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If you’re ever found yourself sitting at the table with a roast dinner in front of you, unsure of which wine to pour and enjoy, this handy guide is for you. From refreshing whites to velvety reds, learn about the perfect wine pairings for every type of roast.
Nothing quite brings people together like a roast dinner with all the trimmings. And, when you add a good bottle of wine into the mix, your roast will be even more enjoyable.
But … should you go for a crisp white or a velvety red? Well, that all depends on the type of meat taking centre stage on your plate.
Of course, your personal preference should always be considered. But, if you’re looking for something to really take your dinner up a notch, this list of recommendations is for you.
What wine to drink with roast lamb?
Roast lamb is a roast dinner staple. It’s rich and tender, with savoury flavours and subtle sweetness. You’ll often find roast lamb is seasoned with garlic and rosemary. Because of this, you’ll want to choose a wine that can match the hearty flavours of the meat while balancing out its rich fat.
Red wines
You’re going to want to choose a robust, tannic red. This is because a medium to full-bodied wine’s high tannins cuts through lamb’s fattiness, while the earthy, herbal flavours enhance the lamb’s overall flavours.
I’d recommend Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot wines – or blends, especially from Bordeaux.
What wine to drink with roast pork?
Decanter recommends pairing “rich whites or juicy reds” with roast pork … but because it’s an incredibly versatile meat, there’s no real ‘rule’ to which wine you should pair it with. Honestly, it’s just important that you choose something you enjoy.
But, if you do want to stick with Decanter’s advice, then here are some suggestions.
White wines
If you’re opting to pair your roast pork with a white, then I’d recommend Chenin Blanc – after all, it is a classic combination.
Chenin Blanc brims with green fruit flavours like pear, apple and citrus, and it’s these flavours that match perfectly with roast pork’s succulent flavours – especially if you’re adding a dollop of apple sauce to the side. Plus, Chenin Blanc is known for its high acidity, which cuts through the richness of pork, balancing any fattiness.
Or you could go for a great all-rounder like Chardonnay. It’s just as versatile as the meat itself, and depending on where it’s from, you’ll get ripe fruits (think pear, pear and apple) or tropical and citrus notes. Because pork is naturally sweet, these fruit-driven flavours make for a great pairing.
Browse Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay wines.
Red wines
Light reds like Pinot Noir are a good matching choice for roast pork. The wine’s red fruit flavours, subtle acidity and light body enhance pork’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.
Browse all Pinot Noir wines.
What wine to drink with roast beef?
Hearty and robust, roast beef requires a red wine that can stand up against its bold flavours.
Red wines
Enter the king of red wines … Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s full-bodied, robust and boasts high tannins which pair wonderfully with the fatty flavours of roast beef. The tannins also cut through the meat’s fat, while the wine’s bold flavours match the strong taste of beef.
You could also try an Australian Shiraz. It’s a spicy wine with bold, dark fruit flavours with peppery and smoky notes. If your beef is seasoned with herbs, it will make an incredible match.
Or you could opt for a Malbec. Its full body and plummy flavour complement the savoury, juicy qualities of roast beef, especially if the beef is served with a tangy sauce.
Browse Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Malbec wines.
What wine to drink with roast turkey or roast chicken?
Chicken is one of the most popular options for a roast dinner.
And, if you’re enjoying turkey on your roast, it’s probably for one of two reasons … either you’ve gone to a good pub or restaurant, or you’re at home celebrating Christmas day.
Both chicken and turkey have mild flavours and can have a slightly dry texture, so you’ll want a wine that won’t be too overpowering.
White wines
There’s an unofficial rule that the best pairing for white meats is white wine. And there’s a couple of great choices that you could go with.
Riesling is a great match. It’s versatile, with high acidity and can be made in a range of styles – from dry to off-dry and light to full-bodied. Whether you choose a Riesling with crisp, green, apple flavours or one that’s full of peachy sweetness, the high acidity cuts through the richness of the meat, making it a great match.
You’ve also got Sauvignon Blanc … the UK’s favourite white style, loved for its refreshing and bright flavours. Your Savvy B can exhibit different flavours depending on where it’s grown – from citrusy and crisp to gooseberry-fresh and tropical. This grape’s natural acidity and dry style making it a great wine to pair alongside chicken or turkey.
Browse Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Red wines
If you’re pairing a red, I’d recommend choosing a light to medium-bodied wine with a fruit-forward character.
A medium-bodied Pinot Noir would provide a lovely balance for chicken or turkey. The wine’s low tannins and red berry and cherry flavours complement the sweet, savoury and herbaceous notes of your roast.
You could also try Zinfandel. Its jammy fruit flavours and peppery spice make it a great match for roast turkey – especially if you’re adding cranberry sauce or savoury stuffing to your plate. The wine’s acidity counteracts the dryness of the turkey, making each bite a little softer.
Another great choice is Grenache wine. Medium-bodied with a fruity, spicy profile, it pairs well with your roast and sides. Juicy flavours of strawberry and black cherry, alongside refreshing acidity, make it incredibly food friendly.
Browse Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Grenache wines.
So, whether you’re savouring lamb, pork, beef, turkey or chicken, there’s a wine that can perfectly complement the flavours on your plate.
About the author
Brogan Wilson
Qualified to WSET Level 2 Wine, Brogan is a relatively new member of the team, having joined in September 2023. She previously worked as the sole copywriter at a creative marketing agency, and before that, as a primary school teacher. At Laithwaites HQ, you’ll find her growing her knowledge, asking lots of questions, and crafting both digital and print copy. An ardent red wine drinker, Brogan is also fond of Crémant.
