This post is an appetizer pairing that my wife and I recently got into. It’s one we’ve occasionally had at friend’s houses or restaurants over the last couple of years , and have added to our “home Happy Hour” selection. It’s the classic Caprese Salad; a delicious, yet simple appetizer. We use a ball of BelGioioso Fresh Mozzarella, Classico Traditional Basil Pesto sauce & spread, and fresh small tomatoes; all of which can be bought affordably at the Clinton Hannaford. You can either leave the mozzarella as a ball or slice it; we’ve had it served both ways and prefer the sliced version. Additionally, you can eat it with a large cracker or crostini. Hannaford has excellent selections for both, but we prefer without.
The wine that pairs best with this appetizer is La Lacciaia’s Brunello di Montalcino (2015). Clinton Wine & Spirits sells this wine at the low to mid area of Steve’s price range. If your local wine store does not carry this exact brand, any quality, aged Brunello will do. In case you’re thinking, “Why didn’t he go with a Chianti Classico?” I did try one, but opted for the Brunello, for reasons I will explain below.
Being an Italian tomato, mild cheese, basil dish, this should definitely pair well with a Sangiovese. The high acid, low tannin profile of a Sangio. complements the mild, yet somewhat “tangy” taste of these traditional Italian elements. But the question is which Sangio.? What, there’s more than one? Yes, Italy has many variations (clones) of the original Sangiovese and remember, it’s not just the grape, it’s what you do with it before putting it in a bottle that makes all the difference. The Chianti Classico is a somewhat bolder, more aggressive Sangio., while the Brunello tends to be a bit mellower (especially aged). Obviously, there are many exceptions to this rule and I’m sure there are several Chianti Classicos that will pair nicely with a classic Caprese Salad. But, given a choice, I will more often than not tend towards the Brunello.
That’s enough for this Blog Post. Next time will be the Wine of the Month for June. Be sure to come back and see what I choose. Cheers!