredients. A salad has more delicate flavors, such as fresh greens, goat cheese, or a citrusy dressing, a bright, zesty Sauvignon Blanc will balance the freshness of the salad and cleanse the palate. A crisp Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc will pair nicely with a lamb salad consisting of little gems, pea, mint, cucumber and feta. A dry rosé is a versatile option. It pairs beautifully with grilled or roasted lamb and adds a refreshing contrast to the savory meat and lighter salad components like tomatoes, herbs, or cucumbers. For a light red wine, a Grenache wine offers soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors, making it a good match for grilled lamb and Mediterranean-inspired salads with ingredients like olives, feta, or sun-dried tomatoes.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Sauvignon Blanc from Alexander Valley, Rosé of Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast, Grenache from Dry Creek Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Domaine Helena Rosé, Shed Horn Cellars Sauvignon Blanc, Dancing Crow Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc

Lamb Pasta Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Lamb pasta dishes often have rich, savory flavors, which pair well with wines that have good acidity, depth, and structure. The sauce on the pasta will also dictate with wines pair best. A medium-bodied Pinot Noir with its earthy and red fruit notes, pairs beautifully with more delicate lamb pasta dishes like lamb ragù or a lighter sauce. Syrah and lamb are also a match made in heaven. Both are a bit gamey with iodine notes, making for a perfect union on the palate. Syrah tends to have blackberry, black olive, pepper and thyme notes, all of which work well with a lamb ragu. When it comes to a pesto pasta, a good rule of thumb is to focus on the “green” flavor of pesto. A good basil pesto might be the ideal partner for a grassy Sauvignon Blanc or even a savory, herb-driven Grüner Veltliner.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Pinot Noir from the Petaluma Gap, Syrah from the Sonoma Coast, Grüner Veltliner from Sonoma Mountain

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Exit West Red Blend, Brassfield Estate Pinot Noir, Wild Diamond Vineyards Dumb Luck Syrah

Mediterranean Lamb Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Mediterranean lamb dishes are renowned for their vibrant flavors and aromatic spices. From savory Greek lamb kebabs to herb-laden Moroccan tagines, a wine that complements the flavors is best. A Grenache wine offers soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors, making it a good match for grilled lamb and Mediterranean-inspired dishes with ingredients like olives, feta, or sun-dried tomatoes. For a white wine, Sauvignon Blanc can work well with lamb, especially if the dish has citrus or yogurt-based sauces. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the lamb and sauces.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Grenache from Sonoma Mountain, Sauvignon Blanc from the Russian River Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Brassfield Estate Grenache, Clay Shannon Sauvignon Blanc

Middle Eastern Lamb Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Middle Eastern lamb dishes, with their rich and aromatic flavors, are a culinary delight that pairs with a variety of wines. From fragrant spices to tender meat, it is fun finding the right wine to complement these dishes. For a white wine, a Viognier pairs well with a lamb tagine, especially with the traditional apricot in the dish. Lamb tagine, a slow-cooked stew with ingredients like apricots, almonds, and aromatic spices, also pairs beautifully with Zinfandel. The wine’s ripe fruit flavors and hints of spice complement the tagine’s sweet and savory profile. Kofta, made with ground lamb and spices like cinnamon and allspice, pairs well with a Grenache. This wine, with its juicy red fruit and subtle spiciness, harmonizes with the sweet and savory flavors of the kofta. Grenache’s medium body also works well with the dish’s texture.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Viognier from the Russian River Valley, Zinfandel from Rockpile, Grenache from the Russian River Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Dancing Crow Vineyards Rosé, Shannon Family of Wines Cricket Farms Brut Sparkling Wine, Chacewater Winery Sauvignon Blanc

Mexican and Tex-Mex Wine Pairings

Flavor profile notes from Sonoma:
Lamb is a rich, flavorful meat that can complement a variety of cuisines, and its robust profile pairs beautifully with a range of wines. When it comes to Mexican and Tex-Mex lamb recipes, the key is to match the wine with the complex flavors of the dishes. Lamb tacos, with their combination of spicy salsa and savory meat, call for a wine that can stand up to the bold flavors. Zinfandel is a great choice because its spicy, fruity notes enhance the heat and depth of the salsa. Look for a Zinfandel with peppery undertones to complement the lamb’s richness. For lamb fajitas, which are often served with a mix of charred peppers and onions, a white wine with zesty acidity is a refreshing choice. Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp, citrusy character, complements the grilled flavors and helps cut through the richness of the lamb. It also provides a nice contrast to the savory spices.

Specific Pairings from Sonoma:
Zinfandel from Moon Mountain, Sauvignon Blanc from Alexander Valley

Specific Pairings from Lake County:
Dancing Crow Vineyards Sauvignon Blanc, R Vineyards Zinfandel