Grilled lamb chops takes on a smoky char from the flame that adds a savoury, caramelised edge to lamb chops, tender, richly flavoured and a touch gamey, their fat making them one of the great red-wine dishes. Lamb's savoury, herb-friendly character pairs classically with structured reds carrying dark fruit and a savoury, often herbal edge. Bordeaux blends, Syrah and Rioja are superb; lamb's affinity for rosemary and garrigue makes Mediterranean reds especially apt. The grill's smoke rewards wines with a savoury streak; aim to balance the char without burying the dish.
Sommelier quick take
#1 pick — Syrah / Shiraz is #1 for grilled lamb: pepper, smoke, and fat love Rhône spice.
If you only buy one — If you only buy one: a $18 Crozes-Hermitage or Australian Shiraz. Splurge: Cornas or Côte-Rôtie.
Skip these
- Sweet whites
- Thin Pinot Grigio
- Overly oaky cheap Cabernet with green tannin
Our sommelier's picks
Save to Pinterest#1 Structured red blend
16–18°C (60–64°F)Cabernet Sauvignon · Bordeaux, France
The classic lamb pairing — Bordeaux's cassis, cedar and firm tannin cut the fat and flatter the gamey meat.
If you only buy one: a $18 Crozes-Hermitage or Australian Shiraz. Splurge: Cornas or Côte-Rôtie.
Peppery red
16–18°C (60–64°F)Syrah · Northern Rhône, France
Syrah's pepper, dark fruit and savoury depth are brilliant with herb-rubbed lamb.
Crozes-Hermitage is the value pick.
Savoury Spanish red
16–18°C (60–64°F)Tempranillo · Rioja, Spain
Rioja Reserva's leather, cherry and savoury oak are a traditional partner for lamb.
Reliable quality at every level.
Herbal Mediterranean red
16–18°C (60–64°F)Grenache · Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France
Grenache's warm fruit and garrigue spice echo rosemary and garlic on lamb.
Côtes du Rhône Villages for less.
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Questions about pairing Grilled Lamb Chops
What wine pairs best with lamb chops?
Structured reds — Bordeaux, Syrah or Rioja — whose tannin cuts the fat and savoury fruit complements the gamey, herb-friendly meat.
Why is lamb so good with red wine?
Its rich fat and savoury flavour soften red tannin and echo the dark fruit and earthy notes of structured reds.
What suits rosemary-and-garlic lamb?
A Grenache-based southern red echoes the garrigue herbs beautifully.
Rosemary and garlic crust — any tweak?
Herbs love Syrah and Tempranillo. If the glaze is sweet (pomegranate, honey), keep the wine dry but fruit-forward.