Back to Italy
Thanks to John over at Quaffability for bringing my attention to the 2005 Vigna del Gelso Malbech. How could I turn down a grape I’ve recently rediscovered, unexpectedly from the Veneto region of Italy and at $5, no less?
Well, I couldn’t and picked up the bottle last week while getting a few items from Trader Joe’s, as I planned to try my hand at a pasta bake with leftover spaghetti sauce. While the food could have been better (by using ziti or penne instead of long noodles–I know, I know– and probably more cheese), the pairing was just what I wanted. Malbec is supposed to go well with tomato sauces and beef, and I was working with one of the best tomato sauces ever (maybe one day I’ll share the recipe…) and ground beef sauteed in garlic and onions.
With the aroma of cedar and flavors of plum and cherry cola, I was digging the smooth, medium-bodied Malbec(h). But then, I’m always a sucker for Italian food and Italian wine (especially at only $5).
malbec, Italian malbech, pasta bake
March 2nd, 2007 at 7:49 am
Perhaps a good candidate for Coq au Vin recipes?
March 2nd, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Cool, I’m always looking for the good, good deals at TJ’s and when I say good, I mean delicious and cheap (but certainly not cheap tasting).
March 2nd, 2007 at 6:32 pm
that sound ridiculously delicious!
March 3rd, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Wow, this wine sure meets our “affordable” criteria. I’m really bummed that we don’t have a Trader Joe’s anywhere close. I’ve had to prevail on friends and relatives to pick up the odd bottle of Two Buck Chuck… I may have to find the closest one (Chicago?) and organize an expedition.