Syrah & Greek Lamb Gyro Pairing

When it comes to food and wine pairings, some combinations are simply meant to be. Greek lamb gyros, with their rich, slow-roasted flavors and fragrant spices, find a perfect match in Idaho Syrah. Discover how to make this delectable pairing at home!

Idaho Syrah: Perfectly Paired

Syrah is the second most planted red grape varietal in Idaho after Merlot. Idaho's dry climate and significant temperature shifts create an ideal environment for Syrah, mirroring the conditions of its native Rhône Valley. This hardy grape thrives in the Snake River Valley and Lewis Clark Valley AVAs, benefiting from the regions’ well-drained soils to produce wines that are deep in color and full of complexity. 

Idaho Syrah is celebrated for its bold, dark fruit flavors, distinctive peppery notes, and velvety tannins, helping to cement the state’s reputation for crafting expressive, high-quality reds. Fifteen Idaho wineries throughout the state are serving more than 19 different Syrah wines. From Bourbon Barrel Syrahs to dry rosés and Carbonic Syrahs, there are so many varieties to explore.

Discover exceptional Syrah offerings from Idaho wineries such as: Snake River Winery, Veer Wine Project, Indian Creek Winery, Rivaura Winery, Coiled Wines, Rolling Hills Vineyard, Bitner Vineyards, Telaya Wine Co., Hat Ranch Winery, Fujishin Estate Winery, Hells Canyon Winery, Cuesta Sol Vineyard, and Van Patten Cellars.

Greek Lamb Gyro

Lamb gyros are a staple of Greek cuisine, featuring tender slices of marinated lamb wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy tzatziki sauce. The combination of bold seasonings, cooling yogurt, and hearty meat creates a meal that is both comforting and sophisticated.

Pairing this dish with Idaho Syrah allows the wine’s fruit-forward notes and hints of spice to complement the gyro’s robust flavors. If you’re in the mood for something lighter, a crisp Idaho cider enhances the freshness of the dish, making it an ideal option for warm days and outdoor dining.

RECIPE

For the lamb:

• 6 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 shallot, minced
• 10-12 anchovies minced
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Rosemary

For the “Tzatziki” sauce:

• 1.25 cups plain full-fat yogurt
• .25 cups mayo
• 1 clove of garlic
• 1 tablespoon of parsley, minced
• 2 tablespoons of mint, minced
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber peeled, deseeded and chopped

1. Preheat the oven to 275F. For the lamb, take a leg of lamb and debone it. Cut down the length of the bone on the side where it’s closest to the edge of the leg. Then, essentially cut underneath and around the bone, and remove it. 
2. Next, butterfly the lamb and lay it out into a relatively flat shape so the lamb is twice as long as it originally was, but half as thick. Season both sides with salt. 
3. Next, combine the garlic, shallots, anchovy, lemon juice and olive oil. Rub this mixture all over the lamb. 
4. Orient the lamb so that the outer part is on the table and that the length of it is perpendicular to you. Place a sprig of rosemary in the middle, and roll the lamb in on itself so it looks like a giant cinnamon roll of lamb. 
5. Tie it tightly with butcher's twine, 3-4 loops should do. Then, put the prepared lamb on a rack on top of a baking sheet and throw it in the oven for 3 hours. 
6. After three hours, pull the lamb out of the oven. It’s a big roast, so let it rest for about 30-40 minutes. 
7. While the lamb is resting, make your tzatziki. Simply mix the ingredients listed above. 
8. After the roast rests, it needs to get crispy, so crank the oven to 500F and throw it back in the oven for about 15 minutes.
9. After the lamb crisps, lower the oven to 350 and throw your pita in for 3-5 minutes, just to let it warm up. 
10. Slice your lamb, get a plate for pita, a bowl for tzatziki, a bowl of more sliced cucumber, a bowl for chopped onion and tomato, and let people build their own gyro!

Food is best enjoyed with great company, and Idaho wines and ciders are the perfect companions for any gathering. Whether you’re savoring a homemade gyro or exploring new flavors, Idaho Syrah and cider bring out the best in every bite.

Next time you’re planning a meal, pair your favorite dishes with Idaho’s finest wines and ciders. We encourage you to gather with your friends and family, fostering connections through shared culinary experiences and celebrating how wine and food bring people together across cultures and traditions. Cheers to good food, great company, and wine’s unique ability to bring people together!