Make your next aperitivo a Mediterranean taste sensation of sweet and meaty shrimp, umami chorizo and the effervescence of a fruity-fresh Italian Lugana sparkling wine
As long as the days are still warm enough to enjoy our aperitivo on the porch, over here delicious appetizers will be devoured while sipping a glass of bubbles almost every night.
These mini shrimp and chorizo quiches are a wonderful appetizer but served with a fresh green salad they will work perfect for dinner as well. And the best of all, they are absolutely easy to prepare and they are perfect with a refreshing glass of sparkling wine.
I’ve been contemplating a Cava from Spain – because chorizo – but in the end opted for a bottle of Ca’ dei Frati Cuvée Brut from Italy’s Lugana DOC region.
About Ca’ dei Frati
Located at the shores of one of the most favoured tourist spots in Italy, the beautiful Lago di Garda, not far from the fairytale town of Sirmione, Ca’ dei Frati is one of the flagships of the Lugana wine region.
The first mentioning of Ca’ dei Frati goes back to a document from 1782, mentioning a house with a wine cellar thought Ca’ dei Frati owned by Andrea Frati at the time was mostly a farm growing fruit and vegetables. This changed in 1939 when Felice Dal Cero took over the then rundown farm and he and the next generations transformed it into one of the leading wineries of the area which today is known as Lugana DOC.
Tasting Notes: Cuvée dei Frati Brut
Cuvée dei Frati Brut is a refreshing Italian sparkling wine made from the local Turbiana grape, and a small addition of Chardonnay grapes. It is made according to the ‘Metodo Classico’ with second formation taking place in the bottle.
For the Cuvée dei Frati Brut, the grapes are pressed whole, and the first fermentation is taking place in stainless steel tanks. Sugar and yeast are added to the base wine before it is bottled for second fermentation. The wine will rest on its lees for a minimum of 24 months, disgorged and matures for another four months in the bottle.
In the glass, a bright golden yellow with green hues and a fine continuous perlage.
On the nose, intense aromas of hazelnut and brioche followed by notes of hay and spicy tobacco.
On the palate, silky and creamy with a long and dry finish.
Food pairing: The Cuvée dei Frati Brut is a fantastic sparkling wine to be enjoyed as aperitivo. It also works its magic alongside a fresh salad, poultry, and seafood.
I truly loved the Cuvée dei Frati Brut paired with the tasty shrimp and chorizo quiches which made for a fantastic al-fresco aperitivo on a warm summer evening.
Recipe: Mini Shrimp and Chorizo Quiches
For 12 mini quiches
200 g puff pastry
6 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
100 g chorizo
1 small onion, finely chopped
70 g mozzarella cheese, grated
1 egg
1 egg yolk
250 ml heavy cream
2 pinches nutmeg
2-3 tablespoons olive oil
salt
Grease the moulds of a muffin pan with butter. Thinly roll out the puff pastry and line the moulds with the dough.
Cut the shrimp and chorizo in small pieces.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the onion until translucent for about 3-4 minutes. Add shrimp and chorizo, season with salt and cook for 2-3 minutes. Set aside to let cool slightly.
In a bowl, combine egg and egg yolk, cream, and mozzarella. Season with nutmeg and salt.
Preheat the oven to 180°C.
Fill the muffin moulds with the shrimp-chorizo mix then pour over the creme-cheese mixture. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
Take from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan.
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