Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Salad Paired with Vinho Verde White and Rosé Wines
If you’re looking for a go-to wine this summer that is fresh and delicious, look no further than Friã Friõ wines from Vinho Verde, Portugal. They’re off-dry and fruit-forward, with a slight effervescence that makes them perfect for pairing with your favorite outdoor summer activities, or refreshing bites with a hint of sweetness, like this melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella salad.
Keep reading this post to find the full recipe, learn some fun facts about Vinho Verde wines, and discover why this food and wine pairing works so well.
Special thanks for Friã Friõ wines for sponsoring this post!
Melon, Prosciutto, and Mozzarella Salad Paired with Vinho Verde White and Rosé Wines
This honeydew melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella salad only calls for a few simple ingredients and is the perfect crowd-pleasing recipe for your next summer gathering or alfresco dinner. Pair it with a white or rosé wine from Vinho Verde for the ultimate food and wine pairing experience.
about vinho verde
Located in northern Portugal, Vinho Verde is a wine region known for its light-bodied, refreshing white wines. The name translates to “green wine”, a reference to the lush green landscape of the region, as well as the youthful, fresh wines produced here.
Winemaking in this region dates back to Roman times, and the wines of Vinho Verde were the first to be exported to European markets in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, typically traveling on the same boats that transported bacalhau, the famous salt cod of Portugal.
With plenty of rainfall and a moderate, maritime climate, local grapes like Alvarinho, Loureiro, Avesso, and Arinto are crafted into light and crisp white wines with balanced acidity, fruit-forward aromas, and often a slight effervescence.
While this area is known mostly for its white wines, Vinho Verde also produces rosé and red wines from indigenous grapes likeTouriga Nacional, Espadeiro, Padeiro, and Vinhão. The rosé is similar in style to the white wines - playful, fruity, and bright - while the reds can range in style from youthful and smooth to complex and tannic.
The grapes in Vinho Verde are typically harvested earlier to maintain fresh acidity and keep the alcohol levels of the wine naturally lower, resulting in a wine that you can indulge in and still feel your best.
About Friã Friõ
Friã Friõ is a women-owned and run wine company excited about sharing lighthearted wines with lively minerality, crisp acidity, and less alcohol. Founders Jocelyn and Lisa wanted to create a seriously delicious wine that doesn’t take itself too seriously, with a brand experience that reflects the freshness of this irresistible wine style. You might hear them say, “The most important characteristic is that it’s totally delicious!”
Friã Friõ wines are crafted sustainably at a family-owned Quinta by third-generation winemaker Joana Santiago. With this partnership, they’ve successfully bottled the joy, pride, and sunshine that defines this gem of Portugal’s wine country.
Vinho Verde Wines to try:
Why this pairing works
When pairing sweet foods with wine, you want to be sure the wine is sweeter than the food, in order to avoid the wine tasting bitter and astringent. These Friã Friõ Vinho Verde wines are off-dry (just slightly sweet), so they stand up to the sweetness of the melon perfectly.
Mozzarella is an ideal cheese pairing for light-bodied wines, as it doesn’t overpower what’s in your glass.
Lastly, the prosciutto is the icing on the cake here, with its saltiness bringing out the wines’ fresh, fruity flavors.
If you’re a visual learner, you might enjoy this step-by-step video on how to make this melon, prosciutto, and mozzarella salad recipe:
ingredients
Honeydew melon
Prosciutto
Mozzarella balls
Fresh basil
Black pepper
EVOO
Instructions
Use a melon baller to cut melon into round pieces.
Assemble melon, mozzarella, and prosciutto on a serving plate.
Top with extra virgin olive oil, black pepper, and fresh basil to taste.
If you enjoyed this post, check out my Linguine with Clams Recipe Paired with Touraine Sauvignon Blanc.
If you’d like to learn more about how to taste wine like a pro and get to know your palate on a deeper level, book an in-person or virtual wine tasting with me. And if you interested in trying new wines, you’d love my Wine Tasting Club - it’s like a book club, but for virtual wine tastings.
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