White Wine Pairings
Cavatelli with Mussels, Lillet and Dill
Pairing: 2008 Domaine La Haute Févrie Sur Lie Muscadet Sèvre et Maine
The perfect match for this creamy cavatelli-and-mussels dish: Muscadet, a coastal wine that's superb with shellfish.
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Giant Lima Beans with Stewed Tomatoes and Oregano Pesto
Pairing: 2009 Semeli Mountain Sun White
Mostly Moschofilero, blended with 15 percent Roditis, this handharvested, stainless steel–fermented white pleases with melon, mineral and citrus flavors. A relatively low level of alcohol—11.5 percent—makes it particularly refreshing.
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Clams the Sailor's Way
Pairing: 2009 Salneval Albariño
It's not uncommon in Galicia to have a meal that consists of lots of different shellfish, bread and nothing else. Encarna Méndez of Do Ferreiro winery prepares clams the fisherman's way: steamed in Albariño with onion and garlic.
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Grilled Eggplant Involtini
Pairing: 2008 Rocca Sveva Soave Classico
Delicate aromas of acacia flower and lemon icing precede a clean, light-bodied palate full of slightly sweet citrus flavors in this charming quaffer.
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Penne with Salsa Verde, Mozzarella, and Cherry Tomatoes
Pairing: 2009 Colombelle Vin de Pays des Côtes de Gascogne
Made from Colombard and Ugni Blanc, the two most common grapes in Cognac, Colombelle is an interesting and refreshing white, with tasty pear flavors and bright acidity. It's also a great value.
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Chicken Pad Thai
Pairing: 2007 AutoMoto Riesling
From California's cool Central Coast comes this easy-drinking Riesling; crafted in a rich style, it offers flavors of peach, tangerine and lemonade accented by minerals.
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Spicy Avocado-Cucumber Soup
Pairing: 2008 GV Grüner Veltliner
This wonderful bargain (a full liter for less than $15) is lightbodied and quaffable, with juicy green and yellow apple flavors, notes of bread and minerals and zesty acidity.