Hail, Caesar Salad & Prosecco Superiore!
Hail, Caesar! The Caesar Salad is my most favorite dish in the summer. Contrary to what the name might suggest, the Caesar Salad is not named after the Roman emperor Julius Caesar. According to legend the Caesar Salad was invented on the Fourth of July in 1924, by Italian immigrant Caesar Cardini, who crafted the first salad at his restaurant, Caesar’s Place, in Tijuana, Mexico. Who knew, the Caesar Salad was invented and originated within the country of Mexico?!? Turns out Mr. Cardini was living in San Diego at the time, and working nearby across the border in Tijuana, Mexico to avoid the restrictions of Prohibition in the United States. The Caesar Salad also has something huge to celebrate this year, as the legendary dish turns 100 years old. Despite so many variations of this iconic recipe, the essence of the Caesar Salad remains a celebration of simple fresh ingredients of romaine lettuce, eggs, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, croutons, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, tossed with olive oil, and lemon juice.
The enduring popularity of the Caesar Salad over the years is a testament to its creator’s culinary ingenuity and the dish’s versatility, and appeal to also pair with sparkling vino. Today, without any prohibitions we can love Cardini’s salad creation and pair it with, I say, a Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
Yes, the Caesar salad does pair well with Prosecco for the following reasons:
Acidity: Prosecco’s high acidity cuts through the Umami taste receptors of the rich, creamy dressing of the Caesar Salad, and balancing out all the flavors.
Bubbles: The effervescence of the Prosecco adds a refreshing contrast to the textures of the salad in particular the crunchiness of the croutons.
Lightness: Prosecco’s light body complements the salad without overwhelming it, making it an ideal pairing for a light refreshing meal.
Overall, the crisp, fruit forward notes of Prosecco enhance the savory, tangy flavors, of a Caesar Salad. My tasting notes for Prosecco, I find the:
Appearance: Pale straw yellow with persistent “Perlage” of bubbles.
Aroma: Fresh with notes of green apple, pear, white peach, citrus, and floral notes of wisteria tree blossoms.
Palate: Light-bodied and crisp with flavors of green apple, pear, and peach. Sometimes, I also encounter hints of honeydew melon, almond, and a touch of minerality.
Sweetness: Can range from Brut (very dry), to Extra Dry (slightly sweeter), to Dry (noticeably sweeter).
Finish: Clean and refreshing, often with hint of residual sugar.
“A persistent Perlage of bubbles… “
I love the effervescence sparkling feel of Prosecco, especially in the summer. Keep in mind, I am specifically speaking about Prosecco the popular sparkling vino from Italy. I often enjoy a Prosecco as an aperitif along with my salad before a full meal. I also have plenty of fun creating wine cocktails like perhaps a Bellini, and/or an Aperol Spritz with Prosecco.
Sommelier, Isabel Hernandez mixologist crafting an Aperol Spritz above made with the essence of hibiscus flower tea, and a garnish of baby’s breathe flowers. Below is a peach brandy Bellini, and both cocktails were made with Montesel Prosecco Superiore DOCG.
My wine bestie Katrina Rene @thecorkscrewconcierge with the winemaker of Montesel Prosecco DOCG.
What does this mean, DOC and DOCG Prosecco? Well, Prosecco Superiore DOCG refers to the highest quality classification of Prosecco crafted today.
Some key points about Prosecco Superiore DOCG:
Region: Produced in the hilly areas of Conegliano Valdobbiadene, and Asolo.
Grape: Primarily made from the Glera Grape, though other grape varieties may be used in small amounts.
Quality: Stricter regulations on yield, production methods, and aging compared to Prosecco DOC.
Taste: Often more complex and refined, with pronounced floral, and fruit forward notes.
Label: Look for the DOCG seal on the bottle, which indicates the highest quality assurance.
So, there you go, this is why, and how Prosecco DOCG is Superior.
Remember, you must look for the label, the DOCG seal on the bottle, and enjoy with a Caesar Salad today!
¡Felicidades!
P.S. I enjoyed a full day of celebrating Prosecco Superiore DOCG which included a master wine class, wine tasting, and wine dinner. Here below are a few of my favorite pics.
A big thank you to my friend Christine Deussen with Deussen Global for the invitations to the Prosecco Superiore DOCG master class, wine tasting, and wine dinner at Ostia- Houston. Thanks again!