Miso Shichimi Tzatziki + Miso Garlic Butter Pita & Chenin Blanc
A Greek classic with an insanely awesome Japanese twist + the best Chenin Blanc I've ever had! (and it's Canadian!!)
I’m on a bit of a miso kick these days. It’s such a magical ingredient that seems to make everything better. So as I was brainstorming a unique twist on Tzatziki, of course, miso came to mind! I truly think it takes what’s already an amazing classic-for-a-reason dip to a whole new level of awesome.
And then I added Shichimi Togarashi - another ingredient I’m obsessed with these days! I was first introduced to it from Anna Hezel’s new cookbook “Party Tricks” (SUCH an awesome book to own and gift!!), and now I seriously can’t stop with it. I put it on my eggs, pasta, cottage cheese - everything. Including this dip. And it was freaking incredible. If Greek-Japanese fusion isn’t already a thing, I reaaally think it should be!!
We’re pairing this beauty of a dip with Chenin Blanc! I wanted a dry, unoaked white wine with high enough acidity to cut through the creaminess, but with enough flavour intensity, fruit, and some texture to it to contrast all that herbal umaminess. I decided on a dry Vouvray (Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley in France), but as I looked for one, I came across a Canadian GEM I just had to try: Da Silva Hidden Hollow Vineyard Chenin Blanc from the Naramata Bench in Canada’s Okanagan Valley.
I was drawn to it partly because of its ratings, partly because I’ve heard fantastic things about the producer. But for real, the second I tried it, I was in awe.
It’s absolutely FANTASTIC. It has SUPER high acidity (classic for the climate here in Canada), but with a softness to it that keeps it balanced. It’s dry, but its flavours are so vibrant and intense, it almost seems like it should be sweet! Citrus, lemon oil, tart green apple, white peach, pear, honeysuckle - the list goes on. On top of all that, it has that stony minerality I can never seem to get enough of with this style of wine. This may be a bold statement, but I truly think this is one of (if not THE) best Chenin Blancs I’ve tried. And it’s Canadian. Sooo that’s awesome.
Alternatives
If you can’t find this wine, The Mary Taylor Anjou Blanc would be a great alternative!! I mention this one a lot, but it was the white wine from my wedding. Annnd I still love her.
Other Pairing Ideas:
Assyrtiko! A salty, lemony, mineral-driven Greek white wine that would be perfect for obvious reasons.
Grüner Veltliner would also be great for those citrusy, peppery, herbal notes!
Pet Nat or Orange Wine would be fun! Love me some funky stuff with miso.
Miso Shichimi Tzatziki & Miso Garlic Butter Pita
