A Provençal version of minestrone, this is a hearty vegetable soup with summer vegetables, herbs and pasta. Delicious served hot or at room temperature.

INGREDIENTS:
• 1 cup dried white beans (navy or cannellini), soaked in cold water overnight and drained.
• 1-ounce of pancetta
• 1 small onion, halved
• 1 medium onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, 2 whole and 2 smashed
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 quarts plus 3 cups water
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 small fennel bulb, cored and coarsely chopped
• 2 red potatoes (10 ounces), peeled and halved
• 4 small zucchini (1 pound), cut into ½ inch pieces
• ¾ lb green beans or Romano beans, cut ½ inch pieces
• 3 medium tomatoes-peeled, seeded and cut into ½ inch dice
• 1 table spoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup small shaped pasta, such as elbow or Ditalini
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 1 cup Classic Pistou (see below)
• basil sprigs, for garnish

DIRECTIONS:
• Put the drained white beans, pancetta, halved onion, whole garlic cloves and bay leaf in a medium saucepan. Add the 3 cups of water and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan and simmer until the beans are tender, about 1 ½ hours. Discard the pancetta, onion, garlic and bay leaf.
• Meanwhile, in a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil. Add the fennel, potatoes, chopped onion and smashed garlic. Cover the pot and cook the vegetables over moderately low heat, stirring occasionally, until the fennel and onion are softened, about 10 minutes. Add the 2 quarts of water and gradually bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes. © Photo Quentin Bacon and recipe courtesy of Paula Wolfert, FoodandWine.com

Abbotts and Delaunay
A Tire D’Aile
Grenache, Syrah
Corbieres, France

A Tire d’Aile is a range of delectable, balanced and elegant wines from the Languedoc region’s classic appellations. Respecting both the soil and the vines, healthy grapes are produced with good concentration much to the delight of the birds that live in the plots.

The grapes come from three terroirs: 65% from the eastern Corbières (coastal vineyards yield grapes that lend freshness and elegance), 20% from the edge of Fitou (a terroir located further south whose grapes offer lovely aromatic richness) and 15% from the Corbières Boutenac cru which give this wine its depth. The grapes are handpicked and brought to the winery in tubs and immediately transferred to tanks without crushing or pumping. Maceration lasts 15 days. The press wine is added to the free-run wine. The wine is aged in barrels (40%) and stainless steel tanks (60%).

“Very intense black color. Floral nose reminiscent of violet along with fine spices (white pepper), black olive and notes of humus and tobacco. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with lovely substance and smooth tannins. Flavors of jammy fruit and baked goods on the finish.” – Laurent Delaunay, winemaker

Winemaker: Laurent Delaunay
Appellation: Languedoc, Corbieres, France
Varietal Blend:  Grenache, Syrah
Analysis: 13.5% alcohol / volume

CLASSIC PISTOU

From the south of France, Pistou is similar to pesto sauce. It’s an olive oil based basil sauce and made by hand.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 tablespoon crushed garlic
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 4 1/2 cups basil leaves, torn into pieces (2 ounces)
• 1/4 cup coarsely grated plum tomatoes
• 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 cup finely grated Mimolette or slightly aged Gouda (3 ounces)

DIRECTIONS:

In a large mortar, pound the garlic with the salt to a paste. Add the basil by the handful and grind the leaves against the side of the mortar until almost smooth. Stir in the tomatoes, then gradually stir in the olive oil until it’s incorporated. Stir in the cheese and refrigerate until ready to serve. © Photo Quentin Bacon, recipe by Paula Wolfert of FoodandWine.com