Wine and Food Pairing: Double Wines and Double Dishes

This month’s wine and food pairing brings us double the happiness as Carolyn Joy of Joy Wine and Spirits brought in 2 wines, a Monte del Fra CA’ del Magro white wine and a Castello de Monastero Chianti Superiore red to go along with Herb Roasted Chicken with Spaghetti Squash and Carrot Cake Bread pudding brought to us by Devin Collier, General Manager of Bird Restaurant.

Interview with Carolyn and Devin

A special note from Carolyn:

Time is money.  This is almost always and to a point, where upon in the wine world, there are diminishing returns. As a live product, wine constantly changes and often improves with time in the bottle. (more so red wine) …until it doesn’t.   But one way or another, aging wine usually costs you something, either time or money.  But not today, where we are able to taste a ____ Chianti at a very reasonable price.

So how does red wine change with age? An extra year or two after release will give   red wine a little added time to mellow, and integrate, loosening any sharp edges.   With several years of age, a red wine will frequently change a little more orange in color, tannins and acid will soften and some fruit notes, may change to more savory or herbaceous notes, and definitely more integrated flavors, often lending itself to great food pairings.” 

Estate grown on the beautiful, rolling hills about 20 km from Sienna, and aged for 12 months in small oak barrels Castello di Monastero’s Chianti Superiore is 85% Sangiovese, and 15% Merlot and Cabernet. Chianti Superiore gets its designation not from a region, but production and aging requirements. Superiore can come from any of 7 regions within Chianti (except Classico) and must be aged 9 months, 3 which must be in bottle.

“Wines means history, culture and science, In every bottle of wine fruits of dedication and knowledge.  My wines are like my children, they are all the same because they are made with the same vision, there is no preference, they are all very good” (Owner Castello di Monastero)

On the opposite end of the spectrum, we’ll also be tasting a bottle of young, fresh, bright white wine.  The Monte del Frà 2016 Cà del Magro is at its peak and won’t benefit much from more aging.  Awarded 90 points from Wine Enthusiast, “Spring flower, crushed aromatic herb and white stone-fruit aromas lift out of the glass. On the savory medium-bodied palate, fresh acidity accompanies juicy yellow apple, lemon zest, apricot and bitter almond. Drink through 2022

Monte del Fra is positioned in the heart of the village of Custoza in Italy’s Northeast region, the Veneto and is a blend of 9 varietals 

– 40% Garganega, 20% Trebbiano Toscano, 5% Tocai Friulano, 10% Cortese, 10% Chardonnay-Riesling Italico-Malvasia and 15% Incrocio Manzoni.  The vines average 40 years in age and are grown on a variety of soils, including limestone, clay, gravely and sandy, all which add to the complexity of the wine.  Aged separately for 4 months in small oak barrels sur lees, the Garganega adds a creamy component to this blend.  

The age of the Castello di Monastero Chianti Superiore and the youth of the Monte del Fra make them wonderful accompaniment to this month’s Food and Wine pairing.