#ThisWineThatDish Monte Del Far Ca del Magro Custom Superior DOC 2020 paired with Wild Sockeye Salmon

“In this series, I will be sharing my take on which Wines pair well with some inspirational recipes”

This wonderful Italian white will convince even the most skeptical that Italy makes not just excellent red wines but beautiful white wines as well. This wine is superb and at a good value price point. I thought it went perfectly with the dish and can’t wait to try this wine with my Chicken Marsala recipe.

The Wine:

CUSTOZA SUPERIORE DOC CÀ DEL MAGRO

Garganega, Trebbiano Toscano, Cortese, lncrocio Manzoni

Known worldwide for its extraordinary characteristics, Cà del Magro is the most renowned Custoza wine by Monte del Frà. The desire to improve and hard work in the cellar brought us to create this truly superior wine. Following the principle of “less is more”, Cà del Magro narrates the unique story of its 55 years old vineyard.

This wine has a beautiful potential for aging. Its longevity, complexity, and charm are accentuated by its terroir’s elegance. A humble yet graceful experience.

PAIRING

It goes well with pasta and soups, fresh water fish, vegetarian, asian and mediterrenean cuisine in general. Also delicious with herb crusted chicken.

SERVING TEMPERATURE
12 °C – 14 °C (50°F – 53°F)

James Suckling 93 pts
3/3 Gambero Rosso
Top 100 Wine Spectator

Top 100 Wines of 2021, Wine Spectator: “The 2019 Custoza Superiore Ca del Magro is lightly mouthwatering with its citrusy acidity, offering a finely meshed range of white cherry, blood orange sorbet, lemon thyme and salty mineral notes, followed by a lingering, lightly spiced finish” (December 2021)

On the nose are beautiful citrus notes of pink grapefruit and Meyer lemon. Some subtle scents of stone fruit with straw and fresh herbs.

A delicate but medium body with excellent acidity. This is a wine meant to pair with seafood. I picked up the subtle notes of the Chardonnay and perhaps some light oakiness making this a perfect pairing for richer seafoods like scallops, Dungeness crab or even lobster.

The wine stands out against the Grilled Wild Sockeye Salmon even when the salmon is enhanced with the juice of a fresh lemon. Asparagus, always a challenge, was well matched by the minerality of the wine.

So smooth and somewhat complex the wine should be savoured and enjoyed at a more moderate temperature. I would suggest either leaving it at room temperature for 30 minutes, or decanting, before serving to allow its intense and lush flavours to develop.

This is a wine of excellence that delivers beyond its price point.

Examples of great pairings: Seafood Salad, Smoked Salmon, Oysters, Pasta with Cream or Mushroom Sauce, Baked White Fish in Butter Sauce, Soft-ripened cheese, Chicken Sandwich, Prawns, Scallops.

$24.99 available at 123 BC Liquor Stores.

Grilled Sockeye Salmon

With Alaska Copper River Wild Sockeye Salmon currently available it was an easy choice for dinner. Sprinkled with a touch of seasoning salt, pepper and fresh lemon juice it is wrapped in tinfoil and spent about 20 minutes on the barbecue.

Served with new potatoes and asparagus, tossed in olive oil with salt and pepper, done on the grill.

MONTE DEL FRA’

A STORY THAT STARTED IN CUSTOZA 60 YEARS AGO

Surrounded by vineyards and the morainic hills of Lake Garda, Monte del Frà was founded as a monastery of the Friars of Santa Maria Della Scala. Today, Monte del Frà is run by the Bonomo family. Years pass, and generations follow, but one thing always remains the same: total commitment to the land.

In the Heart of Custoza Village

TERRITORY

It all started with the Custoza vineyards embedded in a unique post-glacial moraine landscape. The soil’s parcels are invited separately, along with a meticulous donation process. eventually Monte del Frà mastered the art of blending and has become synonymous with Custoza worldwide.

IDENTITY

DEEP PATH WITH OUR LAND

RESPECT IS THE ONLY PATH TO PURSUE

For three generations, the Bonomo family has been building their fortune following a simple pattern: a respectful approach is key to telling a territory’s story.

Monte del Frà is a unique treasure that must be preserved with pride and shared with the world.

SUSTAINABILITY

There are many ways to make wine – at Monte del Frà, we do it our way: with loyalty, caution, awareness, and knowledge. Sustainability at Monte del Frà (SQNPI-certified; Italian certificate for integrated farming) does not only include green manure, sexual confusion, micro-drip irrigation, and no chemical weeding; it is a common thread running through the fields to the cellar.

It is not a marketing strategy but a philosophy put into practice through our actions, decisions, and sensitivity.

We believe in local workforces and local raw materials; we work with recycled paper, sustainable glass, and circular use of energy and water resources.

The extensive winery renovation and expansion project, which will be completed in the next few years, aims to achieve maximum production sustainability. We are constantly looking for ways to boost efficiency through the technological innovation of winemaking processes. Based on a sustainable and ethical philosophy, we can allow the land to express itself.

We don’t do this for profit but for the love of our home.

“ The last step is never done” Eligio Bonomo, Winery Founder

Wine notes and information about the winery courtesy of Monte del Frà website. My notes (in bold italics). Images: MyVanCity (except as noted) Salmon stock image. I received complimentary wine to facilitate this feature.