Looking for a refined yet simple seafood dish that’s perfect for pairing with an elegant white wine? This sesame-crusted tuna tagliata hits all the right notes. With its rich texture and bold flavors, it’s an ideal match for the Colli Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio Ramato Riserva 2021 from Specogna—a wine known for its depth and complexity.
Ingredients (serves 2):
- 2 fresh tuna steaks (about 2–3 cm thick)
- 3 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Soy sauce (for marinating)
- Freshly grated ginger
- Lime or lemon juice
Preparation:
Begin by marinating the tuna steaks for around 15 to 20 minutes in a mix of soy sauce, grated ginger, and a splash of lime or lemon juice. After marinating, pat the tuna dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
Spread the sesame seeds on a plate and press the tuna into them, coating all sides evenly.
Heat a non-stick pan or grill with a drizzle of olive oil. Once hot, sear the tuna steaks for about one minute per side—including the edges—so that the interior stays tender and rare.
Allow the tuna to rest for a couple of minutes before slicing it into 1 cm thick pieces.
Serve immediately, ideally with a light salad of mixed greens and perhaps some mango or avocado. This not only enhances the freshness of the dish but also elevates the wine pairing experience.
Wine pairing:
Colli Orientali del Friuli Pinot Grigio Ramato Riserva 2021 – Specogna
This exceptional Pinot Grigio boasts a striking copper hue and an aromatic profile rich with notes of ripe fruit, subtle spices, and herbal undertones. Thanks to extended maceration, it presents a gentle tannic structure, full-bodied mouthfeel, and a remarkably long finish.
Origin: Produced in the Rocca Bernarda area within the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, from hillside vineyards facing east and northeast. The soil is composed of marl and sandstone, with vineyards sitting around 150 meters above sea level.
Grapes: 100% Pinot Grigio from a vineyard planted in 1968. The vines are trained using the traditional cappuccina method, with approximately 4,000 vines per hectare.
Winemaking: The grapes undergo a 60-day maceration in wooden vats, followed by 24 months of aging in a combination of used barriques and t
Serving temperature: 14°C
Recommended pairings: Savory fish dishes.