Wine pairings for roast beef
Hearty and robust, roast beef requires a red wine that can stand up against its bold flavours.
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 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.
Tip From the Tasting Room: Opi Malbec - not just our No.1 Malbec, but one of the top-selling reds in our range. It’s soft and velvety with intense, black fruits and hints of smoky spice.
Wine pairings for roast pork
If you’re opting to pair your pork with a white wine, then Chenin Blanc is the classic combination. It brims with green fruit flavours like pear, apple and citrus that match perfectly with succulent roast pork – especially if you’re adding a dollop of apple sauce to the side. Its high acidity also 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.
If you're a red wine drinker, lighter reds like Pinot Noir are a good choice for roast pork. The wine's red fruit flavours, subtle acidity and light body enhances pork’s natural sweetness without overpowering it.
Wine pairings for 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.
Robust, tannic reds are your best bet. Medium to full‑bodied wines with firm tannins cut through lamb’s richness, while their earthy, herbal notes complement classic seasonings like garlic and rosemary.
For a reliable pairing, reach for a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a Bordeaux blend.
Wine pairings for roast chicken or turkey
Chicken and turkey have delicate flavours and can be slightly dry, so it’s best to choose a wine that complements rather than overpowers them.
Riesling is a standout option. Whether you opt for a crisp, green‑apple style or one with peachy sweetness, its vibrant acidity cuts through the richness of the meat and keeps each mouthful fresh.
Sauvignon Blanc is another reliable choice, and a firm UK favourite. Known for its bright, refreshing character, this grape’s naturally high acidity and dry finish make it a natural match for roast chicken or turkey.
Prefer a red? Pinot Noir offers a beautifully balanced alternative. Its low tannins and flavours of red berries and cherry pair effortlessly with the sweet, savoury and herbaceous notes often found in a roast.
For something bolder, Zinfandel works particularly well with roast turkey, especially when served with cranberry sauce or savoury stuffing.
Wine pairings for vegetarian roasts
Vegetarian and vegan roasts often rely on herbs, roasted vegetables and umami‑rich flavours, making young, fruity red wines a great match.
Look for styles with bright fruit, gentle tannins and good acidity, which won’t overpower lighter dishes or plant‑based mains.
Easy‑going Italian reds are an excellent choice, bringing juicy cherry flavours and soft structure that work beautifully with nut roasts, mushroom wellingtons and tomato‑led sauces.
Mushrooms, in particular, shine alongside these wines thanks to their savoury, umami character, which softens tannins and enhances fruit flavours.
Tip From the Tasting Room: Il Papavero is our No.1 bestselling Italian red, full of easy-going, ripe cherry fruit. It’s a classic Italian table wine and goes with just about anything!
