Pairing with lamb stew

Now, as the Cistercians improved the quality of the wines in their vineyards, they subdivided the Côte d’Or into individual microclimates. Many of the names given to these parcels still resonate. For example, a Bare Hill (Mont Rachet) or The Roman, La Romanée, suggesting a Roman vineyard on that site.

Their success did have some negative aspects in that it evoked a degree of jealousy from the feudal lords; however, the lords were happy to copy the methods used by the monasteries to improve the quality of the wines grown within their domains. The landholders were instructed to tend their vineyards in the manner of the Cistercian Monks.

Up until this time, little consideration had been given to the names of the grape varietals. In 1375, the first mention of “Pineau” came about. Prior to this, it had been referred to as “Noirien,” possibly because of the black colour of the wine. Combining the two names created Pinot Noir, which today, we enjoy through out Prince Edward County. At the same time, the first mention of Gamay arrived seemingly out of nowhere. Gamay is a prolific, lighthearted mutation of “Noirien.” The grape was first grown in and around the town of Gamay, located south of Beaune. This varietal ripens earlier but is a lighter wine, which the rulers of Burgundy—who preferred the more elegant Pinot Noir—did not like and declared it “an outlaw and a disloyal plant.” Luckily, despite instructions to pull out the Gamay vines, the growers stopped short of removing all their Gamay.

Lamb is great with many red wines. It really just depends on how it is served. Sandbanks Estate Winery Cabernet Merlot Reserve is a delightful wine crafted by Catherine Langlois. It boasts a deep garnet hue in the glass with hints of red fruits, spice and cedar on the nose. The palate is red currants, black cherry and toasted sesame seeds with a velvety lingering spice on the finish. This will be a great combination with the robust flavours of the ratatouille and richness of the braised lamb.

I am still enjoying downtime in Chile, tasting Carmenère, from the very exclusive and special Apalta Valley.