Islands of the Mediterranean

For the latest installment of “Grows With, Goes With”, we ventured to various wine- and cheese-rich islands to taste the terroir of some coastal paradises. Our pairings were based in Greece, Corsica, Sicily, and Sardinia. The pairings were wildly different and made for one of our more interesting tasting events.

Which island won out for the pairing highlight? Peloponnese of Greece! We chose a 100% moscofilero varietal, a light, bright, white wine called Salto. This beautiful wine has its roots in 10 year old vines, grown in sandy soils. Salto is fermented in stainless steel with wild yeasts. White flowers on the nose, jasmine most notably, came out beautifully when paired with a younger Kefalotyri, a salty goat and sheep’s milk Greek cheese. Think feta, but less salty, firmer, and more savory. On top of that, we paired a third accompaniment: La Malva Rosa Artichoke Cream, which we sell on the retail shelves here at North. The meatiness of the spread, the saltiness of the cheese, and the finish of lime zest on the wine made for a truly complex bite.

We hope you’re enjoying our study in terroir as much as we’re enjoying sharing what we learn.

Thanks to everyone who came out. Cheers to you! A toast to terroir!

-Casey O’Brien