Pomodori. July is here and tomatoes are finally back in season. Whether cooked and tossed with pasta and parmesan, or sliced raw and served with mozzarella, olive oil, and crunchy salt, they’re a staple of summer chez nous. (Or, rather, a casa.)
But tomatoes — and in particular, tomato sauce — presents a wine-pairing puzzle. Whites are often shouted down, and many French reds clash with the already acidic sauce. We find the best solution is a wine from the same tradition — our Italian source is the Fattoria Poggerino, an organic producer of pure, delicious Sangiovese in the hills of Chianti.
Roses and smoke. Jancis Robinson called Poggerino’s 2012 Chianti Classico “mouthfilling yet poised,” and “savory yet perfumed,” with “wonderful balance.” We found their signature roasted cherries and smoke in the nose, with chocolate, beef, and rose petals in the mouth. The mouthfeel is sturdy and dense, with young but juicy tannins and lots of energy.
The exceptional balance that impressed Jancis Robinson makes this wine easy to pair. Marcella Hazan’s three ingredient tomato sauce is as perfect as it is simple — it’s a frequent visitor to our kitchen, and an excellent match with Poggerino.
Or on a warm, muggy evening, make yourself a caprese salad — remember to let the mozzarella warm up a bit out of the fridge — and sit outside with a glass of Chianti. The Italian banks may need a bit of work, but their food-wine pairings are just about perfection.
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POGGERINO Chianti Classico 2012
Ansonia Retail: $26
case, half-case: $22/bot
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AVAILABLE IN 6- AND 12- BOTTLE LOTS
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or call Tom: (617) 249-3657
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Terms of sale. Ansonia Wines MA sells wine to individual consumers who are 21 or more years of age, for personal consumption and not for resale. All sales are completed and title passes to purchasers in Massachusetts. Ansonia Wines MA arranges for shipping on behalf of its customers upon request and where applicable laws permit.