This tasty aperitif combo is full of the delicious fall flavours we are all craving right now
Grape harvest in the northern hemisphere might be completed, but that does not mean we cannot enjoy a wonderful pre-dinner vintners aperitivo any longer.
Indeed, the still mild weather offers the perfect excuse to invite family and friends for a late fall aperitivo on the terrace. Not that any excuse would be needed; and if the weather should not collaborate at your place, this delicious combo also works indoors of course.
About Weingut Becker Landgraf
Becker Landgraf Winery is located in Germany’s largest winegrowing region Rheinhessen, a cool climate winegrowing region characterized by mild climate benefitting of plenty of sunshine and low precipitation.
Owners Julia and Johannes Landgraf are fourth generation winemakers with a strong focus on authentic natural wines. Around 98% of their vines are located on the 246 metres high freestanding Petersberg hill. The region, which millions of years ago was covered by the sea offers powerful deposits of clay structures, limestone marl and large intermediate deposits of shell limestone.
The area under vines is nourished by natural humus and Becker Landgraf Winery avoids irrigation and using artificial mineral fertilizers. This is causing the vines to grow their roots deep down into the soil to find water. The winery’s targeted soil cultivation and greenery creates a balance that avoids overloading of the vines and therefore perfect conditions growing grapes of high quality.
The majority of Becker Landgraf vines are Riesling while other white varieties include Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay. Meanwhile, the most important red variety is Pinot Noir.
Tasting Notes: Blanc et Noir Brut Nature
The Blanc et Noir brut nature sparling wine is made according to the classic (champagne) method. Grapes for the base wine are from different vineyards all located at or around Petersberg, undergoing an initial early pre-selection in the vineyard to assure only good quality grapes with fine acidity are used. Grapes are hand-harvested and placed directly on the press.
Fermentation is taking place spontaneously and the wine is expanded without any fining measures before it’s given a long yeast storage in the barrel. Second fermentation takes place in the bottle with the wine maturing on the lees for four years in the bottle.
Blanc et Noir brut is a zero-dosage sparkling wine made of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Noir grapes.
In the glass, a bright yellow with fine perlage.
On the nose, aromas of yellow fruits, ripe pears, brioche, almonds, and delicate cream.
On the palate, elegant with a wonderful structure and length. Fine salty minerality and delicate herbal spice.
Food pairing: The Blanc et Noir brut nature can be enjoyed as aperitif on its own or paired with a wide range of savoury pastries, canapés, salmon, and cheese. It also works very well with fruit desserts.
I have paired it with a delicious grape pizza appetizer which marries a sweet topping of fresh, juicy red grapes with the smoky, salty flavour of the bacon.
Recipe: Grape Pizza
Serves 4 small pieces
For the pizza dough
225 g all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons instant dry yeast
60 ml warm milk
60 ml warm water
½ teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
For the topping
125 g red grapes, halved
1 egg
200 g sour cream
50 g bacon cubes
salt, pepper
In a large bowl, add all ingredients for the pizza dough. Knead until obtaining a smooth and elastic dough.
Grease a separate bowl with some olive oil. Form the dough into a ball, place into the bowl and cover with a kitchen towel. Set aside and let rise in a warm place for about two hours until it has doubled in size.
Knead the dough again, then divide into four pieces.
Preheat oven to 200°C.
Roll out the dough, forming four small pieces than place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Mix sour cream with the egg and season with salt and pepper. Spread the dough with the mixture then top with grapes and bacon. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil.
Bake 15-20 minutes until the dough turns golden-brown.
Carrots and Tigers 