(continuation from blog  “ Food and Wine pairing ”  dated 29th May 2009)

INTRODUCTION:—–this blog and the many more following will examine the pleasurable and often complex relationship between good food and wine, with the ultimate aim to assist our many discerning customers evolve the convivial bonding of good food and wine.

FOOD BEING FEATURED:—–ROAST LAMB, GRILLED LAMB CHOPS, SHOULDER and NECK of LAMB DISHES  and LAMB KEBABS.  ( roast or grilled kid would also be a good alternative )

CHALLENGES:—–not too difficult with simply cooked red meats like lamb, although certain cuts of lamb can have a slightly more fattier taste when compared to beef or venison, bearing this comment in mind I would suggest fairly big red wines with a little cutting edge to match cuts like neck or shoulder. If we are considering the leaner cuts of meat  like roast leg of lamb, grilled leg of lamb steaks or chops then softer reds come into play with a lot more confidence.

RECOMMENDATIONS:—–New World Merlots such as Kono Merlot from New Zealand or Wakefield Merlot from Australia go beautifully with the leaner cuts of lamb grilled or roasted. The merlot combination has to be one of the best, although a merlot blended with a little cabernet sauvignon can also do the trick.

With shoulder or neck of lamb and lamb kebabs I would recommend trying the luscious fruity red  Domaine de Madame from the scenic  Costieres de Nimes in the South of France, or even a full bodied White Chateauneuf-du-Pape like Domaine Saint Benoit. Both wines effortlessly  compliment the hardy dishes in question.

If you are planning a big hearty lamb stew or casserole then try a not too expensive Cabernet Sauvignon like Chateau Haut Pougnan from Bordeaux or a Wente Cabernet Sauvignon from San Francisco Bay. Like all cabernet sauvignon wines they possess the extra tannin required to match the richness of these fine traditional lamb dishes.

MAIN DIRECTORY:—-click on http://ahadleigh-wine.com/wine-and-food/  to access our quick search facility to locate hundreds of other food/wine/food pairing options, including hors-d’oeuvres, starters, soups, main courses and deserts. Also  http://ahadleigh-wine.com/cheese/ for cheese and wine pairing.

NEXT ARTICLE:—–Chicken  including roast chicken, deep fried chicken and grilled or barbecued chicken.
 

HAPPY  ROAST LAMB AND WINE PAIRING DAYS.

Graham D