Food is now more important ever.
We all are in desperate need of comfort.
Food never disappoints, is not partisan or judgmental.
Well, sometimes I get self-judgey when I consume sugar, Fritos or too many carbs, but that is another post.
During these trying times an adult beverage is not a luxury, it is a necessity.
5pm is definitely becoming my favorite time of day.
When you are looking for wine guidance you call in the expert.
Who better to lead the discussion then my sassy, caring, smart, dedicated, dear friend, owner of the exceptional Sociale restaurant and wine connoisseur, Francesco Nuccitelli.
Francesco personifies the great American success story of the immigrant who arrived from Italy rich in determination and drive.
He began his journey in NYC on his bicycle, delivering pizza and is now the proud and successful owner of the outstanding Sociale restaurant soon to throw open its doors at a new location in Brooklyn.
Francesco happily agreed to share his extensive wine knowledge with me, contributing 3 amazing wine selections under $20 and also serving up a variety of food selections to accompany these outstanding wines.
Pour yourself a glass of wine and drink in Francesco’s expert advice.
WHITE
LUGANA del GARDA
Amazing white wine, super fresh, zero oak.
Lugana is the clone of the more famous Trebbiano and grows by the Garda lake, one of Francesco’s favorite places in Italy.
He recommends pairing this fantastic wine with some Italian summer lunch staples including, caprese, prosciutto e melone or a classic spaghetti with tomato and basil.
Here’s a link to a Lugana that he is very familiar with and adores:
RED
FRAPPATO
Less famous than its cousin, Nero d’Avola, this wonderful Sicilian is Francesco’s go to choice when he desires something extremely approachable.
Frappato is easy to drink and an honest, unpretentious table wine.
The body is on the lighter side of the spectrum (he feels we do not need bold in the summer) and is delectably paired with super flavorful warm weather dishes such as chicken Milanese with arugula, a chicken Caesar or a primavera pasta.
Remarkably, it is also perfect with meat, the acidity balancing the richness.
ROSE
RAMATO
When it comes to rose Francesco’s favorites are the RAMATO (rame in Italian means copper…so ramato is copper like in color).
This Bosco del Merlo Pinot Grigio is an exceptional example.
The wine producers are friends. Matias, who represents the brand in the U.S., co-owned a bar in Italy with Francesco and the close friends made the life changing move to America together.
Ramato is perfection…fresh, crisp and the rose goes down like water.
It is a perfect summer beverage and a wonderful accompaniment with fish, fried calamari, baked branzino and linguine with clam sauce.
Update…the new, expanded Sociale will hopefully debut this fall and will be open all day.
Sociale will also offer private dining experiences, along with engaging wine classes and diverse tastings.
You must check out Francesco’s and Megh’s awesome Casa Sociale YouTube channel which features biweekly (Wednesday and Saturday) delectable recipes.
Open a bottle of stellar Italian wine and cook along with Francesco’s talented wife and business partner, Megh, who offers an array of Italian recipes.
Francesco jumps in and contributes an informative vineyard vine of knowledge, embracing and imbibing remarkable wines.
It’s summer…relax, enjoy these satisfying wines all under $20 chosen by a man who knows his stuff.
Remember, travel is still restricted so pay a visit to Sociale when it debuts in its new location…it will be the next best thing to being in Italy.
Discover more from If The Devil Had Menopause
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
YESSSSS !!!