“I cook with wine,
sometimes I even add it to the food.” ….. W.C. Fields
Despite
my admiration of W.C. Fields, it would be challenging to find a better wine to
drink on its own or to add to food than Villa Graziella’s
(organic) Bianco Toscano. Especially in the summer when we tend to eat lighter. Maybe what first struck me was the simple
fact that I liked it. 90% Trebbiano and
only 10% Malvasia, it was the Trebbiano that surprised me. Trebbiano being so
often rendered somewhat sweet to off-dry and (for me) flabby and lacking
character, I found this blend from Villa Graziella lively, zesty and with all
the citrusy character and minerality that I often appreciate as a
characteristic of Italian white wines.
And
then it became the opportunities for pairing.
Light dishes.
Healthy. Summertime appropriate on the deck or umbrella covered patio. And just as suitable in the dining room. If more restaurants offered this on their wine
list, I’d snap at the opportunity to enjoy it with ceviche. The clean crisp finish of this wine, while not
being over weighted in body, pairs naturally to such dishes, but also so many
more. Salads with baked cheese, or a
stuffed avocado (Caprese-styled)? Sure! I even re-made a “white” pizza (topped with buffalo mozzarella, basil pesto, dabs of
goat cheese and grated Fontina and Parmesan Reggiano) and the wine elevated
this simple preparation made 100% from leftover ingredients. In the dining room, consider broccoli cheese
soup. Lakeside at the picnic table, pair with a snack of cheese and apple. At the grill, enjoy chicken kabobs with this
wine. Guests arriving and you’re busy
preparing? Offer a platter of
pre-cut crudites with dip and a glass of this Bianco (“Bianco” means “white”)
wine while they and you enjoy each other’s company. Want to keep it simple for yourself? Enjoy a
glass with a chicken sandwich with grilled organic pineapple and fresh avocado
on a pretzel roll, or fettuccine noodles with diced ham, asparagus tips, diced
red bell pepper and vegetables. And
don’t even get me started on seafood!
Before you get the wrong impression, let me admit I’m a wine
guy after all – not a chef (my plating skills alone should be a tip off). And seldom do I go off for so long about
things other than wine. The point here, indeed, is the wine. Yet to talk
about this wine without acknowledging how food versatile it is would ignore
much of its benefit. It’s become a
staple here at “Mizer Manor” largely because it does pair so well with so many
lighter meals (Not to mention it’s a delicious sipper on its own). So maybe all I need to share with you is the why.
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| Stuffed Avocado Caprese Styled |
It begins with the juice being aged just four months in
temperature controlled stainless steel tank which preserves freshness and
aromatics. No heavy wood notes. (“Not that there’s anything wrong with that”).
But I would add, there’s a time and a
place for everything and this is a “summer” wine that’s both a crowd pleaser
and case worthy since you’ll find yourself resorting to its use so often.  |
| Broccoli & Cheese Soup |
 |
| Chicken Kabobs |
A good alternative to unoaked Chardonnay, this 2018 Bianco
Toscano offers freshness, minerality and salinity on the nose along with notes
of fresh-cut green apple, citrus and a faint hint of orange segments. As such (no “hate” mail, please) I find it
also a good alternative to Pinot Grigio (and less expensive than my favored
label). The Bianco has lip smacking
acidity but no bite or “repeat” as some Pinot Grigio can present (at
least for me). The acidity in this Bianco Toscano, while providing that
cleansing note and lip-smacking character, is not overcoming but instead is in
perfect balance. And it’s not sweet as some
domestic Pinot Gris can be. On the
palate: Crisp green apple and Meyer lemon. Orange blossom announces itself on
the finish. Others noted ripe apricot and white peach with subtle notes of Key
lime. No – really – I’m not soliciting
“hate” mail, but I also find this wine (with its multi-character) a good
alternative to Soave which (for me) can lean toward being flabby.
All in all, this wine, flying under the radar as it is, is worth more than its ARP of $13 while being more versatile in the kitchen than others. At home, on a picnic, table-side at the beach, you'll find this wine a star performer.
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| Crudites |
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| Fettucchini |
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| Like Everything Today, This Chicken Sandwich Is Good Only If It's Too Big To Bite |
Salute!
……………….. Jim
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assured that any opinions are not economically biased (though they may not be
appropriate to your individual and unique palate).
TECH SPECS:
Region: Tuscany, Italy
Appellation: Chianti Colli Fiorentini of Montespertoli, Province: Florence
Exposure: SE
Soil: Calcareous
Blend: 90% Trebbiano Toscano, 10% Malvasia Bianca - organic grapes
Harvest: By Hand
TA: 4.9
pH: 3.12
RS: 0.30
ALC: 12.5%
Note 1: Villa Graziella has
been certified organic each vintage since 2009
Note 2: Starting out with a
quote from W.C. Fields should be an indication I take many things light heartedly. Feel welcome to post comments here, or send
your hate mail to jim@winemizer.net.
For more on Villa Graziella's Rosso, see https://www.winemizer.net/2019/07/villa-graziella-rosso-toscano-igt-2018.html
For more on Villa Graziella's DOCG Chianti and Chianti DOCG Reserva, see: https://www.winemizer.net/2019/07/villa-graziella-chianti-2017-docg-vs.html
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| And Don't Forget The Pizza. (Taste Better When Cooked) |
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