Hot damn, look at this beauty from Pizzeria Otto. I was briefly in Portland, Oregon, and wanted to check out this place since it came highly recommended from my pals Mary and Sean. I was overnighting at their house and it’s not too far away so perfect, right? (Confidential to Mary and Sean: Left you a sixer in the fridge; thanks for letting me stay!)
But what do you drink with this (apple/cranberry) sausage, sage, and caramelized onion pizza with Mama Lil’s peppers? How about a pink wine from the island of Corsica. What, you’ve never had one? It’s time!
Corsican Rosé: Domaine Santa Giulietta 2014
The Domaine Santa Giulietta is a blend of mostly Nielluccio (huh?) with some Grenache. Nielluccio, according to Jancis Robinson’s “Vines, Grapes, & Vines” is Corsica’s most-planted native grape variety. And the best use of it, Robinson explains, is to turn Nielluccio into a “fairly formidable rosé”. (Love the British turn of a phrase, BTW.)
My Yankee sentiment, alas, is less understated: I LOVED IT!!! This is a really distinct and delicious rosé. Go forth and request it at your local wine purveyor or consume it on-premise at Pizzeria Otto. Oh, did I neglect to mention how fantastic the pizza is? Stupendous crust and toppings.
The view from the bar. You can watch your pizza being assembled and baked. Now that’s dinner and a show.
Some logistical notes: I went on a Sunday around 6pm and it was packed. You order at the counter prior to grabbing a seat. (Don’t be a squatter. Not cool. You know who you are.) For solo diners like me, there are four seats at the bar. Very handy the register is adjacent; you can quickly slide into a stool.
Pizzeria Otto is really popular with families, but they require more space so if you are alone you’re probably in luck. At least when it comes to pizza and rosé. And, in the grand scheme of things, that makes you THE LUCKIEST PERSON IN THE HISTORY OF THE WORLD!
(PS: You’re welcome.)
How about checking out my podcast with Sean and Mary? We talk about smoking meats and vegetables. So it’s very important stuff.
This place is on my must try list.
Michelle,
It’s a neighborhood gem!
Best,
Jameson
Beautiful! That sausage looks perfect.
Elena,
It was a great pizza and wine combo! Thanks for the comment.
Jameson
[…] can also see a fun review of Pizzeria Otto from my friend Jameson Fink here. We sent him there on one of his recent visits to town and he was smitten by a Corsican Rosé they […]