Iconic Meals (and what I’d pair with them): Remy’s Ratatouille
In the enchanting world of Ratatouille, where culinary dreams and animated charm collide, we meet Remy, a rat with a flair for the culinary arts. Once you get past the fact that there is a rat in the kitchen (as a New Yorker, it’s truly appalling!!!!), it’s democratic thesis is really that anyone (or any thing) can cook. I also really love how theres an emphasis on how emotions are tied to food. Among the film's many delectable scenes (who knew a simple omelette could be so enticing?!), one stands out – a moment where Remy, armed with a tiny chef's hat and an extraordinary talent, prepares a rustic yet divine dish: ratatouille. This scene is not just a feast for the eyes; it's a celebration of flavors, passion, and the magic that happens when food becomes art.
The Scene
Picture a bustling Parisian kitchen, alive with the clatter of pots and pans. Amidst this culinary chaos, our furry protagonist Remy, aided by his loyal brigade of rat friends (gag), orchestrates a masterpiece: ratatouille. Layer upon layer of vibrant, sun-kissed vegetables – zucchini, eggplant, tomatoes, and bell peppers – carefully arranged in a harmonious spiral. Each slice is a testament to Remy's skill and his ability to turn humble ingredients into a work of art. The dish, served with a dollop of rich, savory tomato sauce, captures the essence of rustic French cuisine, embodying the spirit of creativity and innovation. As the ratatouille bakes, the flavors meld together, creating a symphony of tastes that dance on the taste buds and leave a lasting impression.
The Wine: Rosé
Now, let’s talk wine. When it comes to pairing with Remy's ratatouille, there's a wine that perfectly mirrors the dish's elegance and vibrancy – Rosé. Rosé, with its delightful pink hue and refreshing notes, is not just a wine; it's a celebration in a glass. But why is it the ideal partner for this ratatouille dish?
Firstly, Rosé embodies versatility - its light and crisp profile make it a versatile companion to a myriad of flavors, enhancing the natural sweetness of the sun-ripened vegetables and complementing the robustness of the tomato sauce. The subtle hints of red fruits in Rosé, like strawberries and raspberries, add a playful touch, echoing the vibrant colors of the ratatouille.
Secondly, Rosé brings a refreshing quality to the table, cutting through the richness of the dish. With each sip, your palate is cleansed, ready to savor the medley of flavors in the next bite. It's like a palate cleanser and a flavor enhancer rolled into one, ensuring that every mouthful of ratatouille is as delightful as the first. Something bone dry like Château d’Esclans Rosé 2020 and Château de Selle Rosé (Coeur de Grain) 2020 would work perfectly.
Lastly, much like the movie Ratatouille itself, rosé embodies the essence of joy and celebration. It's the kind of wine that encourages laughter, good conversation, and a sense of togetherness – the very emotions that Remy's culinary creations evoke (it quite literally turns a curmudgeon of a food critic into a little boy). Sharing a bottle of rosé with friends and family while indulging in a plate of ratatouille becomes an experience, a memory in the making, and a toast to the magic of good food and great company.
Specifically, this dish would be paired perfectly with a crisp, dry, Provence rosé, after all, we are in France.
The Alternate Wine: Pinot Noir
I see ratatouille as a Summer dish, thereby pairing it with a summer-y wine. However, I imagine eating ratatouille in the early Fall, where maybe a slightly more complex wine would pair best. Pinot Noir could be a good choice here - not overly complex or flavorful, as you’d want the cooked vegetables to shine!
Pinot Noir, often celebrated as the "heartbreak grape" due to its finicky nature, embodies a certain complexity that mirrors the layers of flavors in ratatouille. Its light body and soft tannins allow the intricate tastes of the roasted vegetables to shine, enhancing the experience bite after delightful bite. The wine's red fruit notes – think cherries, strawberries, and raspberries – add a touch of sweetness that beautifully contrasts the savory richness of the dish, creating a harmonious balance on the palate.
A well-crafted Pinot Noir showcases the winemaker's skill and dedication. Something like Givry 1er Cru ‘Clos de la Servoisine’, 2019 or Alexana’s Terroir Series Pinot Noir 2021. Its subtle nuances and varied flavor profile, influenced by the terroir and the winemaking process, mirror the attention to detail in ratatouille's preparation. With every sip, you'll discover new facets of the wine, just as you'll discern the subtle interplay of flavors in the dish.
Lastly, Pinot Noir's inherent versatility makes it a natural choice for ratatouille. Its lightness doesn't overpower the vegetables but rather enhances their natural essence. This adaptability means it can complement the dish whether served at room temperature, or even slightly chilled, allowing you to enjoy the ratatouille experience in your preferred style.
