Easter Lamb Wine Pairings

There’s something undeniably special about Easter. As spring bursts into bloom and the Easter weekend approaches, many of us are planning a festive feast – and for many British households, that means one thing: roast lamb. Whether it’s studded with garlic and rosemary, glazed with redcurrant jelly, or slow-roasted until it’s meltingly tender, lamb is the quintessential centrepiece of Easter Sunday.

But no great meal is complete without the perfect bottle to go with it. Choosing the right Easter lamb wine pairings can elevate your Easter meal from delicious to unforgettable. Here’s our expert guide to matching your lamb dish with the ideal vino.

🍷 Why Lamb Loves Wine

Lamb is one of the most wine-friendly meats out there. Lamb sits somewhere between beef and pork in terms of richness. It’s flavourful and juicy, with a slightly gamey edge that begs for a wine with good structure and balance. But that also means there’s no single “right” wine – it all depends on how you cook it, and what you serve it with. The herbs, spices, and accompaniments you use in your lamb recipe will help determine the best wine pairing. Let’s break it down.

🥩 Classic Roast Lamb with Garlic & Rosemary

Wine pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon or Rioja Reserva

A traditional roast leg of lamb, seasoned with garlic, rosemary, and maybe a touch of thyme, pairs beautifully with structured, earthy reds.

• The tannins in Ramirana Cabernet Sauvignon Gran Reserva help cut through the richness of the lamb, while the wine’s herbal and savoury notes complement the rosemary and garlic.
• For a softer alternative, the Larchago Rioja Reserva with a few years of aging for soft, integrated tannins and complex spice.

🌿 Slow-Roasted Shoulder with Mediterranean Flavours

Wine pairing: Southern Rhône or Corbières

If you’re slow-roasting lamb shoulder with olives, anchovies, tomatoes, or Mediterranean herbs, reach for a wine that shares those sun-drenched vibes.

• Wines from the Southern Rhône, such as Les Artistes Côtes du Rhône Villages, blend Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan for a palate of bold fruit, spice, and a hint of earthyness.
• Corbières, Le Lion de Cicéron is a joyful alternative, once again from the south of France for a slightly more savoury, juicy profile that works beautifully with Mediterranean lamb

🍯 Lamb with a Sweet Glaze (Redcurrant, Pomegranate, or Balsamic)

Wine pairing: Pinot Noir or Primitivo

Sweet glazes call for wines that can handle a touch of sugar and fruit. Go for a light to medium-bodied red with ripe fruit and soft tannins.

• Pinot Noir in this Sancerre Rouge is elegant and nuanced, with enough acidity to balance the sweetness and enough earthy minerality to keep pace with the lamb.
• If you prefer something bolder, Masso Antico Primitivo brings ripe berry flavours and spice that play well with a sweet glaze.

🌱 Herb-Crusted Lamb Rack or Lamb Chops

Wine pairing: Chianti Classico or Cabernet Franc

Fresh herbs like mint, parsley, or oregano add brightness to lamb – and call for a wine with similar freshness and herbal character.

• Castelo Di Querceto Chianti DOCG The Sangiovese offers red cherry fruit and vibrant acidity that cut through the fat and enhance the herbs.
• Anna Haugh Cabernet Franc-Syrah feels youthful with blackcurrant notes and herbal undertones that echo your seasoning.

🧀 Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget the Cheese

If you’re finishing your Easter meal with a cheese board – especially one featuring hard cheeses like Manchego, aged Cheddar, or Pecorino – save a glass of your red wine. Most of the lamb pairings above will also play beautifully with robust cheeses.

So, from rich roasts to herb-crusted racks and sweetly glazed shoulders, lamb is a showstopper at Easter – and the right wine makes it unforgettable. Whether you lean classic with a Cabernet Sauvignon or get adventurous with a bold Puglian Primitivo, your Easter table deserves a pairing that complements every bite.

At VinoHero, we’re here to save your wine occasion with curated selections that match real-life meals – not just fancy menus. So whatever your Easter lamb looks like, we’ve got the perfect bottle to match this Easter.