As the American vote count dragged on the other week, I looked forward to a series of relaxing dinners with some affordable and tasty wines. My wife, Leah is a talented cook, especially when she makes salmon cakes. Made from pink salmon with fresh dill, grilled pimentos, and panko crumbs, they had salt, fresh herbs, crunch, and plenty of flavour.
I chose a bottle of 2018 Nicosia Grillo ($19.90) from Sicily, an organic vegan wine. This white is made from the Grillo grape and according to Wine Folly, “Think of Grillo as a fuller, funky alternative to Pinot Gris. With that slight herbal note and bright acidity, all seafood, vegetable dishes and pastas will do.” As we were also having macaroni and cheese with broccoli and carrots, I was pleased with my choice.
In the glass, the Nicosia Grillo is a beautiful golden colour with an aroma of citrus, thyme and salty air, reflecting Sicily’s island home in the Mediterranean. The white enjoys a fresh apple flavor with a kiss of fino sherry, tangy acid, smooth mouth feel, and a bone dry finish. The crispness works well with rich salmon and the dollop of sour cream on top.
Another charming Italian white I sampled was the 2017 Monte del Fra Ca del Magro ($21.99) from Custosa, a village in northern Italy close to Verona. 55-year-old vines from eight different grape varieties produce a unique and exciting blend: Garganega, Trebbiano, Tocai Friuliano, Cortese, Incrocio Manzoni, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Malvasia!
The result is a deep yellow dry wine with a complexity of floral and herbal bouquets and rich full-bodied flavours. No wonder Wine Enthusiast rated it 93 points! Its aromatic with quince and apple, citrus, peach and apricot, plus a persistent fruity finish.
I enjoyed it with a chicken kiev, a spinach salad with tomatoes and feta, and homemade olive bread. The rich protein was toned down by the fresh flavours and acidity of the wine, refreshing the palate as it also encouraged the appetite.
I was also impressed, with an inexpensive Italian red, a Monte del Fra 2018 Bardolino ($14.99 on sale until Nov. 28th). Always a blend including the indigenous Corvina grape, with Rondinella and Sangiovese, such wines are produced around the resort town of Bardolino on Lake Garda, just west of Verona. Bardolinos are on the lighter side of red with light cherry notes and a hint of spice, making them prime Venetian lunch wine. The Wine Enthusiast rated it 92 Points.
Despite the fact that Bardolinos lack the tannins and power of their neighbors in northeastern Italy's Veneto region, that’s what I wanted to try, a lighter red and it’s suitability to match a juicy medium rare rib eye steak. To keep the steak on the lighter side, I didn’t make an au jus.
The wine revealed cherries, kirsch, cloves and vanilla. For a steak and red wine combo, it was refreshingly light, slightly tart, and easy-going! A winning combo for lunches or lighter dinners.
