Celebrate La Dolce Vita during the Holidays like an Italian with exquisite wine and food. If it is true that I embrace Latin and Spanish food pairings, there is nothing like Italian Wine and Food. My first love in terms of Wine was Italian Wines. They are full of history, great autochthonous grapes, and winemaking grandeur.
Hence, these Holidays Propongo un brindisi! – I propose a toast – to enjoy a la Italiana! To celebrate the Holidays, whether it is the joy of being around family or getting together with friends during the last night of the year, I have a savory recipe and wine pairing to embrace La Dolce Vita during the Holidays. I am sharing with you one of my favorite dishes that will be yours, too: Fettuccine with Clams and Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio from Sicily.
Fettuccine with Clams and Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio as the Primo Piatto
To celebrate a la Italiana, focus on preparing Primo Piatti (first course) with non-meat dishes such as risotto, pasta, polenta, and seafood that are the staple of Primo Piatti. Then, pair the First Course with Pinot Grigio, and you will nail the Italian way! A fresh and crisp Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the light and fresh flavors typical of a Primo.
The food: Fettuccine with Clams
First, let us focus on the Fettuccine with Clams. Clams are Shellfish that are relatively easy to find, whether fresh or frozen. This delicacy pairs deliciously with pasta. I prefer to do it with Fettuccine because of the consistency of this pasta which provides more texture to the final plate.
Ingredients
1 lb (16 oz ) or one package of Fettuccine Pasta
2 lb Shellfish (we recommend clams)
½ Red bell pepper chopped
½ Green bell pepper chopped
3 Cloves of garlic minced
6 Baby Bellas mushrooms sliced
1 oz Virgin olive oil
½ oz White wine
10 oz Heavy whipping cream
½ teaspoon Black pepper
½ teaspoon Red peppercorn½ teaspoon Sea salt
Directions
Clean the Shellfish
1. In a medium bowl, add the Shellfish with water, salt, and a splash of cornflower—rinse and separate.
The Cooking
2. In a large pan on medium heat, add olive oil and incorporate all the vegetables and Shellfish—season with sea salt, black pepper, and red peppercorn. Mix all ingredients thoroughly—Cook for 3 minutes.
Add the white wine. Mix for one minute all the ingredients thoroughly once more.
Almost Ready
3. Add the heavy cream and mix the ingredients in the pan for 2 minutes.
In a separate pan, cook the pasta according to your preference. Once it is ready or al dente, mix it into the pan with the rest of the ingredients and mix for the next minute. Serve hot.
The wine: Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio 2021
Second, let the Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio flow. Barone Montalto is a true expression of modern-day Sicilian winemaking. A unique, more intense expression of Pinot Grigio revealing lime and tropical flavors. The balanced citrus characteristics of this Pinot Grigio help cut through the richness of the Primo Piatti selected.
Barone Montalto Pinot Grigio Review
Appellation: Sicilia IGT
Varietals: 100% Pinot Grigio
Tasting Notes: Its pale gold and greenish hue lead to complex citrus aromas and wet stone. The palate is fresh, crisp, and pleasant on the nose, with a dry, clean finish.
SRP: $12.
Campaign Financed According to EU Reg. No. 1308/2013
Love the concept and the recipe Martha!
Author
Thank you Russ!!