April 11, 2024

COD WITH SAUCE VIERGE

Do you know the sauce vierge? Imagine basil sway in the gentle breeze, and tomatoes bask in the warmth of the Mediterranean sun.

A Journey to les Baux de Provence

Situated in the heart of the magnificent les Baux de Provence, the Baumanière restaurant unveiled to me a cookery gem that has since become a staple in my kitchen : the exquisite sauce vierge… Since that first encounter at Baumanière, I have realised this sauce, making it a health-conscious companion to various dishes. Today, I propose to you a spotlight on the delicious marriage of sauce vierge and a succulent white fish, the beloved cod.

The Origins of Sauce Vierge

Sauce vierge, that translates to “virgin sauce,” has its roots in the gastronomic artistry of the renowned French chef Michel Guérard. Emerging in the 1980s as a cornerstone of his “cuisine minceur”, a lighter rendition of traditional nouvelle cuisine.

The nomenclature “virgin” holds a significant clue to its essence, representing the meticulous choice of extra virgin olive oil. This careful selection not only imparts a distinct richness but also underscores the purity and authenticity that define sauce vierge.

From Pasta to Cod

My journey with sauce vierge began with a daring attempt to recreate the pasta dish I had at Baumanière. You can find the details of this adventure (here).

Cod, with its mild and flaky texture, serves as an impeccable canvas for the lively sauce vierge. The marriage of these two culinary elements creates a dish that is visually appealing. The succulence of the cod is accentuated by the bright acidity of tomatoes, the herbaceous notes of different herbs, and the zesty kick of lemon, all bound together by the golden treasure of extra virgin olive oil.

Wine Pairing with Spiegel Riesling

I recommend complementing my cod and sauce vierge dish with a white Spiegel Riesling from Alsace.

These wines, characterized by their fine and mineral notes, offer a fresh and racy mouthfeel that gracefully lingers. Renowned for producing wines that age impeccably, this varietal introduces an interplay of floral and spicy aromas.

Visual and Aromatic Feast

Painted in hues of light yellow with silver highlights, Spiegel Riesling invites you to a visual and aromatic feast. The wine unfolds with a fine and mineral nose, adorned with notes of white flowers. Transition seamlessly into a fresh and racy mouth, mirroring the aromatic richness. You may explore nuanced hints of honey, zesty orange, and the crescendo of ripe passion fruit, culminating in an intense character with a spicy finish.

Aging Gracefully

Beyond immediate pleasures lies the aging potential of Spiegel Riesling, a journey spanning 3 to 15 years. This transformative process allows the wine to evolve, developing complex mineral and flint characteristics.

Legacy of Quality

The roots of Grand Cru Spiegel, had been forged in the 1950s when winegrowers established charters of quality and precise characteristics. These commitments continue to shape the Spiegel Grand Cru…

Sun-soaked kitchen

You may wish to discover or rediscover dishes typically from the Provence!

What about a Pissaladière from Nice or a chicken with the glorious tapenade !

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 ;)