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I like to cook. I like to enjoy wine. The great thing is that the two go together perfectly. There’s nothing like a tasty meal that is optimally paired with a fine wine. When I took my Sommelier exam one of the notes that the Master Sommelier penned on my exam result was that I had keen food & wine pairing ability. This is where I’m at home. I will endeavor to take a recipe or meal type and suggest a pairing that will not only please the palate but that will bring out the best in both the meal and the wine.

Arnaldo Caprai Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani 2009 - Italy

Even though cooler weather is enveloping the nation, thankfully after the summer we all had – there is always a night when you just want salad. Although you want something filling, you don’t want to feel like you just went through a Thanksgiving meal. Here’s a recipe (see next column) from Sara Jenkins of New York's critically acclaimed Porchetta and Porsena, that will fill your tummy AND pairs with the incredible Arnaldo Caprai Grecante Grechetto dei Colli Martani 2009. This wine is (and sing along as you say it) YUMMY!

The Grecante Grechetto has weight on the palate which means it will still have taste when you drink it with food. Ever have a wine that seemed to disappear in your mouth as soon as you took a bite of food? That’s a wine with no weight. The Grecante Grechetto is the opposite of that with smooth taste of ripe peaches and pineapple.

Salad of Purslane, Heirloom Cherry Tomatoes and Castelluccio Lentils

*Can substitute baby arugula for purslane

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

6 TBSP Umbrian extra virgin olive oil
1 qrt mixed heirloom cherry tomatoes
1 Bunch purslane or baby arugula
1 C cooked and drained Castelluccio lentils
2 Red scallions slivered
2 TBSP mild Italian red wine vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste

DirectionsSlice the cherry tomatoes in halves or quarters and with the scallions toss with salt in the bottom of a salad bowl. Add the lentils, purslane and toss with olive oil and vinegar. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary. Serve immediately.

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