Lamb Sausage & Tomatoes on Pasta with Amador County Sangiovese

Last night’s light supper, recovering from Thursday’s indulgence at 315, was Shepherd’s Lamb Sausage, Italian Seasoned for Carollee and Green Chile seasoned for me; browned and sliced and put in a sauce of canned chopped tomatoes with garlic, basil, & oregano. A few tablespoons of organic tomato paste were added to thicken the sauce. I also added more basil with granulated onion and garlic. The sausage, sauce, and trenne pasta were very good with a 1998 Dobra Zemlja Amador County Sangiovese - rich, spicy cherry fruit in nose & flavors; rich mid-palate of spicy fruit and bracing acidity; and a long fruity finish. This wine was much better and in good balance than it was a few years ago when it was very disjoint.

Then we finished with a crisp Pink Lady apple and two grappas- Jacopo Poli Grappa di Moscato and Banfi Grappa di Montalcino. The Banfi wasn’t as hot as sometimes, but I still liked the Poli better; Carollee really likes the Banfi.