The Wine Therapist - The Pairing Surprise

The Pairing Surprise

I am fascinated by wines made with obscure Italian grapes. Hungry and curious, I decided to introduce a Chef (who I never met before) to one of my favorites wines and see what dishes he thought would best pair with it.

The restaurant? Home by Gigi in Coconut Grove. The wine? Nanni Cope Terre del Volturno Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco 2014. The story? Keep reading...

"I'd like to see the Chef," I know is a strange request having just sat down. Chef Sebastian, curious of my request introduced himself and gladly accepted my invitation to taste with me a very dear wine that I had not had in a while.

Nanni Cope, Sabbie di Sopra il Bosco 2014 is a wine from the region of Campania and the blend (ready?) is 90% Pallagrello Nero, 5% Aglianico and 5% Casavecchia. The volcanic soil prevails in giving this big wine an imprint that makes the difference. I have never tasted a single varietal Pallagrello Nero nor a Casavecchia, so there are some assumptions on my part of what the difference grapes do. However, in the end I would describe this wine as vivacious in the mouthfeel, with a rustic edge smoothened gently by the classy and velvety, supple largess of the Aglianico. This wine is a success and you would love it too! In fact, almost every vintage receives the highest Italian award of Three Glasses by Gambero Rosso.

Swirls followed by thoughts come quickly giving Chef Sebastian some culinary inspiration. Having captured and recorded that certain specialness, he quickly returns to the kitchen. I am now famished and eager! We exchange distant glances as the perfect pairing is being conceived.

Soon enough, the first pleasant surprise is a Burrata on a cream of hummus and nuts, with gently fried spinach leaves for texture, two slices of prosciutto slightly crisped to create a crust (without making it too salty), fresh yellow and red tomatoes and a couple of basil leaves. 

Chef Sebastian received the challenge in the most positive way and presented a few more dishes that proved to be the best complements for this supreme Italian wine.

I encourage you to try this experience. Explore the complexities of a wine either unfamiliar or beloved and trust the expertise of someone who can interpret the wine and find its complement.

#TheWineTherapist @WinebytheBay

Note: Special thanks to Chef Sebastian Fernandez who heads up Home by Gigi. 

3413 Main Highway

305-361-9393

@HomebyGigi