Frascati and ..........



~ St. Peter's Basilica, Vatican City, Rome ~

It's been said before that Frascati is the Wine of Pope's and People.  I don't know why, but I think of that lore every time I open a bottle of this delicate white from the Roman Hills. 

 

It's been hot recently - the type of weather that is reminiscent of the last few days I spent in Roma, so it was time to cool off with a refreshing bottle of Frascati.  

 

Over the last several weeks, I've been making a few meatless meals each week and my family has requested that today's recipe become a repeating staple of that philosophy.  It was the perfect foil for the wine.  The dish, as the title of today's article implies, has no name.  I simply call it:  Shrimp with beans and greens. 

 

Recipe (Serves 4)

 

18 Shrimp - I use good quality frozen that are uncooked & cleaned

1 bunch broccoli rabe  (I've also used arugula and spinach)

2 cups cooked beans   (I used Roman and Cannellini for this) 

2 cloves garlic diced

3 pats butter

Juice from 1/2 lemon

Salt & Pepper

 

Soak the beans overnight or at least all day.  Drain them and return to the pot. Cover with fresh water and boil slowly for 45 minutes.  Fresh beans impart a superior product.  In a pinch, you can use canned beans but be careful not to overcook them. 

 

Thaw the shrimp and cook them in the butter and garlic.  Chop and blanche the broccoli rabe and combine with the shrimp - toss to coat.  When the beans are cooked, drain them and combine them with the shrimp and broccoli rabe.  Adjust seasoning, add the lemon juice, stir and serve. 



~ Vibrant, hearty and fresh without being heavy  ~ 

We opened the 2012 Fontana Candida Frascati.  Pale gold in color, the wine gives off classic aromas of limestone, mineral, grapefruit and lemon peel.  There's a slight hint of flowers.  On the palate, the wine is crisp and refreshing with palate cleansing acidity.  The flavors follow the nose with lemon and citrus dominating but there is also a pervasive mineral streak throughout.  Very much the sibling of the 2011 I reviewed last year.  Good persistence on the finish, this was wonderful with the dish and perfect for a summer evening.  89 points.  About $10.



~ By law, Frascati must be at least 70% Malvasia or Trebbiano with the balance comprised of the Greco grape. ~

 

This dish chased away the early summer heat.  I keep a bottle chilled in the refrigerator all summer.  Do yourself a favor and break away from your stale Pinot Grigio and get familiar with Frascati!