Pairing: Lamb Gozleme Paired with a 2014 Chateau de Landiras Rouge Graves 

Food: Gozleme is a delicious, easy to make, Turkish flatbread, griddle-fried to a golden brown and stuffed, in our version, with a combination of spiced ground lamb, feta, spinach, and tomato. The lamb is seasoned with some onion, garlic, coriander, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Fresh mint leaves are a nice addition. Lemon and olives are common accompaniments, along with fresh fruits.

Wine:  The de Landiras vineyards, located in the southern part of the Graves wine sub-region of Bordeaux is one of the region’s oldest properties, dating back to the 14th Century. What was once 14,000 acres of vineyards in the 1500’s is now but 2 acres with about 40 more acres planned for future expansion. The current owner, Peter Vinding-Diers, has run the operation since 1988, yet his is only the third family to own the property in its 600 year history. The Graves region distinguishes itself in Bordeaux by being well regarded for both its red wines and white wines. This wine is 75% Merlot and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon, and cries out to be paired with the lamb in this dish … a classic combination. And a very affordable Bordeaux at about $20.

Tasting Notes:  A dark maroon, almost black color. The nose reminds one of walking along an old hedgerow with many  types of berries ripening in the sunshine … black current, blackberry, blueberry, and black raspberry. Yes, I know these berries don’t all ripen at the same time. Just use your imagination! On the palate, one gets to taste the flavors of these same berries with the addition of a bit of leather, well-smoothed tannins and just a touch of acidity. And there is a surprising gentleness to this wine that one does not often associate with Bordeaux wines. Yet the complexity and assertiveness of the wine balances nicely with the complexity of the Gozleme.

Other Wines That Pair Well with Lamb Gozleme: Petite Sirah (California), Syrah (Washington), Rioja (Spain), Zinfandel (California)

Other Food That Pairs Well with Red Bordeaux (Graves): Roast Duck or Chicken, Grilled Mackerel or Salmon

Maps and Views of the Bordeaux/ Graves Wine Region:  Bordeaux – Graves Region

A Source:  www. klwines.com