Olly’s reds for Easter lamb
Lamb is a rare treat for me, so I love sharing a celebratory splash-out red such as my Dalrymple Pinot pick from Tasmania – up there with the best. For a classic pairing, Spanish Rioja or Ribera del Duero are safe bets, but if you’re lavishing spice on your lamb, dive into Portugal’s Douro Valley for bottles with sufficient fruity ballast to absorb any heat. For a rich slow-roast shoulder, try my epic Shiraz Viognier blend from sustainable Aussie winery RedHeads offering remarkable scented splendour. But France’s Rhône wins my heart with my wine of the week.
Olly’s Pick of the Bunch
Specially Selected Ribera del Duero 2019 (13.5%), £7.99, Aldi. Best lamb pairing on a budget, with a wonderfully warming ripe fruit depth.
The Best Douro Red 2019 (13.5%), £8, Morrisons. Rich red with black cherry oomph and a boost of spice. Terrific with lamb tagine.
Redheads Coco Rôtie 2020 (14.5%), £14.99, laithwaites.co.uk. Voluptuous, silky and truffle-like, this fulsome Aussie is stunning with slow-roast lamb.
Dalrymple Pinot Noir 2019 (14%), £33.75, flagshipwines.co.uk. Enchanting Pinot. Intensely scrumptious: think wild strawberries rolling through mountain herbs. Epic.
This article was originally published in YOU Magazine, Mail on Sunday, 10th April 2022– Prices, stockists and vintages correct at time of publication.
