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Lamb Shank Wine Pairing – The Best Wines for Lamb Shanks

If you’re like me, then you know the satisfaction that comes with making a perfect dish.

Everyone loves to have friends and family over for a delicious meal – but it can be surprisingly difficult to find just the right wine pairing for your food.

One of my favorite dishes is lamb shanks – they are succulent, tender, and full of flavor!

They are also incredibly versatile, which means there are lots of different wines that would work as an accompaniment.

But how do you choose?

The good news is I’ve done all the hard work for you!

In this guide, I will share with you my knowledge on exactly what types of wines pair best with lamb shanks – no more guessing game when it comes to serving up your next gourmet meal.

In a rush? Here is the short answer:

When pairing a wine with lamb shanks, look for something that can stand up to the bold flavors of the meat. A Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah would work well, as would a Zinfandel or full-bodied Chardonnay. For something lighter, try a Beaujolais or Pinot Noir.

Lamb Shanks

Why Consider Serving Wine With Lamb Shanks?

When you are serving lamb shanks, wine pairing is essential!

The earthy, robust flavors of lamb shank can be enhanced when served with a full-bodied red or white wine. Wine also helps to bring out the subtle flavors found in dishes such as garlic and herbs.

Lamb Shanks make for an amazing entrée that is sure to please even the pickiest eater.

The succulent flavor of lamb combined with a crunchy crust from searing and slow cooking creates one of the most mouthwatering meals. Adding the perfect wine will greatly enhance your meal by bringing out new flavors and notes that you may not have noticed before.

5 Tips For Picking A Wine For Lamb Shanks

When it comes to finding the perfect wine for your lamb shank dish, there are a few tips and tricks you should consider!

  1. First, think about what kind of flavors you love. Do you prefer subtle notes of oak or something more robust? Consider the type of herbs and spices used in your recipe; this will give you an idea of the tannins or acidity that will work best with your meal.
  2. Second, decide if you want a full-bodied red or a light-bodied white to pair with lamb shanks. If you’re serving a tomato-based sauce, opt for something acidic like Sangiovese or Pinot Noir. For sauces without tomatoes, reach for bolder wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah.
  3. Third, take into account how long the recipe takes to cook; longer cooking times call for fuller-bodied wines with more complexity.
  4. Fourth, consider any sides that accompany your main course; some dishes pair better with certain types of wines than others do so be sure to have an open mind when exploring options!
  5. Finally, don’t forget about texture! Wine and food pairing is all about balancing various elements on the plate so have fun experimenting until it feels right!

The Best Red Wines For Lamb Shanks

Red Wine

When it comes to lamb shanks, red wine is often the go-to choice. Red wines are full of flavor and tannins that pair well with the savory, umami flavors of a lamb shank dish.

Cabernet Sauvignon is an excellent pairing for lamb shanks as its boldness complements the richness of the meat while its tannins cut through some of the fat in the dish.

A lighter red like Pinot Noir also pairs nicely with a milder version of this meal and gives you lots of fruity notes to contrast against your food’s deeper flavor profile. Merlot can bring a velvety smoothness to your food or try something different and go for Zinfandel for a bit more kick.

For richer and more intensely flavored dishes, consider pairing it with bolder reds such as Petite Sirah or Bordeaux blends from France’s Left Bank region. Regardless of which type you ultimately choose, make sure it’s one that won’t overpower your beloved lamb shank!

The Best White Wines For Lamb Shanks

White wine

When it comes to pairing white wines with lamb shanks, look for wines that have a nice acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

This wine has bright notes of citrus and herbal aromas which will pair nicely with the earthy flavors of a slow-cooked lamb shank.

Chardonnay is another great option for pairing with lamb shanks. It’s slightly creamier than Sauvignon Blanc and has notes of vanilla, butter, and oak which will balance out the strong flavor of the meat.

For a more unique white wine option, try Chenin Blanc or Pinot Gris/Grigio – both are crisp and refreshing options to pair with your lamb shank dish. Try looking for a lighter style of either one so you don’t overpower the delicate flavors in your dish.

Finally, if you’re looking for something off-the-beaten-path, Moscato is an interesting choice to pair with your lamb shank – its floral aroma is light yet fragrant enough to fill up any room while still allowing the main course to take center stage!

Other Wines To Pair With Lamb Shanks

Rosé wine

If you don’t want to limit yourself to just red or white wines for your lamb shank, there are some other great options. Rosés have a light flavor and add a bit of sweetness to the dish that can be quite delightful.

A slightly sweet Riesling is also another great option – the sweetness plays well with the flavors in the lamb and it’s light enough not to overpower them.

If you really like bold flavors, you can try pairing it with an oaked Chardonnay. The buttery oak notes in this type of wine will pair nicely with the richness of the dish without being too overpowering.

If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different types of fortified wines such as port or sherry. They both have complex notes that will bring out even more flavor from your lamb shanks!

Serving Temperature And Glassware

Once you’ve chosen the perfect wine to pair with your lamb shanks, the last step is to serve it at the right temperature and in the correct glassware.

With red wines, we recommend serving them at room temperature or slightly cooled (about 15-20 minutes in an ice bucket). White wines should be served chilled (1-2 hours in an ice bucket).

When it comes to glassware, there are specific glasses designed for different types of wine. Red wines work best in a large bowl-shaped glass that allows more oxygen into the wine, which helps bring out its full flavor.

White wines should be served in a smaller tulip-shaped glass with a narrower rim so they don’t get too warm while holding them. Sparkling wines should always be served in flutes or champagne coupes as this will help keep them bubbly longer.

Conclusion

Picking the right wine to pair with lamb shanks can be a daunting task. But, with a bit of experimentation and research, you can find the perfect combination that will make your lamb shank dish shine.

Whether it’s a robust red or an oaky white, there are plenty of options out there! Just remember to keep in mind the tips we discussed and serve at the optimal temperature for maximum enjoyment. You’ll be sure to impress your friends with your next delicious lamb shank meal paired with just the right glass of wine.

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Jenny has always been passionate about cooking, and she uses her platform to share her joy of food with others. Her recipes are easy to follow, and she loves giving tips and tricks to help others create their own unique culinary creations.