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IT From Lamb to Vegetables – the Perfect Companion to North African Cuisine
Moroccan Aromas Meet Fine Wines
Tajine – the iconic braised dish from North Africa – combines sweet dried fruits, aromatic spices and tender meat into a flavour sensation. Ras el Hanout, cinnamon and cumin demand wines that can hold their own.
At lebendigeweine.de, we have selected the finest companions for every tajine variety from our wines with tajine recommendations. As a specialist in natural wines, we offer you recommendations beyond the mainstream.
The essentials in brief: The ingredients determine the ideal wine. Lamb tajine with apricots calls for powerful, fruity red wines. Chicken tajine with lemons and olives harmonises with aromatic white wines. And with vegetable tajine? Fresh white wines or even an elegant rosé Champagne.
Lamb Tajine: Apricots & Almonds
The classic lamb tajine combines tender meat with dried apricots, almonds and honey. The spices – cinnamon, ginger, saffron – create a complex flavour profile between sweet and savoury.
Here you need red wines with their own fruit and spice. Spanish wines from Priorat or Ribera del Duero bring the necessary intensity. A fruit-forward Beaujolais can also surprise – the Gamay fruit plays with the sweetness of the dried fruits.
Entre Palabras – Between Words 2021
Spicy Tempranillo from old vines. The dark fruit and fine roasted aromas complement the tajine spices perfectly. Vinified unfiltered and unfined.
Beaujolais Brouilly „Zen“ AOC 2023
Surprisingly good with tajine: The juicy cherry fruit of Gamay plays with the sweet apricots. „Zen“ in the name – and that’s exactly how it tastes: harmonious, balanced, uncomplicated.
La Solana dels Marges 2018
For special occasions: Grenache and Carignan from old vines on slate soils. The mineral depth and concentrated fruit carry even the most intense tagine spices.
Chicken Tagine: Lemons & Olives
The famous Poulet aux citrons confits – chicken with preserved lemons and green olives – is a classic of Moroccan cuisine. The salty acidity of the lemons and the bitterness of the olives create a fascinating interplay of aromas.
Here, aromatic white wines are the first choice. A Chenin Blanc from Vouvray brings enough structure and acidity. Or you can venture to reach for an Alsatian Riesling – the precise acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
Olla Blanc VdF 2024
Matassa’s uncomplicated white wine: Macabeu and Grenache Gris, aromatic and vibrant. The salty minerality mirrors the preserved lemons.
Clos du Bourg sec 2023
Vouvray at its finest: Huet’s biodynamic Chenin Blanc from the Clos du Bourg vineyard site. The honey notes and precise acidity are made for lemon chicken.
Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru 2018
Alsatian Riesling at the highest level. Trapet’s biodynamic Grand Cru from Schlossberg: mineral, precise, with the maturity of six years. A wine for special tagine evenings.
Vegetable Tajine: Chickpeas & Pumpkin
A vegetarian tajine with chickpeas, pumpkin, carrots and raisins is a dish in its own right – not merely a substitute. The natural sweetness of the vegetables and the creamy texture of the chickpeas create a different foundation than meat-based versions.
Here, wines can be lighter and more aromatic. A Styrian Muskateller brings floral notes, an Alsatian Pinot Gris provides the necessary texture. And for special occasions? A Rosé Champagne combines elegance with fruit.
Ried Marein Muskateller DAC 2022
Pure aromatics from Styria: Sattlerhof’s Muskateller smells of elderflower and fresh grapes. The vibrant acidity keeps everything in balance. Perfect with pumpkin and carrots.
Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2018
Zind-Humbrecht’s Heimbourg vineyard site delivers a Pinot Gris with creamy texture and spicy depth. The slight residual sweetness complements the sweetness of pumpkin and raisins perfectly.
Rosé, Brut Nature
Surprisingly good with tajine: Drappier’s Rosé without dosage. The fine perlage and red fruit bring a festive note. Brut Nature means: no added sweetness, maximum elegance.
Tajine Spices: The Little 1×1
The spices determine the wine choice – each brings its own aromas that demand different wine styles.
Ras el Hanout
The royal blend · 20-30 spices
Complex, floral, warm. Often contains rose petals, cinnamon, cardamom.
Wine: Grenache, Priorat – needs fruity power.
Cinnamon
Sweet warmth · Ceylon or Cassia
Warm, sweet, woody. Enhances dried fruits.
Wine: Beaujolais, Gamay – the cherry fruit plays along.
Cumin
Earthy & smoky · Cumin
Warm, earthy, slightly bitter. The backbone of many tajines.
Wine: Tempranillo, Ribera – earthy wines work well.
Saffron
Noble & floral · The red gold
Honey, hay, metallic. Expensive, but irreplaceable.
Wine: Chenin Blanc, Champagne – elegance with elegance.
Ginger
Fresh spice · Fresh or dried
Citrusy, sharp, warming. Brings freshness to heavy dishes.
Wine: Riesling, Gewürztraminer – aromatics meet aromatics.
Coriander Seeds
Nutty & warm · Coriandrum sativum
Citrus peel, nutty, slightly sweet. Milder than the leaves.
Wine: Grüner Veltliner, Albariño – mineral white wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wine pairs with lamb tajine?
For lamb tajine with apricots and almonds, we recommend fruity, spicy red wines. Wines from Priorat, Ribera del Duero or Beaujolais bring the necessary intensity without overpowering the spices. The wine’s fruit plays with the sweetness of the dried fruits.
Does white wine pair with tajine?
Yes, especially with chicken tajine with lemons and olives! Aromatic white wines such as Chenin Blanc from Vouvray or Riesling from Alsace are ideal companions. The acidity cuts through the richness, the aromatics complement the preserved lemons.
Which wine goes with tajine with dried fruits?
The sweetness of apricots, dates and plums calls for wines with their own fruit. Spanish red wines such as Tempranillo from Ribera del Duero or Grenache from Priorat harmonise particularly well. Surprisingly: a fruity Gamay from Beaujolais also works brilliantly.
Does red wine pair with chicken tajine?
With chicken tajine with lemons and olives, we recommend white wine instead. The salty acidity of the preserved lemons harmonises better with the freshness of a Chenin Blanc or Riesling. If you prefer red wine, choose a light, fruity style – not a heavy tannin bomb.
Which wine goes with vegetarian tajine?
Vegetable tajine with chickpeas and pumpkin harmonises wonderfully with aromatic white wines. A Styrian Muskateller brings floral notes, an Alsatian Pinot Gris creamy texture. For special occasions, a Rosé Champagne surprises – the bubbles refresh, the fruit complements the vegetables.
Discover all wines for tajine
This selection shows our top recommendations for the various tajine variations. In our shop you will find further natural wines and biodynamic wines that go well with North African cuisine.
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