Dante Rivetti Moscato D'Asti
I enjoyed lunch this week at Latitude Ei8ht Thai Grill in downtown Chandler, Arizona. Their four-course lunch special turned out to be an excellent value since the meal included an appetizer, soup, entree and dessert for $11. All of the courses were tasty, but my enthusiasm elevated when the last course arrived, a fried creamy-filled coconut plantain (think banana-coconut flavor.) It was served sliced into three small egg roll shapes, covered in toasted sesame seeds. The inside contained cooked plantains and a chewy, velvety coconut center. The plantains were drizzled with a light jade green Kiffir-infused lime syrup. I wondered how the Chef got the pretty green color in the syrup, so I asked. Proprietor and Mom at Latitude Ei8ht, Nicha, told me it was from the plantain leaves.
The only thing that would have made this dessert shine even more would be to pair it with a wine. I suggest the Dante Rivetti Moscato d’Asti, DOCG. Made from 100% Moscato Bianco grape, the property is located in the hills of Neive, Italy in the Piedmont Region, where sandy soils and limestone give this effervescent wine is flavorful profile.
Notes: Pale golden color and fine perlage. The inviting bouquet is powerful, with white plum fruits laced with some honeydew melon, citrus and heather. On the palate it’s full and quite sweet, with bright fruit supported by sweet acidity that flows into a clean sweet finish. Nice depth and richness.
Retails in Arizona for around $19 a bottle.
Vinifera Imports Arizona 