Love Lamb Week

Next week sees the start of the ninth annual Love Lamb Week in the UK. LLW is a farming industry-wide initiative that started back in 2015, to promote and highlight the passion and dedication farmers give, day after day, to ensure we have the tastiest lamb on our plates. Over the years LLW has highlighted different aspects of sheep farming, and this year it is focusing on the sustainability of UK sheep production and the role it plays in maintaining our unique landscape.

The fact that lamb is also my favourite meat, baa none (sorry, couldn't resist) means that doing the research for today's newsletter on wine pairing with lamb dishes was, not only, very enjoyable, but also, means that I'm really looking forward to Sunday lunch.

Unlike some meats, when pairing wine with lamb, there isn’t a universal rule to follow. Generally, robust red wines go well with lamb's lightly gamey taste, but in some cases these may be overpowering and ruin your meal. The best wine and lamb pairings depend on the lamb's cut and how you're cooking it. As with all food and wine pairings, make sure you take into account the added flavours of sauces, herbs and spices. 

Wine Pairings for Young or Spring Lamb
Young lamb and spring lamb are often served pink and have a lighter flavour. Because of this, they require a lighter wine. Full-bodied red wines tend to mask the more delicate taste of these lean meats, so skip the Merlots and Cabernets.

Pinot Noir and Rosé are both excellent pairings for young and spring lamb. Pinot Noirs from any region will pair well, though a Burgundy is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a real treat. A fresher style of Pinot Noir from cooler climate regions can combine lovely red berry fruit balanced by earthy notes, fine tannins and good natural acidity.

If you'd rather avoid red wine, a dry and vintage rosé also pairs particularly well with young cuts of lamb. Opt for a bottle that has a bit of age. The fruitiness of these wines complements the richness and subtlety of young lamb. Alternatively, how about upping the ante with a vintage rosé Champagne? Pink, tender lamb and a top rosé Champagne is something everyone must try once.

Wine Pairings for Grilled or Barbecued Lamb
Lamb that has been grilled or barbecued, either as kebabs or another form, generally has a smoky flavour that needs to be balanced out. Barbecued lamb may still be paired with Pinot Noir or a blended red, but Syrah or Shiraz can give it an extra punch. These cool-climate wines may be your best choice, especially those that start with a fruity flavour and end on peppery notes.

Can I Pair White Wine with Lamb?
The tried-and-true tradition is to pair red meat with red wine, as many white wines are not intense enough to complement the rich flavour of lamb. Pairing wine with meals is for your personal enjoyment, however, so if you prefer white wine to red, go ahead and have them together!

If you do choose a white wine, stay away from tart wines like Riesling and Pinot Grigio—unless you're having a lamb curry. Instead, opt for a more complex wine, like an oaked Chardonnay. Viogniers are known for pairing well with dishes that contain rosemary, so if your dish features that herb, consider trying one.  

Wine Pairings for Moroccan Lamb Tagine 
Moroccan lamb tagine (like this one on the Art of Living website) combines sweet and savoury flavours into one beautiful, tasty dish. 

Variations of the recipe allow many different spices, but some of them like cinnamon, ginger, cumin, and paprika are staples. While cooking in a big pot, like a slow-cooked stew, the meat absorbs all of these flavours and gets incredibly tender.

A fruity and dry red wine will perfectly offset the complex flavour profile of Moroccan lamb tagine. Its fruitiness will complement the sweet spices like cinnamon and ginger, and the dryness will draw out the savoury flavours of the dish. Search for Italian red wines such as Barolo or Valpolicella. They have a great balance of fruit-forward and slightly bitter flavours, and so will pair beautifully.

If all this has got your juices flowing the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board website at simplybeefandlamb.co.uk has got some very tasty looking lamb recipes (I particularly like the look of Firecracker Lamb).

Like all food and wine pairings, there are no real absolutes, drink what you enjoy and combine it with the foods that you love. 

Today, we’re fortunate to have access to wines from all over the world. So, have fun trying out new combinations of wine and food to see what works for your palate. Don’t be afraid to experiment and break the so-called rules.

After all, if you like the way it tastes, then it’s the right pairing. In the immortal words of one of my favourite authors, Harry Crews, "I didn't bring any rules with me; and I don't like any you've got"

Stay safe and be kind to each other