Food-Wine match?

Interesting question, Paul. I agree with you that the fruit stuffing would tend to steer me away from Bordeaux, which I'd restrict to more savo(u)ry preparations. Fortunately, lamb is a great foil to most red wines, so the choices are numerous. I'd tend to think of going with a somewhat spicier red, perhaps with a bit of tannin left to it. Some choices would be reds from the N. or S. Rhone, some of the better wines of the Languedoc, Bandol rouge or (here in the US) Zinfandel. Or how about a Taurasi or Aglianico del Vulture? Your Copertino might fit the bill, too, but it's not a wine that I'm familiar with.

Mark Lipton

Paul, get down to Majestic and get the Ladoix as above TN, at 15 quid its a steal.

John T

A young Pinot Noir was my first thought. New World actually, but the Ladoix sounds like it might fit the bill too.

I might also be tempted to try a white - full-bodied, good acidity and maybe a touch off dry. Alsace Riesling? Vouvray?

Not Bordeaux.

I've never paired lamb with a white, but I agree that might be the ticket in this case. Just off-dry big Riesling is not a bad idea. Good job thinking outside box, Steve.

Personally if I had to choose a red to go with this, I'd aim for lighter body and good acidity. Maybe a lighter Chinon or Chianti.

If you want to play

I have paired lamb with Riesling a few times, successfully so IMO. The actual meat/wine combination is fine. The only question marks might lie with the sauce and the rest of the dish (which is often geared up for red wine) and with the expectations and taste of fellow diners.

And expectations and taste might swing both ways. In my experience unsophisticated wine drinkers of the older generation might well like the idea of a sweetish white wine with Christmas dinner.

Already done!

Went to a "Local Dads" wine tasting at Majestic on Thursday when the Ladoix was one of the wines. - we were tipped off that the Times were recommending as their best Xmas buy under £20 and to get in there quickly!

Ladoix 1er cru "Clou d'Orge. Domaine chevalier. 2005.

Stunning quality, sang Classic Pinot from the first sniff - truffle, & farmyard, gamey & cigar box all overlaying a gentle fruit. Palate as soft and smooth as a wine twice the price from a big name burgundy - enough tannin to let you know it's there but soft as a baby' bottom!

Other stars of the evening:

1. Santa Rita, triple C 2004, Mapo Valley, Chile : £19,99

Deep, dark purple, showing no age at all Ripe black fruit on the nose with spicy Chocolate Cab Franc green stalkyness on the palate overlaying round fruitiness from the Cab sauv & Carménère, tannins beginning to soften but needs another few years to reach its potential

1. Buller's Calliope Rare Muscat, Rutherglen: £35 1/2 bottle

I've only paid £35 for a bottle once and this is a half! But worth every penny - but don't let on to my wife just how may pennies!!! Figgy xmas pudding in a glass & just about the longest wine I have ever tasted.

PK

Certainly on the list of possibles but I'm inclined to go a fruitier route

AH!

I'm already planning to open a bottle of off dry Vouvray for my daughter who has yet to develop a palate for red wine (she's only 18!) Chamaplou, La Cuvee de Fondraux 2002

pk