4 Delicious Pasta Dinners to Pair with Night Owl Barbera
When most people think of red Italian wine, Chianti is the first one that comes to mind. But what about Barbera? We love this wine paired with pasta made with red sauce. It has just enough body to stand up to a more substantial pasta dish but with enough acidity to cut through the fattiness of cheese and meats that might also be in the dish.
Our Wine of the Month is the 2016 Night Owl Barbera. Blended with a little bit of Merlot and Petit Verdot for added body and structure, our 2016 Night Owl Barbera has overtones of strawberry jam and black currant preserves and a long finish with a hint of oak, creme de cassis and mixed berry jam. Our mouths are watering just writing about it!
Below are some easy pasta dishes to try this weekend that we think would taste great when paired with Night Owl. Let us know which one you try. Tag us (@rubinoestates) when you open your bottle of Night Owl! (Didn't get a chance to try it in the tasting room? You can order a bottle here; it's on sale for the whole month of April!)
Cheesy Baked Pasta with Sausage and Ricotta
From the recipe author: "Like a cross between baked ziti and sausage lasagna..." Yes, please! What we love most about it is that it is truly a one-pot meal. Everything is cooked in a cast-iron skillet and then put in the oven until the cheese gets all bubbly and melty.
Pasta with Pancetta, Shallots, and Sage
Pancetta might be one of our favorite Italian specialties. It's smoky and salty and savory and always makes everything taste better. If you don't have pancetta on hand, you can substitute bacon. It's not quite tomato season yet so if you can't find great tomatoes, a can of whole tomatoes will work just fine. We are sheltered in place, so think of what you already have in your pantry.
The Ultimate Bolognese Sauce
If you're Italian and had a grandma teach you how to make a red sauce, skip this one. For those of us still trying to make the perfect sauce, this one promises to become a favorite. This one requires a little more time, so save this one for a day when you're not in a rush.
Pasta Puttanesca
For a 30-minute meal, this dish is packed full of flavors. It's the addition of anchovies, capers, and olives that set this particular sauce apart. Add a salad, some garlic bread, and you're all set for a great night in!
Need some Chardonnay to add to the rack with all the reds? We're extending complimentary shipping: all orders with six or more bottles receive complimentary ground shipping. Shop here or email us with any questions. Cheers!