Lamb pairings

There are no cast-iron rules dictating that white wines and rosés won’t pair well with lamb, but it’s safe to say that red wines are typically more successful. Let the part of the animal, the temperature and the other components on the plate guide your decision. These bottles are a starting point.

Amisfield Pinot Noir, 2018, Central Otago, New Zealand, $50

Pinot noir has an opulent style that can stand up to the meat’s intense flavour. Amisfield is one of New Zealand’s most consistent benchmark producers, known for a bold slant that celebrates the character of Central Otago.

Voyager Estate Girt by Sea Cabernet Merlot, 2017, Margaret River, Western Australia, $24

A lamb roast and a red Bordeaux blend is about as classic a food and wine pairing as you’re ever likely to find. Voyager Estate’s Girt by Sea is a decidedly medium-bodied New World-take on cabernet merlot.

Chalmers Aglianico, 2011, Heathcote, Victoria, $40

The Chalmers family has been a pivotal force in Australian-Italian winemaking for more than two decades, and their aglianico continues to be a standout release year-on-year. Grapes harvested by hand and spontaneously fermented.

Pirramimma White Label Petit Verdot, 2016, McLaren Vale, South Australia, $29

Usually found in blends, petit verdot can be worthy of stand-alone status. Pirramimma has been flying the flag for single-variety petit verdot for more than two decades. The right call with a tagine.