Lately, I’ve been finding recipes that focus on fresh foods that are not only filling but flavorful. Pre-gaming for the holidays? Maybe! My latest find is an incredibly delicious Poke Bowl that I’ll make again and again. And the wine for pairing? Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño (sent as a sample) from Rias Baixas in Spain. Perfection.
The bowl of goodness that is a Poke Bowl consists of diced raw fish. In fact, “poke” means to slice or cut so most recipes call for just that, diced or cut raw fish, the star of the poke bowl. I’ve often seen a small poke bowl as an appetizer or as a shareable plate, but I turned the recipe into a meal in and of itself thanks to the addition of fresh vegetables.
Ahi tuna was my fish of choice. What I love about the recipe is that it’s versatile and can be anything you want. You’re not a fan of cucumbers or radishes? Replace it with something else you love. Ahi tuna isn’t your favorite? Try salmon instead. Just remember to keep the poke bowl colorful and balanced with texture and flavor. And don’t forget the spicy mayo! Find the Poke Bowl recipe HERE.
Pour the bubbly! Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño ($24) was my first selection for pairing thanks to its relatively low alcohol content of 12.4%. Albariño grapes are from the Mar de Frades own vineyard as well as from independent grape growers in Val do Salnes in the region of Rias Baixas DO.
Located on the western coast of the province of A Coruña and along the entire coast of the Galician province of Pontevedra in northwestern Spain, Rias Baixas covers about 3000 square kilometers. More than 6600 grape growers work in the region which is divided into over 22,000 plots of an average elevation of 250 meters above sea level.
In Rias Baixas, Albariño is considered the “pure white wine.” With its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, the area’s cool maritime climate promotes lip smacking acidity while the terroir of alluvial soil lends a glorious sensation of minerality in each sip. The region is characterized by approximately 1800 minutes of rain each year and 2200 hours of sunshine. The still and sparkling wines I’ve tasted have been impressive. Their beautiful aromas, a fresh and citrus driven palate profile, and structure have taken me by surprise…and I love it. If you’ve not yet discovered still or sparkling Albariño, this is your chance. And promise that Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño will be on your list, too!
Brut Nature is from grapes grown on trellises to increase air circulation. The winemaking follows the traditional method whereby the second fermentation is in the bottle; indigenous yeasts are used in the first fermentation, the second is carbonic. Base wines are from multiple vintages.
On the nose, I found aromas of fresh sea air, white stone fruit, touch of mint and toast. On the palate, persistent bubbles, fruit flavors, bright acidity and minerality led to a satisfying finish. With the Poke Bowl in which the ahi tuna had the pivotal role, the Mar de Frades Brut Nature Sparkling Albariño proved to be the best wine to share the stage.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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