Serving a rack of lamb for your guests? Here are the best wine pairings with a rack of lamb. We‘ve come up with 7 tasty combinations for you. These pairings such as Chianti, Bordeaux Red and Zinfandel will surely impress your guests and more importantly, complete a delicious meal.
A rack of lamb is an effortless menu dish perfect for impressing your guests for dinner. It’s a succulent protein that melts in your mouth and tickles your palate.
Lamb, just like any red meat, goes perfectly well with plenty of sides and beverages. To complete a meal with lamb as its start isn’t so hard. To finish it with wine elevates the dining experience.
We’ve put together a list of wines that pairs perfectly well with lamb.
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is the most classic wine pairing with lamb. Cabernet sauvignon has a profound color and rich fruitiness. It has a definite tanning level that matches well with the flavor and texture of the tender lamb.
Cabernet sauvignon works best with the rack of lamb that is roasted.
2. Zinfandel
A good Zinfandel is a fruit, medium tanning with a smoky finish. This kind of Zinfandel brings out the best in lamb racks. Lamb is a little gamier but not so much that you’ll need something to get rid of the flavor. Its medium body and fruitiness complement the flavor of lamb. Zinfandel is best paired with grilled lamb chops.
3. Chianti
Lamb that is cooked with Italian flavors works best with Chianti. Chianti is one of Italy’s pride and joy in the language of wine. Chianti has a fresh acidity and medium tannin level that offsets the lamb’s slight fattiness. Lamb’s fat can get a little bit overwhelming so this makes an excellent pairing.
4. Rioja
This oak-aged wine has notes of coconut, vanilla, dill and caramel. Its notable vanilla note shines through the most when you pair it with lamb. If you didn’t know already, lamb goes very well with vanilla. Vanilla brings out the natural sweetness of lamb and it has a lasting note in your mouth.
5. Pinot Noir
Pinot Noir is also known as liquid silk. It’s a low tanning red with a mild acidity that pairs perfectly with a more delicate tasting lamb rack. This is best paired with a simply grilled lamb rack with summer vegetables and a light butter sauce.
The smoothness of Pinot Noir enhances the flavor of the lamb and balances the elusive flavors.
6. Bordeaux Red
For some reason, whenever we hear “rack of lamb”, we immediately think of Bordeaux as THE wine to pair it with. Bordeaux red has a nice deep flavor and color. Its sophisticated notes, depending on how it is made easily pair with a rack of lamb. There are plenty of grape blends for Bordeaux red but we assure you that any is good with that perfectly cooked rack of lamb.
7. Viognier
If you’re looking for a white to pair with lamb, Viognier would make a wonderful pairing. Viognier is a full-bodied white with aromas of peach, tangerine, and honeysuckle. This kind of aroma and fruity notes are perfect for that rack of lamb that is cooked with spices similar to that of curry.
