Challenging Wine Pairing: Gnocchi

While gnocchi does not receive as much attention as other pastas, potato gnocchi has become popular and frequently appears on restaurant menus. In fact, in the past year, I have enjoyed delicious gnocchi both in Italy and here in Seattle. Since we Wine Peeps enjoy Italian food very much, I decided to prepare a challenging wine pairing meal using gnocchi drizzled with sautéed leeks and truffle oil as our entrée. It was a simple, but very enjoyable, meal that included the gnocchi and a caprese salad.

Once again, I referred to my favorite book, What to Drink with What You Eat, and decided to try a Rosé and Chianti with this meal. We selected the 2012 Robert Ramsay Rosé from Washington State and the 2009 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva from Italy. Both wines were excellent, but the unanimous choice as the best pairing was the Rosé.

What would you pair with this meal?  And, as always, we welcome your suggestions for future challenging pairings.

Bon Appétit!

2012 Robert Ramsay Rosé (Columbia Valley, Washington): 45% Grenache, 45% Cinsault, and 10% Viognier. Medium pinkish salmon color. Very aromatic with raspberry, strawberry, and watermelon on both the nose and palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with crisp acidity. Well-balanced with a very long, refreshing finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Winery, $18; Available elsewhere, $16 to $18

2009 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva (Chianti Classico DOCG, Italy): Deep, dark red. Very aromatic with black cherry and earth on both the nose and palate. Medium-bodied with lively acidity and smooth tannins. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 5 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: K & L Wine Merchants (California), $17.99; Available elsewhere, $17 to $25

Challenging Wine Pairing: Gnocchi was originally posted on Wine Peeps. Wine Peeps - Your link to great QPR wines from Washington State and beyond.