Cooking a protein with a fruit is found in many cultures. Think Pork & Apples. But what about fish with fruit? Unusual, eh? The inspiration was found in a book from the “Enzo McLeod” mystery series by Peter May. No recipe was provided, but it wasn’t hard to recreate it. The original was white fish with green grapes, but hey, let’s change things up. If salmon and red grapes are what you’ve got, then go with it. Roasted alongside were some diced sweet potatoes.
The winemaker says, “Tenuta delle Terre Nere is the result of over forty years of passion and work in the world of fine wines. An extraordinary place – on this island within the island that is Etna – I chose (and that, I sometimes believe, actually chose me!). Where nature is prodigal but severe. And where I try with all my heart to express as purely as possible the refined and multifaceted microcosm of this ancient volcanic land. With respect, care and hard farm work, always in organic balance. The estate’s philosophy is simple. Given an extreme climate, in order to obtain the best and most consistent ripening, our attention must focus on vineyard management. The finest workmanship in all aspects of viticulture is the first thing that sets us apart. And what enables us, bringing home exceptionally fine grapes, not to be invasive in our cellar work. A work best described as aimed above all at expressing the character of our varieties in their specific terroir.”
The color is Pale Straw, bright and pretty in the glass. The aroma features green apple and ginger. On the palate, the Etna Bianco is bright, as if it were citrusy, but without the sometimes annoying lemon flavor that can skew a wine pairing. This wine is fresh, clean, and crisp — exactly what we enjoy in an Italian White. The finish is as good as the first taste. How does this pair? The Etna Bianco was just right with the rich salmon and the sweet grapes.
The Etna wine region is in eastern Sicily, known for its volcanic soils. This wine is made from old vine white grapes that are native to the area — Carricante, Catarratto, Inzolia, Grecanico, and Minnella — grown on the north slope of Europe’s only active volcano.
Other wines that pair with the food: a buttery California Chardonnay, a young Oregon Pinot Noir. Sauvignon Blanc or Riesling in a pinch.
Other foods that pair with the wine — the winemaker suggests: fish, chicken, rabbit, prosciutto and melon, salami and figs.
