Peach Panzanella

Peach Panzanella

Ingredients

Peach Panzanella

  • 4 cups of cubed rustic bread (sourdough or ciabatta), preferably a day old

  • 3 large ripe peaches, pitted and sliced

  • 1 pint of cherry tomatoes, halved

  • 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced

  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced, rinsed, and drained

  • ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, torn

  • ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, torn

  • ½ cup crumbled goat cheese or feta

Dressing

  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

  • 2 Tbsp white balsamic vinegar (or champagne vinegar)

  • 1 Tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions

  1. Prepare the Bread: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and drizzle with a bit of olive oil. Toss to coat.

  2. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the bread is golden and crispy. Let it cool.

  3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until well combined.

  4. Assemble the Salad: In a large bowl, combine the toasted bread cubes, sliced peaches, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and mint.

  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring everything is well coated.

  6. Let the salad sit for about 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the bread to absorb some of the dressing.

  7. Finish and Serve: Just before serving, sprinkle the crumbled goat cheese or feta.

  8. Serve immediately and enjoy with a chilled glass of WALT Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Suggested Pairing & Notes: WALT Rosé of Pinot Noir.

Flavor Harmony

  • Crisp peach notes in the wine echo the fresh peach slices in the panzanella, creating a seamless transition.

  • Juicy strawberry and raspberry flavors complement the sweetness of the peaches and the slight tang of the tomatoes.

Acidity Balance

  • The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the richness of olive oil and creamy goat cheese, refreshing the palate with each bite.

  • White balsamic vinegar in the dressing mirrors the wine’s acidity, enhancing overall balance.

Textural Contrast

  • Minerality and subtle tannins in the rosé contrast beautifully with crunchy toasted bread and creamy goat cheese, adding dimension to each bite.

Aromatic Complement

  • Fresh herbs like basil and mint bring an aromatic lift that harmonizes with the wine’s bouquet.