Ratatouille & Merlot Pairing
It's that time of the week again when we unearth another gem from our recipe collection and pair it with a sublime wine. This time, we are taking a delightful culinary voyage to the sun-kissed Mediterranean coastline with a classic dish that is as nourishing as it is vibrant - Ratatouille.
Classic Mediterranean Ratatouille Recipe
Ratatouille is a quintessential French Provençal stewed vegetable dish that has won hearts far beyond its origins in Nice. Celebrated for its bold colors and comforting flavors, it's not only a feast for the eyes but also a treat for the palate.
Ingredients:
2 medium-sized zucchinis, sliced
2 medium-sized eggplants, sliced
2 red bell peppers, chopped
1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
2 onions, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
6 ripe tomatoes, diced
¼ cup of olive oil
A handful of fresh basil leaves, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
A pinch of Herbes de Provence or dried thyme
Directions:
- In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté onions and garlic until translucent.
- Add bell peppers and eggplants, and cook for around 10 minutes until they start to soften.
- Introduce zucchinis and tomatoes, sprinkle Herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper, and stir gently.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and allow to simmer for around 30 minutes, occasionally stirring.
- Add the basil a few minutes before taking the ratatouille off the heat.
- Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving, enabling the flavors to meld beautifully.
Perfect Wine Pairing: Merlot
No Mediterranean feast is complete without the perfect wine to complement the flavors.
Merlot - A Harmonious Companion
Merlot is a popular medium-bodied red wine known for its velvety tines and approachable dark fruit flavors like plums, blackberries, and cherries. It also has a subtle earthiness that pairs remarkably well with the richness of the Mediterranean palette.
Why Merlot with Ratatouille?
The soft tannins and fruity notes of Merlot beautifully complement the natural sweetness brought out by the slow-cooked vegetables in ratatouille. This pairing not only balances the heartiness of the dish but elevates the overall dining experience as each sip echoes the rustic charm of the dish.
We suggest letting the Merlot breathe before serving, to fully encapsulate the bouquet of flavors. Discover all the merlot wines here!
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