Wine Pairings for Linguine con Zucchine e Gamberetti
Rosato: Rocca Pinot Grigio Rosato, Villa Masetti Pinot Grigio Rosato, Per Linda Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Cerasuolo
Rosso: Dario d’Angelo Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Rosso
It’s true that wine can be complicated, even for the pros. Sometimes, it’s downright confusing. A great example is how wines are named in Italy. There are the wines named after places, wines named after grapes, wines named for their style and wines with “fantasy” names (names created on the owner’s or winemaker’s whim.) Their often-unending strings of syllables don’t help. But, whatever the name, origin or grape may be, don’t sweat it. Pop the cork on one of these vini and sip merrily with your Linguine con Zucchine e Gamberetti…or Linguini with Zucchini and Shrimp!
Chances are Pinot Grigio is not confusing to even the novice wine drinker. I’m sorry, but I’m here to tell you it actually is. Pinot Grigio is not only white. It can be rosé, too. This is because Pinot Grigio is one of the very few grapes that has colored pulp. (Most rosé and red wines get their color from grape skins.) A copper-tinged Pinot Grigio that would make a nice match here is Rocca Pinot Grigio Rosato. The Villa Masetti version is lovely, too, and slightly deeper in color.
Speaking of color, Montepulciano has it, wherever its source. Confusion surrounds Montepulciano when it comes to wine. Montepulciano in Tuscany is a town that makes Vino Nobile di Montepulciano from Sangiovese. Montepulciano in Abruzzo is a grape. Less confusing, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo comes in two colors. It’s a black grape, so it’s usually made into red wine but it also comes in rosé. A terrific Montepulciano – the grape – rosé value is crafted by Per Linda. Don’t look for their rosato though. They call it Cerasuolo. Of course, if only red will do, the Montepulciano grape is still a great source. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Rosso tends to be low in tannin and is often best when very lightly chilled. Check out Dario d’Angelo’s wine with your linguine.
Remember, wine isn’t confusing when it tastes this good!
Check out our recipe for Linguine con Zucchine e Gamberetti.
Cin cin!
Christy Canterbury, Master of Wine
Wine Editor
@canterburywine
