From lamb to vegetables – the perfect pairing for North African cuisine
Moroccan flavours meet fine wines
Tajine – the iconic slow-cooked dish from North Africa – combines sweet dried fruits, aromatic spices and tender meat into a wonder of flavour. Ras el Hanout, cinnamon and cumin call for wines that can match their intensity.
In short — which wine with tajine? For lamb tajine with apricots and almonds, choose fruity, spicy reds from Priorat, Ribera del Duero or Beaujolais — the fruit plays with the sweetness of the dried fruits without overpowering the spices. For lemon chicken and vegetable tajine, opt for something fresher and lighter.
At lebendigeweine.de, we have selected the finest companions for every variation from our range of tajine-recommended wines. As specialists in natural wines, we offer suggestions well beyond the mainstream.
The key points at a glance: The ingredients determine the ideal wine. Lamb tajine with apricots calls for powerful, fruity red wines. Chicken tajine with lemons and olives harmonises beautifully with aromatic white wines. And for 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 poised 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-driven Beaujolais can also be a delightful surprise – the Gamay fruit interplays beautifully with the sweetness of the dried fruits.
Entre Palabras 2023
Spicy Tempranillo from old vines. The dark fruit and subtle roasted notes complement the spices of the tajine perfectly. Vinified without fining or filtration.
Beaujolais Brouilly “Zen” AOC 2023
A surprising match with tagine: the juicy cherry fruit of the Gamay plays off the sweet apricots. “Zen” in the name – and that is precisely how it tastes: harmonious, balanced and uncomplicated.
La Solana dels Marges 2018
For special occasions: Grenache and Carignan from old vines on slate soils. The mineral depth and concentrated fruit stand up to even the most intense tagine spices.
Chicken Tagine: Lemon & 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 flavours.
Here, aromatic white wines are the first choice. A Chenin Blanc from Vouvray brings ample structure and acidity. Or you might venture an Alsatian Riesling – its precise acidity cuts through the richness of the dish.
Olla Blanc VdF 2024
Matassa’s straightforward white wine: Macabeu and Grenache Gris, aromatic and lively. Its saline 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 honeyed notes and precise acidity are tailor-made for lemon chicken.
Riesling Schlossberg Grand Cru 2018
Alsatian Riesling at the highest level. Trapet’s biodynamic Grand Cru from the Schlossberg: mineral, precise, with six years of maturity. A wine for special tagine evenings.
Vegetable Tagine: Chickpeas & Pumpkin
A vegetarian tagine 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 starting point from meat-based versions.
Here, wines can be lighter and more aromatic. A Styrian Muskateller brings floral notes, whilst an Alsatian Pinot Gris provides the necessary texture. And for festive occasions? A rosé Champagne combines elegance with fruit.
Ried Marein Muskateller DAC 2022
Pure aromatics from Styria: Sattlerhof’s Muskateller exudes elderflower and fresh grapes. The lively acidity keeps everything in balance. Perfect with pumpkin and carrots.
Pinot Gris Heimbourg 2018
Zind-Humbrecht’s Heimbourg vineyard site yields a Pinot Gris with creamy texture and spicy depth. The slight residual sweetness perfectly complements the sweetness of pumpkin and raisins.
Rosé, Brut Nature
A surprising match for tagine: Drappier’s zero-dosage rosé. The fine mousse and red fruit lend a festive touch. Brut Nature means no added sugar, maximum elegance.
Tajine Spices: The Basics
The spices determine the wine choice – each brings its own aromas, calling for 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, sweetish, woody. Enhances dried fruit.
Wine: Beaujolais, Gamay – the cherry fruit joins in.
Cumin
Earthy & smoky · Cuminum cyminum
Warm, earthy, slightly bitter. The backbone of many tajines.
Wine: Tempranillo, Ribera – earthy wines are a match.
Saffron
Noble & floral · Red gold
Honey, hay, metallic. Expensive, but irreplaceable.
Wine: Chenin Blanc, Champagne – elegance meets elegance.
Ginger
Fresh heat · Fresh or dried
Citrusy, pungent, warming. Brings freshness to rich dishes.
Wine: Riesling, Gewürztraminer – aromatic meets aromatic.
Coriander Seeds
Nutty & warm · Coriandrum sativum
Citrus zest, nutty, slightly sweet. Milder than the leaves.
Wine: Grüner Veltliner, Albariño – mineral white wines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which wine goes 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 fruit of the wine plays with the sweetness of the dried fruit.
Does white wine go 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, and the aromatic profile complements the preserved lemons.
Which wine for tajine with dried fruit?
The sweetness of apricots, dates and plums calls for wines with their own fruit character. 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 go with chicken tajine?
For chicken tajine with lemons and olives, we would rather recommend white wine. 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 for vegetarian tajine?
Vegetable tajine with chickpeas and pumpkin harmonises wonderfully with aromatic white wines. A Styrian Muskateller brings floral notes, an Alsatian Pinot Gris offers a creamy texture. For festive occasions, a rosé Champagne is a delightful surprise – the bubbles refresh, and the fruit complements the vegetables.
Discover All Wines for Tajine
This selection showcases our top recommendations for the various tajine variations. In our shop, you will find further natural wines and biodynamic wines that pair beautifully with North African cuisine.
All Wines for Tajine