Believe it or not spring really is just around the corner and I am beginning to salivate at the thought of the wonderful local seasonal produce we can look forward to, and of course the perfect wines to accompany it.
First off has to be juicy, tender local lamb. Roast it the English way with rosemary and roasted vegetables and the ideal partner is a bordeaux (claret) - perfectly ripe cabernet and merlot grapes will have the ideal balance of fruit and tannin to match the lamb.
In rustic north west Spain the lamb would be cooked slowly in a clay oven or ceramic roasting pot. After up to 6 hours this produces succulent, rich, caramelised meat ideally suited to rioja or one of our favourites, a Ribera del Duero.
For a wonderful vegetarian alternative try making a ‘barigoule’ which usually comprises boiled asparagus, artichoke, herbs and any other fresh vegetable you can find in the market. The asparagus gives the dish a strong flavour and will overpower most white grape varieties; however, a variety that will stand up to the challenge is chenin blanc. The classic area for producing aromatic, complex chenin is the western Loire, but if your palate prefers a wine with gentler acidity then choose one from the southern hemisphere.
From our unique range at Crebers we have created a selection of wines to match the above dishes:
2014 Marques de Burgos, Roble, Ribera del Duero, Spain £13.99
Rich, velvety Ribera del Duero from old vines, this tempranillo has intense colour and smooth tannins. Aged for six months in American and French oak, it has flavours of wild berries and a hint of violets.
2013 D12, Lan, Rioja, Spain £16.99
Tempranillo and mazuelo grapes are hand selected from two plots in the town of Haro and two plots from Laguardia. The average age of the vines is 30 – 40 years. The wine is aged on the lees, giving it a silky feel on the palate. The most outstanding wine of the vintage is held in ‘Deposit 12’, a stainless steel tank and hence the name. Twelve months in oak and this is intense, classic rioja – simply stunning!
2012 Chateau Teyssier, Montagne Saint Emilion (was £19.99) now £16.99
St Emilion Grand Cru located in Vignonet, this vineyard has been transformed over the last ten years leading the way for modern St Emilion producers. 75% merlot with 25% cabernet franc make this a claret lovers’ dream!
2016 Chateau de la Roulerie, Chenin Blanc, Loire £12.75
For nearly 20 years we have been importing this award-winning wine. 100% chenin blanc, pale gold with hints of green, floral, zesty acidity, full weight and ripe fruit, plus the gentle influence of oak, adds a honeyed richness.
2014 Boland Cellar, Chenin Blanc, South Africa (was £8.99) now £6.99
Tropical fruit and apricot pungency with good length and a creamy texture - this wine over delivers…
Julian
Crebers of Tavistock