September Salentino challenge
Carissimi,
Labor Day has passed, the short week has left me wondering what day it really is, the kids are back on the playground while the principal is on the PA, and though the leaves have not turned (nor will they ever) it is autunno. The evening still feels cozy as we listen to Mimicking Birds and I peruse picture books while the leftovers heat up. The only real work going on is the Epicuro taste-off, which is probably the most enjoyable and most important work I’ve gotten done today
First step in the booged-out Italian wine project, look at this photo:
One of these is things is not like the other...
I have two bottles of the always reliable Epicuro label open: the Aglianico of 2007 and the Salice Salentino of 2005. The Aglianico is my recent favorite (to help me over the urge to open my precious bottles of Chariot Gypsy) and the Salice seemed the next obvious choice. Was not a huge fan of the Nero d’Avola, despite many recommendations.
If you carefully examine the picture above, you will notice that one bottle seems a bit more empty…. The Aglianico is an amazingly drinkable red that also pairs nicely with food that straddles the border between late summer and early fall. Tomatoes, eggplants, late summer squash, and some leafy greens. It is pairing wonderfully with this mac & goat cheese + swiss chard. The Salentino, on the other hand, is less drinkable and might need a more robust pairing with grilled meats or hearty stews. Have to confirm that later when I go kill my own wild boar and make a September sugo.
A presto,
SAC