The Best Wine Pairings for Lamb: A Cut-by-Cut Guide
Lamb is a beautifully rich and flavourful meat, and an excellent wine to have some fun with when pairing wines for Easter Sunday lunch. Rioja is the go-to classic pairing, but why not up your game and try something new? Whether you are having lamb shoulder, rack, or rump, our expert pairings will transform your Easter Sunday lunch into a restaurant-standard meal.
Michelle Lawlor is one of Ireland’s leading wine experts, and the owner of The Nude Wine Company. All the wines below are available online at thenudewineco.ie, with nationwide delivery.
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The Adventurist: Lamb Rack & Italian Pinot Noir
Lamb racks are tender, juicy, and often grilled or pan-seared, making them an excellent match for a Pinot Noir. The bright acidity and red berry notes of Pinot Noir cut through the fat of the lamb while enhancing the smokiness from the grill. A good Pinot Noir will bring layers of cherry, wild herbs, and subtle earthiness to the pairing.
Top Choice: Tenuta Mazzolino 'Terrazze' Pinot Nero – €27.85
This elegant Pinot Nero is a perfect match for lamb chops thanks to its silky texture, bright acidity, and fine tannins, which cut through the richness of the meat while complementing its savoury flavours. The vibrant red fruit and subtle spice mirror the herbs often used in lamb marinades, creating a balanced and refined pairing.
The Classic: Lamb Rump & Rioja Reserva
Lamb rump is a tender and slightly fattier cut that works well with a wine that has both freshness and complexity. A mature Rioja Reserva, aged to develop smooth tannins and rich red fruit notes, is an excellent choice. The blend of Tempranillo and Graciano offers a balance of spice, cherry, and subtle oak influence that complements the juiciness of the lamb rump.
Top Choice: Viña Tondonia Rioja Reserva – €49.90
One of the best Reservas on the market. A refined and elegant Rioja with bright acidity, red fruit, and a touch of smokiness to enhance the lamb’s richness.
The Traditionalist: Leg of Lamb & Bordeaux
Roast leg of lamb is a traditional favourite, known for its lean and flavourful meat. The natural herbal notes from rosemary, garlic, and thyme enhance the richness, making it an ideal match for a Bordeaux blend. Select a Bordeaux with some bottle age, structured tannins, dark fruit, and a touch of earthiness to balance the meat’s texture and flavour.
Top Choice: ‘M de Magnol’, Chateau Magnol, Bordeaux – €21.35
Offering all the depth and fruit of a premium Bordeaux, without the price tag. Boasting strong Kildare connections, and the second wine of Chateau Magnol, this is a crowd-pleasingly delicious Bordeaux.
The Safe Bet: Shoulder of Lamb with Malbec
Slow-cooked lamb shoulder is rich, hearty, and packed with deep, savoury flavour. It calls for a wine with enough structure and intensity to match — and Crux Malbec fits the bill perfectly. Hailing from high-altitude vineyards in El Cepillo, Uco Valley, this bold Argentinian red delivers power, elegance, and just the right touch of spice to complement the richness of the lamb.
Top Choice: Crux Malbec, Mendoza, Argentina – €17.50
With aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and dark cherry, Crux is layered with liquorice, nutmeg, and a flicker of black pepper — a beautiful mirror to the depth of flavour you get from hours of slow cooking. Its silky texture, lifted by fresh acidity and balanced tannins, cuts through the fattiness of the lamb while enhancing its tenderness.
Whether you're roasting, slow-cooking, or grilling, take your Easter Sunday lunch up a notch by pairing your cut of lamb with a wine that will match its richness and flavour. Visit thenudewineco.ie to explore these wines and more, delivered nationwide.