Fresh Heirloom Tomato Gnocchi and C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon

By Laina Carter of McGrail Vineyards & Winery

There’s something so special about Italian food. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, I find it impossible to dislike Italian food. The ingredients are so, incredibly wholesome and versatile. Italian dishes are just plain comforting and delicious.

Vintage after vintage, our C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon continues to be one of my absolute favorite wines we produce. I can always count on it being fruit-forward and drinkable as soon as it’s released. My favorite vintage was the 2013 and despite being so drinkable when it was released, this wine is aging beautifully. I’d say the 2017 vintage is quite similar to the 2013. Consistently, the C. Tarantino Cab has gorgeous acidity, which makes it the absolute perfect wine to pair with Italian dishes. I’m not sure if it’s the soil the grapes are grown in, if it’s the grape clone (337, which is different from what we have on our estate and our Lucky 8 Vineyard), or if it’s even the way the sun hits the vines in the summertime, but something about this wine is simply magical.

If you were lucky enough to receive this fabulous wine in your most recent club shipment, whip it out and try this pairing for yourself. We are a few bottles shy of selling out of the 2017 vintage of this Cab, so if you want to try this pairing, don’t wait. Get a bottle now. I promise you won’t be disappointed by this pairing!

Heirloom Tomato, Fresh Basil, and Mozzarella Potato Gnocchi Paired with our 2017 C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon

Makes about 6 servings

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 tbsp. olive oil
• 2 tbsp. fresh garlic, minced
• 2 lbs. whole mini heirloom tomatoes
• Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 lbs. shelf-stable potato gnocchi, cooked according to package directions
• 3/4 cup fresh basil
• 1 cup roasted garlic marinara sauce
• 8 oz. ciliegine mozzarella balls, cut into quarters
• Grated pecorino romano and parmesan blend cheese 

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a 12-inch cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. 
2. Add the garlic to the skillet. Cook until slightly browned. 
3. Add mini heirloom tomatoes.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Prepare the potato gnocchi according to package directions.
6. Cook garlic and tomatoes in skillet for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes begin to soften.
7. Add the gnocchi to the skillet. Cook until heated through.
8. Stir in ½ cup of the fresh basil and the marinara sauce.
9. Add the mozzarella. Stir until it just begins to melt.
10. Plate the gnocchi and sprinkle the pecorino romano and parmesan cheese blend over each plate. Garnish with remaining basil.
11. Enjoy this delicious dish with a glass or two of our 2017 C. Tarantino Cabernet Sauvignon!

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Please let us know if you end up making this pairing and if you have any feedback! We’d love to hear it.

Cheers and enjoy!