Wine pairing for Spaghetti al Gambero d’Acqua Dolce
Bianco: Falesco Bianco Vitiano, Falesco Est! Est!! Est!!! de Montefiascone
Rosato: Falesco Rosato Vitiano
Perfectly timed with the changing seasons, this Sunday Pasta looks and tastes like spring! Just as it’s about time to switch out wardrobes, it’s time to start switching out those hefty, hearty wines with some that are lighter, brighter and more refreshing. Buying wines for this crawfish dish is the perfect time to start the transition.
No doubt unoaked whites will work very well. And, just last week, I mentioned it soon would be time for rosato again. Not that rosato can’t be enjoyed year round, but somehow it didn’t seem quite right for pairing with pasta on a freezing, snowy day. Today, with the birds singing and the sun rising earlier, it truly feels rosato season is upon us!
The wines of Falesco’s properties offer a good place to start. Falesco grows grapes in central Italy’s Umbria and Lazio regions. Their Vitiano wines blend grape varieties to create value-oriented, easy-drinking wines. Some are made strictly with local grapes while others include their international brethren. The Bianco is made of two of my favorite autochthonous whites. It’s a 50-50 split between Vermentino and Verdicchio. The Rosato leans more heavily on international grapes with 60% coming from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sangiovese and Aleatico compose the remainder.
Falesco’s Est! Est!! Est!!! de Montefiascone is a nod to a historical wine that dates back to the 12th century. For decades, this wine style has been largely ignored – for good reason. Careless winemaking and the less-than-dazzling Trebbiano were the culprits. However, some producers now are reviving the wine, and Falesco’s is a nice example. Falesco’s version includes the traditional Malvasia as well as the extremely rare Roscetto. In fact, Roscetto is only produced by Falesco at this time!
Whether your pick be bianco or rosato, opt for wines with crisp acidity and no new oak, and you are sure to have a terrific pairing!
Cin cin!
Christy Canterbury, Master of Wine (MW)
Wine Editor
@canterburywine
p.s. Check out our recipe for Spaghetti al Gambero d’Acqua Dolce
