A rustic and genuine recipe, originating in the city of Livorno, with simple flavours and easy to prepare: Livorno-style salt cod, a succulent main course based on simple ingredients, but rich in flavour. So which wines pair best with it? Here’s advice from Sensory Wine Analyst Luca Maroni.
Baccalà alla Livornese with a Vernaccia
Vernaccia di San Gimignano Borgo alla Terra 2017 Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico
“Opening the tasting of the Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico wines is a Vernaccia di San Gimignano Borgo alla Terra 2017 of great palatal softness. Made exclusively from the grapes of the area’s traditional vine, the first wine suggested by Maroni for pairing with Baccalà alla Livornese (Livorno-style saledt cod) has a pale golden yellow colour, very fine and elegant aromas, intense and persistent. In the mouth it is very fresh with a characteristic slightly bitter taste. Agricoltori del Chianti Geografico
Baccalà alla Livornese with a Chianti Classico
Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012 Fattoria Lornano
“Chianti in its absolute best version in the proposals of Fattoria Lornano. The Chianti Classico Gran Selezione 2012, which like every archetype dazzles with its phenomenal value. At these levels of archetypal consistency, balance and integrity, Chianti is certainly second to none, but only where its colour is of the same inviolate blackish ardour, only where its pulp is so extraordinarily dense that it does not allow even a single luminous ray to pass through, above all where its palatal softness is so persuasively perfect, so admirably and spherically round despite the power of its majestic acidity/tannin combination. A blackberry cream in viscous and pure pulp, which stupendous spices make even more balsamically, vanilla-like superfine. A masterpiece of viticulture and oenology.” Fattoria Lornano
Baccalà alla Livornese with Syrah-Cabernet blend
Bolgheri Doc 2016 Borgo Serlo
Luca Maroni awarded 98 points to the third and last wine indicated by the sensory analyst for pairing with Livorno-style salt cod: Bolgheri Doc 2016 Borgo Serlo, an elegant red wine made from Syrah and Cabernet Franc grapes, a fine and refined nectar from the fertile and flourishing Tuscan landscape. Hints of berries, heady perfume and rounded taste.