Lamb and Syrah - Ankle deep in local flavor

September 27, 1:39 PMDC Wine Pairing ExaminerAlison Somerville

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           Black Ankle Award winning Crumbling Rock 2006

When you think of your local farmers market -- you think fresh fruit and veggies - fresh cut flowers and other local vendors. Supporting your local farmers is a wonderful, rewarding act of community. Let's support ALL local farmers -- and that includes vineyards. Farming grapes is farming at its finest, dating back to biblical times and even farther.

A few weeks ago, at the Bethesda Central Farm Market, Black Ankle Vineyard was there offering samples of their wines as well as making them available for purchase. Due to Maryland's strict laws, Vineyards have never been allowed to be a part of Maryland Farm Markets. Black Ankle was the first. It was a great opportunity for local folks to try a wine produced just an hour away in Mt. Airy.
 

Black Ankle wines offers something for everyone (unless you fancy "sweet" wines, then you might be up a creek). Their award-winning Crumbling Rock 2006 is a Bordeaux blend that is certainly going to make you ask for more. This is a big wine with big flavors. Cabernet Franc - Cabernet Sauvignon - Merlot - Petit Verdot. Earthiness and slight black fruits topped off with a hint of vanilla -- a wonderful wine and no surprise it's raked up a few medals. Spicy, peppery, smooth finish describesBlack Ankle's Syrah. 90% Syrah and 10% Pinot Noir. Just how a Syrah ought to be -- bold and spicy. Bedlam 2007 award winning white wine is a blend of Viognier - Chardonnay - Gruner Veltiner - Albarnio and Muscat -- Citrusy with lemon (not over the top citrusy), refreshing and crisp.

A wonderful match made in heaven is what happens when Butterflied lamb drenched in olive oil and seasonings paired with Syrah gives you. The grilled flavor that lingers on the meat coincides with the subtle smokey flavors that can be found in Syrahs.

Lamb is now available at most supermarkets, gourmet supermarkets and memberships warehouse stores year-round. And let's not forget -- some farm markets. Buy a butterflied lamb roast (or have the butcher butterfly one for you if you're not too handy with a knife) - grab a gallon freezer bag and place lamb in it. Now comes the easy no brainer, a kid could do it part. Add all of the ingredients. No need to measure - eyeball it.

LAMB MARINADE

Olive Oil
Sliced garlic
Mediterranean Sea Salt
Lemon Juice
Fresh Ground Pepper
Dried Thyme and Oregano
Fresh Rosemary

NOTICE: Please remember to zip the bag up -- no need to have a raw lamb related injury.

Swish everything around and place overnight or for at least a few hours in the fridge. Grill and serve with veggies. Green beans sautéed with garlic, red and green peppers with a touch of herbs is a nice side.

Easy to prepare -- tasty to eat -- a great "side" to your Syrah.

Try it with the Black Ankle Syrah. Keep it local and support your local farmers, including wine growers, too!

 For more information: Visit Black Ankle 14463 Black Ankle Road - Mt. Airy, Maryland 21771

Phone number: 301-829-3338

Tasting Room Hours: Wednesday - Thursday 12-5 - Friday 12-8 - Saturday 12-5

Tasting Fees $5 www.blackankle.com