Perfect Pairing

Today I wanted to share what I am prepping for a Fall evening get-together… Villa Gemma Bianco wine and a spread of pumpkin-inspired cheese and charcuterie. And as a lover of “fresh” whites wines and yummy pumpkin-themed cheeses and crackers, this spread is perfect for the season!

A little more about the wine for the wine lovers in the group….

The Masciarelli winery (where Villa Gemma Bianco originates) is headquartered in the small village of San Martino Sulla Marrucina, in the province of Chieti in Central Italy. Among Masciarelli’s specialties are high-quality expressions of the local native grapes Montepulciano, Trebbiano and Pecorino. The terrain’s sea breeze combined with year-round cold winds from the mountains form a truly unique climate in which their grapes thrive and remain resilient, creating powerfully fine tannins and beautifully complex aromas unique to the region. As a result of these excellent grapes, the winery has become international bestsellers of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Malvasia, and Chardonnay.

What I really loved learning about the company was that the winery has played an active role in the ongoing improvement of its environmental practices. Masciarelli was the ninth winery in Italy to achieve the EMAS certification (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme), the tool created by the EU which allows companies to evaluate and improve their environmental performance. Bravo!!

The wine I served in today’s post because no matter the season – I LOVE white wine – is the Gemma Bianco. After aging for 4 months, the end result is a delicately vibrant and fresh white wine, characterized by fruity, aromatic herbs notes and intense minerality. It is perfect alongside appetizers, seafood, and fish courses (or today’s cheese board!!).

To create the perfect “Fall” appetizer spread, I paired my Villa Gemma Bianco wine with some of my favorite Fall staples. Rather than a classic brie, I chose Fromager Daffinoisusa’s melt-in your-mouth creamy brie with Roasted Pumpkin Seeds!! And rather than everyday crackers I chose Pumpkin and Cranberry flavored crackers and almond flour crackers (which are nice and hearty!). Finishing touches include genoa salami (always a favorite with white wine), red grapes, and marcona almonds. And of course because it’s Fall, I used a few decorative pumpkins and pinecones alongside my rosemary garnish.

Cheers to the perfect spread!! Purchase your Villa Gemma Bianco wine here!!

Thank you to Masciarelli Wines for sponsoring this post.

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