May 24, 2023

CHILLED MELON SOUP WITH TAPENADE

Escape to my South of France and cool down on a hot day with this easy-peasy chilled melon soup with tapenade.

The Sun-Drenched element of Southern France

As soon as I arrive in the South of France, I am immediately drawn to the colourful and aromatic displays of fresh produce in the local markets. From juicy peaches to sweet nectarines, and of course, the star of the summer season, the luscious melon. It’s hard not to fall in love with the sunny essences of this region, and each visit brings a renewed appreciation for the abundance of fresh ingredients available…

A Refreshing Cold Soup

On my last trip to my exquisite South of France, the heat was sweltering, and all I could think about was a refreshing and cooling soup. That’s when I came up with the idea for a chilled melon soup with tapenade. The sweet and refreshing hint of the melon pairs perfectly with the savoury and salty notes of the tapenade, something you should definitely try!

Tapenade: A French Classic

Tapenade is a classic French dish made with olives, capers, anchovies, and olive oil. It originated in the Provence region of my beloved France and is traditionally served as an appetizer or condiment with bread or crackers. Its bold and savoury flavour makes it a perfect addition to my sweet and refreshing melon soup.

The Fascinating Story of Vermentino

For my cold melon soup with tapenade, I recommend a crisp and refreshing white Vermentino from Sardinia.

Vermentino is a white wine grape variety that has gained popularity in recent years, thanks to its refreshing, crisp, and citrusy flavour. It is widely grown in Italy, especially on the island of Sardinia (where you should definitely visit one day), where it is considered the signature white wine grape.

Discovering Vermentino

Vermentino is thought to have originated in Spain, but its best-known examples are from Sardinia. It is a versatile grape that adapts well to various soils and climates, allowing it to be grown in other regions around the Mediterranean. Vermentino is known by different names in different regions, such as Rolle in southern France and Pigato in Liguria, Italy.

Characteristics of Vermentino

Vermentino is a light-bodied white wine with an aromatic profile that includes floral notes, citrus fruits, white fruits, and sometimes a nutty quality. It is characterized by its fruity and floral fragrance, crispness, and citrus aromas, with hints of green almond, grapefruit, lime, and a crushed rocky minerality. The wine is usually dry and somewhat oily on the palate, with flavours ranging from citrus fruits to white flower notes and hints of tropical fruit like pineapple or mango.

Easy to prepare for a hot summer day

You may whish to enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with these recipes :

Roquefort and ratatouille cake or spaghetti olio e aglio!

Do not forget to leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any variation of this recipe that you would like to share, I would love to hear it. Be sure to check out my other easy-peasy recipes on the blog for more culinary inspiration!

Happy cooking and bonne dégustation!

Sixtine ;)