Sylvia Sterling: Pizza & Chianti (Ruffino Classico 2011)
“Have you read the book?” I asked my fellow book club member. “Really Sylvia. Do any of us read the book on a regular basis? I read the first few pages of “Euphoria” and thought it would be something I’d like to read someday. We should just call our monthly club what it really is,” Polly said.
“A wine club.” We both laughed. “I’m making pizza for this month’s get together. I was calling to remind you that it’s your turn to bring dessert.”
“That means I stop and pick up a pint or two or six of ice cream. How many?”
“There will be six of us and remember more is better than less.”
The type of pizza would be revealed when the women arrived, as there was a bit of artistic reveal involved. It would be interesting as always to hear Greta’s review of the Chianti I was pouring. She was a long-time friend but she sought out the negative in everything.
The club members arrived by 7pm. There were 12 women on the roster and about half showed up at any given time.
“I’ll ask the question on everyone’s mind; what are we drinking. Pairings are your thing Sylvia and you’re the host so knock our socks off.”
“Were having pizza with red sauce so I chose a Chianti Classico Reserve, 2011. I’m excited to hear what you think about it. It’s subjective so my feelings won’t be hurt.”
Before I poured, I did a quick check to make sure there were no pregnant women present. There was a month that Polly and I were the only one’s not knocked up.
“My first comment has to be the color. It’s a luscious ruby and the clarity is excellent. Does anyone else notice the legs?”
“They’re crawling slowly.” Polly commented.
“I’m holding back until I see how it pairs with the pizza,” Greta added.
“Speaking of pizza. I made my dough from scratch which I realize was a waste of effort because good dough is available everywhere. Stand back girl and watch me do my magic.”
The pizza sauce was a blend of good tomato paste, herbs and a splash of sherry. I topped it with fontina cheese, genoa salami and thinly sliced red onions. I placed it in the center of the table after it was cooked to perfection. “Ladies, I give you Pizza Volcano.” I spritzed 151 rum on top and flambéed the pizza. The onions crisped and the edges of the salami turned up.
“Wow, Sylvia. Quite the show. I don’t care how it tastes; it was a fun surprise.”
“Everyone grab a slice and then tell me what you think of it paired with the wine.”
“Chianti and pizza reminds me of my first date in a cheap Italian restaurant. The bottle was covered with wicker and it tasted like shit. Seriously, this time around I’m on board with this Chianti. It has a fruity nose with a great deal of plum and I want to say currants. It stands on it’s own next to the robust red sauce.” Lydia was our newest member and had a discriminating palate.
“Beyond the fruitiness, I’m getting sweet spice and perhaps pepper that doesn’t hit right away and it adds to a smooth finish. I’m getting nervous because next month, I host and you’ve set the bar high Sylvia.”
“Thanks Polly. I think you were right earlier when you said we should be a wine club; we haven’t mentioned the book once. Greta, you said you wanted to see how the Chianti paired with the pizza. Do you have a comment to add?”
“I always have an opinion Sylvia.” Greta joked and giggled, although it was the truth. “As soon as my nose came close to the glass, I noticed an abrupt whiff of alcohol. With the sherry and the rum on the pizza, I think the wine was overwhelming. The Ruffino is said to be balanced as far as tannin and acidity are concerned but I don’t find that’s the case.” Greta sat back and I hoped she was finished but she continued. “I can see that the pairing was logical but to me it’s a little off. Maybe given a year or two in the cellar it might be just right.”
Greta had been a buzz kill as always. I appreciated comments but hers were always negative. Many times like a good wine, there should be some balance in a review. It wasn’t like I grew the grapes so my feelings weren’t hurt but I felt the evening should end on a positive note. “Time for dessert. Say what you want about wine but I don’t expect anyone to criticize ice cream.”
Polly brought out six pints of varying flavors with spoons and bowls. We had a great time even if our book club never mentioned reading.
