August 15 is a big day of celebration in Italy. On Ferragosto, Assumption Day, Italians leave the big cities and head for the beaches and mountains to indulge in great food and family fun. Let’s join the celebrations and organize a picnic of tasty Italian fare right here in Canada. We’re going to prepare a delicious and easy Italian pizza, surround it with a platter of Canadian cheeses, and pair them with Italian wines.
The beauty of pizza is that it’s great at room temperature. Make life easy on yourself and prepare the pizza the day before the picnic. When you shop for your ingredients, don’t forget to grab some nice condiments to complement the cheese platter. I suggest fresh bread, olives, fresh fruit, and jams.
Launch the outdoor festivities with a dry sparkling white wine, such as a crisp Vino dei Poeti Prosecco. Its crisp and refreshing flavour will be best enjoyed with a mild and pleasant Canadian Friulano cheese. Move on to a medium-aged provolone and pair it with a cold bottle of rosé. I suggest a dry, medium-bodied Zenato Bardolino Chiaretto. By this point your taste buds will be ready for a sharp and creamy Gorgonzola cheese. Enjoy it with a sweet and citrusy Moscato Bianco, such as the Ghione Piccole Gioie Moscato d’Asti.
Here’s to a sunny afternoon of outdoor fun. Just don’t forget the sunscreen.
