A VEGETARIAN thanks me for suggesting wines to pair with asparagus, observing “this was the first time I can remember you writing about wines to go with something I can actually eat”. This observation took me by surprise.

Am I really such a carnivore that it dictates which wines I include in Tipping’s Tipples? It appears I must be and I can only sincerely apologise for having been so swayed by my own eating habits. I’ll make sure this column is not so self-centred from now on.

But back to meat for the moment. Spring lamb is traditionally eaten at Easter, but I’m told it is most tasty from the middle of May to the end of the summer, which is why I’ve held off suggesting some suitable vinous accompaniments until now.

The world is your oyster when it comes to reds to match with such a tender treat, just make sure the wines aren’t too heavy. The minty character of a cabernet sauvignon makes an obvious pairing, but I’d go for one of the following instead.

Rioja is a splendid option and Viña Pomal Centenario Reserva 2005 is good value if you take up Majestic’s offer when you buy two. It’s quite a rich, concentrated wine and very smooth, with flavours of strawberry, raspberry, tobacco and a spicy finish.

M&S has its Valpolicella Ripasso 2007 on offer next month, down to £5.99, making it good value slurping. This is a smooth wine too, with damson and cherries, dark chocolate and vanilla.

The Wine Society stock a modern but true to its roots Bordeaux red, Château Pey la Tour Réserve 2007, which is the business with lamb. It’s mainly merlot but quite structured, with notes of raspberry, blackcurrant, vanilla, chocolate and leather.

Or head to the Fitou appellation in the Languedoc and Mont Tauch Les Douze 2008, which is an approachable and characterful wine. A blend of carignan, grenache and syrah, you can expect cherry and raspberry flavours, liquorice, garrigue herbs and a velvety texture.

• Viña Pomal Centenario Reserva 2005, Rioja, £8.99 each when you buy two at Majestic 16/20

• Valpolicella Ripasso 2007, £5.99 during June at M&S 16/20

• Château Pey la Tour Réserve 2007, Bordeaux Supérieur, £9.95 from The Wine Society 17/20

• Mont Tauch Les Douze 2008, Fitou, £6.99 at Majestic 17/20