Lasagne and Rioja - Armonia and Armonía
Please just take this post as a recommendation to enjoy cooking good food and drinking good wine. I take no responsibility for suggesting the particular ‘pairing’ which I found so pleasing. For me everything was in harmony here. I am convinced that some food/drink combinations work better than others but I’m also resolved to go no further than suggesting match-ups rather than insisting on them.
I will go a little closer to insisting that you try both of these elements even if you don’t combine them.
First the food. Reliable, reassuring Mary Berry provides the recipe. There are many vegetarian lasagne options. This is becoming our front-runner for repeat performances. We have already found that it freezes well.
Click image for link to recipe
The combination of earthy sweetness, grassy herbs and a sauce with mustard tang and both silky and squeaky cheese is surely enough to allay the reservations of meat eaters. Red peppers were left out this time as they have come under suspicion for mild gastric discomfort in the digestive phase.
Red wine was included though. So this is where you play your part and consider my suggestion in the full knowledge that I take rejection in my stride. We can remain friends if you open a different bottle.
Click image for link to wine
You’ll note that the particular wine is no longer available. This is not to tease you - it simply provides you an opportunity for a fun-filled mission to find something similar. I’d recommend looking at The Wine Society Rioja listing to start! And maybe consider a dip into limited or in bond offers to have at least a small supply to be released when you want a treat.
I had to recall the flavour profiles on offer in this wine from memory of a bottle opened months ago. Yes, I know. Make notes.
This revisit confirmed all the ripe black fruit and dried herb notes I’d anticipated. Pretty soft tannins made the whole thing even gentler than the food but still able to stand up to and balance the thrust and acidity of Dijon mustard.
My picture can’t speak a thousand words… and I’ll stop before typing that many in praise of this duo.
I leave you with my same opening hopes - that you’ll consider trying something which gives ample opportunity to eat, drink and be merry… and Mary!