Buonarroti Ristorante equals Placer County wines and great food

Last month, we learned that Viognier is the most popular white wine in Placer County. This is largely due to the growing conditions in Placer County that are more suited to red wines and some whites such as the Viognier. One way to try some Placer County wines is to attend many of the local community events, such as Lincoln Showcase, Roseville SPLASH, Loomis Eggplant Festival and Placer County Gold Country Fair. The Placer County Wine and Grape Association participates in these, and other Placer County events servicing some commercial but mostly noncommercial wines from Placer County wine makers that have received numerous awards in Placer County as well as in other countries. My favorite way to enjoy Placer wines is with a delicious meal from one of the many local restaurants that serve wine from Placer County. My wife, Deborah, and I most recently experienced a classic Italian dinner and Placer County wines at Buonarroti Ristorante in Lincoln where most dishes are homemade. We were warmly greeted when we entered and were escorted to a very nice table for two. The inside of the ristorante is amazingly reminiscent of Italy that we visited 10 years ago. Rather than one or two Placer County wines on the menu, Buonarrote had a list of locally-made wines, including: Paza Primativo, Dono dal Cielo St. George Zinfandel, Rancho Roble Barbara, Cante Ao Vinho Sangiovese, Cante Ao Vinho Pinot Noir and Ciotti Syrah. Wow, what a selection! Now, what to eat? The menu provided a number of beef, pork, chicken, fish and vegetarian dishes with excellent descriptions. Deborah decided on the Gnocchi and the Paza Primativo. My selection was the Ziti Capriosa pasta with Rancho Roble Barbara. The appetizer was Calamari Panko tender strips. Leading off the dinner was the Calamari Panko tender strips, which were served hot but not overcooked. Served this way, one really can taste more of the calamari and it went well with both wine selections. Deborah was impressed with the speed of the service and the taste and quality of the food served hot. The wine, Paza Primativo, was excellent with aromas of bright cherries and violets, with flavors of juicy red fruit. She truly enjoyed the pairing of the Primativo with her Gnocchi. My selection of Ziti Capriosa pasta was also served hot and delicious. To me, Rancho Roble Barbara was a great match. During our meal, Chef Danieli Alcantaro stopped by to ask about the food to which we replied: awesome. Try it for yourself, great Italian food with a variety of local Placer County wines. Cheers and ciao. If you would like to join the nonprofit Placer County Wine and Grape Association, please go to its website at www.PCWGA.org, call 916-250-1529, extension 1, or email placerwine@gmail.com.