Same Same but Different!

Another lamb & Rioja pairing

I couldn’t resist doing another lamb & Rioja pairing. Because it’s winter and I need hearty dishes like this. Because “rack o’ lamb” is fun to say. Because there are so many winning variations of this pairing that I couldn’t possibly leave you guys with just one.

I developed this recipe specifically for the Marqués de Murrieta Reserva (2018, in my case, which sells for ~$37.00). It has notes of tangy dark fruits, complemented here by the red wine and pomegranate sauce and the balsamic-soaked cherries, and a smoky, leathered finished ideal for red meat pairings. The lemons and the simple, vegetal side salad are there to keep your palate fresh and bright.

I made this for my boyfriend when he was coming in from a long trip. I wanted him to be wowed (he was), but also comforted after a journey (which of course, he also was - this is a great comfort pairing). It’s a perfect pairing for a cozy date night, or for serving at an intimate dinner party.

RECIPE FOR RACK O’ LAMB (serves up to 4 - or 2 if you’re like me and constantly hungry)

INGREDIENTS

• Rack of lamb (from a great butcher like McCall’s)