Pairing: Mediterranean Cuisine

Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors, utilizing fresh herbs, vegetables, olive oil, and lean meats or seafood. Signature dishes include Greek moussaka, Italian pasta with tomato-based sauces, and Spanish paella. These dishes often feature bold ingredients like garlic, lemon, olives, and tomatoes, making wine pairings essential to balance the acidity and richness. The cuisine is versatile, ranging from light salads to hearty stews, allowing for a variety of wine styles to enhance the dining experience, from crisp whites to medium-bodied reds​.

Recipe

Ingredients

  • Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Provides richness and a base for sautéing vegetables and meats.
  • Tomatoes (2 cups, chopped): Adds acidity and sweetness, often used in sauces or salads.
  • Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Enhances the bold, savory flavors typical in Mediterranean cooking.
  • Lamb, chicken, or seafood (1-2 lbs): Provides the protein foundation, key for grilled or slow-cooked Mediterranean dishes.
  • Fresh herbs (thyme, oregano, basil): Essential for flavoring and bringing freshness to Mediterranean meals

Instructions

  1. Prepare the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pan. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, then add chopped tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes until they break down into a sauce.
  2. Cook the protein: For lamb or chicken, grill or sear the meat until golden brown, then roast at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until fully cooked. If using seafood, sauté or grill until tender and opaque.
  3. Combine and serve: Mix the protein with the tomato sauce and fresh herbs. Serve with couscous, rice, or pasta, garnished with extra herbs and olive oil​

Serve With

Sangiovese, Grenache

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Sangiovese

Sangiovese is Italy’s most widely planted wine variety, known for its versatility and expressive character.

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Grenache

Grenache, also known as Garnacha in Spain and Cannonau in Italy, is a versatile red grape variety known for producing wines with a wide range of styles, from light and fruity to rich and full-bodied.

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