You may be familiar with the adage “what grows together, goes together. ” This refrain is used commonly by chefs and wine drinkers alike and can be interpreted in a variety of ways. The first application of the phrase is related to seasonality. Foods that are in season at the same time of year often pair exceptionally well together. For example, summer brings the delightful combination of strawberry and rhubarb, while winter is the perfect time to enjoy a medley of roasted root vegetables. The second interpretation of “what grows together, goes together ” relates to terroir. In the wine world, terroir is defined as the way in which the elements of a particular region, including soil, climate and terrain, affect the taste of wine. The concept of terroir can be useful when considering certain foods as well. In the same way a Pinot Noir from Oregon will taste differently than a Pinot Noir from the Santa Cruz Mountains, Florida citrus will have a different flavor profile than that of citrus native to California.
The statement “what grows together, goes together” can also be applied when pairing food and wines. In this sphere, the concept remains the same. Foods native to an area will often pair exceptionally well with the wines grown and produced in the same region. At BARGETTO Winery, we are lucky enough to sit adjacent not only to the Pacific Ocean, but to one of the nation ’ s most premiere agricultural areas as well.
Commonly referred to as the “Salad Bowl of the World, ” the Salinas Valley is renowned for its abundant production of lettuce, artichokes, peppers, broccoli and numerous other crops. On the Central Coast, we are truly blessed by the easy accessibility to fresh fruits and vegetables and local meats and seafood that the area provides. The mild, Mediterranean climate lends itself to growing not only exceptional food, but outstanding wines as well. Thanks to the abundance of our region, we have a multitude of outstanding options when it comes to pairing local foods with local wines.
What are some of our favorite Central California food and wine pairings? In early summer when the weather is warm, 2018 BARGETTO Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Grigio tastes wonderful with Monterey Bay halibut. The flavors of ripe juicy stone fruits and the vibrant citrus notes of the wine balance nicely with the delicate nature of halibut.
Another favorite summer pairing is our 2017 Pommard Clone Pinot Noir with barbequed salmon. Generally, it is assumed that fish and seafood dishes should be paired with white wines, but a rich and flavorful fish like salmon really complements a lighter, fruit forward,
earthy red such as the Pommard Pinot. While you ’ ve got the barbeque out and ready, toss on a wild mushroom pizza – grilled pizza will taste excellent alongside our 2015 LA VITA. This Italian blend is composed of Nebbiolo, Refosco and Dolcetto, with Nebbiolo leading the way at 44% of the blend. Wines that are more acidic allow for pairing with higher acid, salty foods. A grilled wild mushroom pizza drizzled with olive oil will have just the right flavor to complement the tannins in LA VITA. When the weather begins to drop, a cool climate Merlot such as our 2017 Reserve Merlot pairs exceptionally with roasted local vegetables such as brussels sprouts and carrots. Roasting the vegetables caramelizes them and creates a meaty richness that holds up to a richer and tannic red such as Merlot. Our 2017 Santa Cruz Mountains Dolcetto will also pair nicely with a variety of roasted vegetables, including eggplant and tomatoes with garlic. Although Dolcetto translates to “little sweet one ” in Italian, Dolcetto wines are known for being dry, medium to full bodied, with moderate levels of tannins. Our 2017 Santa Cruz Mountains rendition of the Northern Italian classic is full bodied, with big and rich tannins – making it the perfect complement to not only roasted vegetables, but grilled tri -tip or a pasta with Bolognese as well.
The ability to enjoy fresh, local food in addition to world class wines from the Santa Cruz Mountains and the surrounding regions 365 days a year is not lost on us. We are truly fortuitous to be situated in such a bountiful part of the state.
