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Scallops, Smashed Peas and a Vinho Verde #WinePW

For the August edition of #WinePairingWeekend, we are exploring wines called Vinho Verde.  Literally meaning "green wine," it refers to a particular wine grown in the northern area of Portugal.  What fascinates me, is that this is not a grape varietal, but a PDO (Protected Destination of Origin) that says the entire product must be made in that particular area.  So in this case, a Vinho Verder can be a white, rose or red wine, sparkling or not, late harvest, or even a brandy.


I was taken in by the "verde" part and wanted to find a green Vinho Verde and I did, at my favorite local wine shop, Cork and Rind. The bottle was very reasonable (under $10) and perfect for sipping and drinking with food.  Let's talk about this wine I chose, called Las Lilas.



IN THE VINEYARD:
  • APPELLATION: Vinho Verde
  • VINEYARDS: Mountain vineyards around the small village of Ponte da Barca.
  • VARIETALS: Louriero 75% Treixadura 12.5% Arinto 12.5%
  • FARMING: Sustainable.
  • PLOUGHING: The soil cover is maintained.
  • SOILS: Blend of granite and sandy loam
  • WEATHER: Atlantic Weather
  • VINES: 20 year old vines. Traditional Trellis.
  • HARVEST: Entirely made by hand in small crates on the 2nd half of September and early October.
IN THE CELLAR:
  • FERMENTATION: Stainless steel tanks
  • TREATMENTS: No chaptalization and acidification at all. The idea is to stay natural as much as possible.
  • PRESSING: Traditional.
  • MALOLACTIC: Spontaneous, if any.
  • LEES: Approx. 2 months lees contact
  • OAK BARREL AGING: No.
  • FILTRATION: The wine is allowed to settle naturally by gravity and is only minimally fined or filtered.
  • CHEMISTRY: Alc. 11%. 5.1 g/L Total Acidity.
  • WINEMAKER: Jose Oliveira.
  • PHILOSOPHY: We believe that the best wines are born in the vineyard.
OUR TASTING NOTES:  This was a refreshing white wine, a tinge of green color.  Very fragrant floral notes. We tasted white peach and pear.  Perfect summer sipping wine and delicious with seafood.



To be clear, Vinho Verde actually refers to the wine being consumed "young."  Because of the cooler climate, the wine produces good acidity at a younger age.  It is slightly bubbly (my favorite!) and a delicious sipper for the front porch!

We paired this deliciousness with a meal of pan-fried scallops, smashed peas and roasted potatoes.  To keep the "green" theme, I served lime macarons for dessert with some vanilla ice cream.  My husband made the entire meal!

I've talked about Bob's pan-fried scallops here, but here's a quick recipe for his smashed peas!


Yield: 6
Author: Terri Steffes
Print
Smashed Mushy Peas

Smashed Mushy Peas

Easy and delicious side dish for proteins.
Prep time: 4 MCook time: 15 MTotal time: 19 M

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb frozen peas
  • 4 T butter
  • 4 T water
  • 1/2 t salt
  • 1/2 t pepper

Instructions:

  1. Cook 1 pound frozen peas with 4 tablespoons each butter and water and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a saucepan over medium heat until soft, 12 to 15 minutes. 
  2. Uncover and smash with a potato masher to make a chunky puree. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon pepper. 
  3. Season with salt and thin with 2 to 3 tablespoons water.
Calories
127.39
Fat (grams)
7.89
Sat. Fat (grams)
4.90
Carbs (grams)
10.92
Fiber (grams)
3.46
Net carbs
7.47
Sugar (grams)
3.33
Protein (grams)
4.00
Sodium (milligrams)
309.53
Cholesterol (grams)
20.35
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Created using The Recipes Generator

Check out the other posts on Vinho Verde wines.  Learn a thing or two and get some great ideas for pairings!

  • Camilla at Culinary Adventures with Cam shares Foods from Around the World Paired with Pink Wines from Portugal 
  • Liz Barret of What’s In That Bottle? is thrilled with Va Va Va Vinho Verde: the Portuguese White That Wows 
  • Robin of Crushed Grape Chronicles answers What is Vinho Verde? 5 things I didn’t know about this perfect summer wine 
  • Wendy at A Day in the Life on the Farm savors Tomato Poached Cod with Vinho Verde Wine. 
  • Linda at My Full Wine Glass realizes that Distinctively ‘laurel” Vinho Verde Delivers with Seafood and Salad 
  • Nicole at SommsTable is loving Vinho Verde and Simple Seafood Feast 
  • Payal at Keep the Peas is pairing Sem Igual Vinho Verde with Peixe Caldine 
  • Gwendolyn at Wine Predator says Vinho Verde: A Green Wine That’s White from Portugal Paired with Tuna, Tomato, Basil, Orzo #WinePW 
  • Martin at Enofylz is Pairing Maria Papoila Vinho Verde with Summer Pizza 
  • Susannah at Avvinare explains how Vinho Verde Meets Homemade Sushi 
  • Terri at Our Good Life savors Scallops, Smashed Peas and a Great Vinho Verde 
  • Pinny at Chinese Food and Wine Pairing achieves A Successful Hunt Down of a Red Vinhao Escolha from Vinho Verde DOC #WinePW 
  • Cindy at Grape Experiences has been reminiscing upon last fall’s work trip where she spent A Beautiful Morning at Quinta da Aveleda in Vinho Verde
  • Would you like to comment?

    1. I love the idea of learning how to pair wine with a meal of scallops and smashed peas. I never tried smashed peas it could be so good.

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      Replies
      1. We have smashed peas for a side dish for many dishes. Very good and very easy.

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    2. I love scallops and peas. I normally serve them with mashed potatoes but will have to try your recipe for smashed peas instead. Looks yummy!

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    3. I think that sounds really good. I'm all about seafood, especially scallops. I can't wait to try this.

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      Replies
      1. Ben, if you have an Aldi nearby, their frozen scallops are amazing and inexpensive.

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    4. This is a complete meal! I love the combination, will try the recipe you shared, thanks!

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    5. Oh this recipe looks delicious! I will definitely try this tomorrow. My family will love this.

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    6. I love scallops, and haven't had them in ages! They look so delicious. Thanks for sharing!

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    7. I love trying and discover new wines. Thanks for sharing about Vinho Verde!

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    8. I am a seafood lover and this is making me so hungry right now. LOL. I need to grab me a bag of scallops later. :) -LYNNDEE

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    9. These smashed peas look delicious and lovely on the plate. Will definitely give them a go. Love the "green" connection too.

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    10. Your La Lilas sounds delightful. I love all the details on the wine and the vineyard and soils you were able to find!

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    11. We love scallops, need to try this recipe next time, it looks delicious

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    12. Kita Bryant2:21 PM

      That looks like a delicious dinner idea. Scallops are so delicious when cooked right.

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    13. What a gorgeous plate and beautiful pairing. I wish I was at your house for dinner that night.

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    14. BB can't drink wine, but will be passing this on to Sweetie. BB2U

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    15. I love both scallops and smashed peas -- I'm sure the combo was great with the wine.

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    16. I'm loving the look snd sound of your recipe with this wine Terri! Cheers!

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