The creaminess is due to buffalo ricotta cheese combined with basil and pine nuts and enriched by lemon zest. We pair it with a northern wine: the Colli Orientali del Friuli Friulano 2024 Monviert.
Creamy and fragrant, this dish combines all the excellence of southern Italy. The grated zest on the surface of the lemon, in addition to enhancing the aroma, adds that point of freshness that makes the dish irresistible. The almond note and herbaceous nuances of the wine bond naturally with basil and pine nuts, without overpowering the dish and harmonizing with the different flavors.
Ingredients for 4 persons:
400 g. Orecchiette; 1 untreated Amalfi lemon
For the pesto: 200 g. Buffalo ricotta cheese; 20 g. Pine nuts; 10 basil leaves; 1 Small clove of garlic; 2 tbsp. evo oil; Fine salt to taste.
Procedure:
Place a clove of garlic, evo oil, basil, pine nuts, and an ice cube in the bowl of a blender and blend until smooth. Add the buffalo ricotta and mix thoroughly.
Cook the orecchiette pasta in plenty of salted water, drain and pour it with the pesto into a large salad bowl. Mix thoroughly to blend the ingredients (add a little cooking water if necessary).
Serve on preheated flat plates with a grating of lemon zest on top and a handful of pine nuts. Decorate with a basil leaf.
Wine pairing
(Edited by Stefania Vinciguerra)
Friuli Colli Orientali Friulano 2024 Monviert
Straw yellow with bright greenish highlights. Intense on the nose, with notes of white flowers, pear, aromas of herbs, hints of white almond. Rich and fat on the palate, it has lively but not sharp freshness, a certain softness and has a classic almondy aftertaste.
Grapevine: 100% Friulano grapes. Training form: Cappuccina. Grape production per hectare 80 q.li.
Harvest:
late harvest
Production processes: The harvested grapes are gently destemmed. Soft pressing of the grapes follows, and the resulting must is clarified by decanting. Vinification continues with alcoholic fermentation at a controlled temperature (18-20°C) in stainless steel tanks. Once fermentation is complete, the wine is aged for 3-4 months in stainless steel tanks, taking special care in the preservation and evolution of the “noble lees,” with frequent handling.
Alcohol content: 13% vol.
Serving temperature:
10-12°C (no colder, to enhance its softness)
Recommended pairings: Excellent wine for aperitifs and lean appetizers. Ideal with pasta dishes dressed with vegetable-based sauces, savory fish dishes or white meats and cheeses. Excellent with San Daniele ham.
