Discovering a favorite go-to sushi spot is often difficult, but at least it’s fun trying. After a number of failed experiences in our new-ish town here in California, my husband and I found something special and now, have been frequenting an always busy sushi restaurant that is consistently delicious. As much as I attempt to choose different menu items, I always include one favorite: Crunchy Sushi Roll.
Crunchy Sushi Roll for Texture and Flavor
And here’s why! Crunchy Sushi Roll is a riff on another fan favorite, California Roll, However the crunchy version highlights shrimp tempura filling and creamy avocado with a crisp topping of toasted panko breadcrumbs. As someone who loves a good crunch (hello, popcorn!), fresh seafood, and anything with creamy undertones, Crunchy Sushi Roll is nirvana. In essence, it’s an “inside-out roll” with the rice on the outside and a contrast of texture and flavor. Look for it at your best-loved sushi restaurant or create it yourself. Find the Crunchy Sushi Roll recipe HERE.
A couple of weeks ago, we ordered sushi ahead for takeout and picked our choices up after an evening jazz performance in town. Soon thereafter, we indulged in the delectable flavors at home with two chilled bottles of Col Vetoraz Prosecco (sent as samples). Although there are many wonderful wine pairings to complement the myriad of textures and flavors of sushi, these bubbles were notable matches to ours.
Col Vetoraz is in Valdobbiadene DOCG
Located in the heart of the Valdobbiadene DOCG, the Col Vetoraz winery sits at nearly 400 meters above sea level, on the highest point of the hill of the same name, part of the famous Cartizze hills. It was here that the Miotto family settled in 1838, developing vine cultivation from the very beginning.
In 1993, Francesco Miotto, a descendant of this family, together with agronomist Paolo De Bortoli and oenologist Loris Dall’Acqua, founded the current Col Vetoraz, a small winery that has managed to innovate and grow, reaching the pinnacle of Valdobbiadene DOCG production in just 25 years, both in terms of quantity and quality, with over 2,300,000 kg of DOCG grapes vinified annually, from which the production of 1,250,000 bottles is selected.
Today, having reached its 30 years of activity, the challenge is to maintain this significant position over time. A deep respect for tradition, a profound love for the land, meticulous care of the vineyards, and a scrupulous production methodology for their great cuvées have allowed them over the years to produce excellent wines and achieve remarkable results in the most prestigious national and international wine competitions. From Col Vetoraz
Photo Credit: Col Vetoraz
Consider me officially obsessed with this region in northern Italy. It is in the heart of the hills where Valdobbiadene DOCG and Valdobbiadene Sueriore di Cartizze DOCG are found. The nearby mountains provide shelter from the winds and create a natural amphitheatre. Soil is reminiscent of the land’s ancient seabeds with its “deep stratification.” Clay-like limestone with yellow-blue marl and gray/blue sandstone and a dramatic diurnal temperature shift between day and night help give the grapes their unique characteristics of freshness, vibrant acidity and fruit notes.
Photo Credit: Wine Folly
Consisting of Glera grapes cultivated in hillside vineyards west of the Valdobbiadene area, Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene DOCG Brut 2023 is a classic. Intense aromas of rose petals, orchard citrus, stone fruit such as peaches and pears were a brilliant entry. On the dry palate, the sparkling presented plenty of dancing bubbles, snappy fruit flavors and a lingering finish.
As a comparison, Col Vetoraz Valdobbiadene Superiore di Cartizze DOCG 2022 is of Glera grapes from the hills in the iconic Cartizze zone. On the nose, I found fragrant florals and ripe, juicy fruit such as apples, pears and white peaches. Flavors were fruit forward and punctuated with persistent bubbles and a lengthy finish. Magnificent!
Both sparkling wines from Col Vetoraz were outstanding and I highly recommend that you find these widely distributed wines, too. Their bright perlage was a counterpoint to the crunch and creaminess of the sushi roll – taste sensations were second to none. Truth be told, I opened both wines before our sushi… and had some when dinner was finished. Perfect night!
Cheers! ~ Cindy
