Appetizers

Looking for an easy to make, low-carb appetizer for your next dinner party? Prosciutto wrapped asparagus is a great choice! My favorite pairings for this snack include Prosecco, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. The saltiness of the prosciutto brings out the fruit flavors in the wine and the vibrant, crisp, citrus and mineral driven nature of these styles work well with the herbaceousness of the asparagus.

In general, asparagus and cabbage can be two of the trickiest veggies to pair with wine because of their sulphur containing molecules. I tend to stay away from anything oaked and gravitate towards unoaked wines that are clean, crisp and refreshing. If you prefer red wine, an herbaceous Cabernet Franc is an excellent choice with this dish.

Tropical salsa with pineapple, mango, avocado, black beans, cilantro and fresh squeezed lime juice served with crunchy, salty tortilla chips and a chilled glass of Rosado makes for an awesome summer afternoon or tailgate snack. While many people tend to grab a beer with their chips & salsa, I encourage you to drink outside the box and try a glass of vino. Rosado is the Spanish term for rosé. These wines are a great value and incredibly versatile. Spain and Portugal are both producing some of the best wine values in the world right now.  Contrary to popular belief, many rosés are actually dry and make a great companion for many foods from picnic fare to salads to salsas.

The Muga Rosado from Rioja is a great choice at a great price. The wine is made from the Garnacha, Viuda and Tempranillo grapes. Here are my tasting notes from the 2012 vintage. Note: Rosados should be consumed within 1-3 years to preserve the vibrant fruit flavors.

Cherry, juicy apple, apricot, pineapple, white blossoms & fennel aromas give way to a medium bodied wine with notes of fresh baked croissants. (Tasted October 2013) 

Caprese salad is always a crowd pleaser. Not only is it easy to make, but can be incredibly scrumptious and satisfying when using top notch ingredients like fresh buffalo mozzarella, sweet, earthy summer-ripened tomatoes and fresh basil from the garden. Whether you are making bocconcini and cherry tomatoes as part of an antipasta platter or large pieces of silky cheese layered with slices of juicy heirloom tomatoes, all you need to do is pair this dish with a great glass of vino and some crusty bread and dinner is served in a matter of minutes.

So, now the big question – which wine should I serve?  You could actually go with a crisp white or earthy red option with this dish. On a hot summer day, I prefer a crisp Soave from the Veneto area in Northeast Italy. Soave is predominately made from the Garganega grape and is an excellent alternative to Pinot Grigio.  One of my favorite producers is Pieropan. The family has been making wine since the 1860’s and have created a solid reputation for producing top quality Soave’s and other varietals. Try the Pieropan Soave Classico with your next Italian feast. This is also a fantastic pairing with fried or sautéed calamari. If red is more your style, grab a fresh, fruity Barbera from the Piedmont area of Italy.

Recommended Producer

• Pieropan Soave Classico, Verona, Italy (SRP: $17)

A big bowl of homemade guacomole paired with a glass of Vinho Verde is a perfect snack for a hot summer afternoon or just about anytime! Let’s be honest, there’s just something sinfully delicious about creamy, decadent avocados slathered on a crunchy, salty tortilla chip. There are a handful of wines that pair well with guacamole, but one of the best pairings is Vinho Verde. This pairing is the epitome of summer.

Vinho Verde wines come from the coastal northwest region of Portugal and are perhaps one of the best white wine values out there. You can literally pick up a pretty good bottle for under $10! Most of these wines aren’t necessarily thought provoking or super complex, but they are perfect with simple salads, shellfish and guacamole or just grab a glass and enjoy it as your summer sipper. Go easy on the spice when pairing food with this wine.

Vinho Verde is made with a variety of grapes including Alvarinho, Avesso, Loureiro, Pedernã and Trajadura.  The style will reflect which varieties are used in the final blend.  The hallmark for this type of wine is characterized by its high acidity due to the climate in which its grown. Many of these wines also have a slight effervescence that is wonderfully refreshing with lots of citrus fruit.

While a broad range of easy drinking Vinho Verde can be found for under $10, there are more serious, complex wines out there that fall under the name Vinho Verde and the quality level and price tag reflects this.  It’s always fun to grab a couple bottles at two different price points and see for yourself if you can taste the difference.

One of my favorites right now is the Monte Cascas.  This wine boasts aromas of fresh squeezed key lime juice, honeydew melon & agave nectar tantalize your senses. This a light, dry & crisp summer wine with piercing acidity. It’s the perfect accompaniment to an array of fresh Mexican dishes especially Guacamole with lime infused tortilla chips.