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Laetitia Wine

In case you have a little lamb, you might be looking for a little wine. As most Baton Rougeans know, Calandro’s has long been a premier resource for a world of great wines, offered in a wide range of prices. Charles Calandro, the wine buyer and man-about-the-bottle, recommends two food-worthy California wines that can hold up to the intensity of lamb (or any meat) cooked with big, bold flavors or simply roasted without a lot of glitz. His picks are two reds from Laetitia Winery in the Arroyo Grande Valley of Southern San Luis Obispo County, Calif. This small production winery is known for its Burgundian style wines, with a focus on Pinot Noir.

“The 2004 Estate Pinot Noir is a medium-bodied wine full of berry and black cherry flavors that would go well with meats gently seasoned and cooked,” Calandro says. “The Syrah is different—very fruit forward, full of spice and black pepper with a jammy finish that would stand up to more elaborate cooking preparation.” At $19.99 per bottle, these wines should be anywhere a lamb is sure to go.