Posts Tagged ‘champagne’
Varietal: Chardonnay
Region: California – Russian River Valley – USA
Cost: $25
Pale straw color with aromas of honey, lime, and freshly baked bread. Slightly floral with notes of yeast, lemon, and apricot. Refreshing and balanced with tiny bubbles and good acidity. Pairs well with spicy dishes, fresh seafood, or soft cheeses such as Brie.
Recommendations: Well, it’s been a week and I’m back from vacation, so I figured what better way to start than with some bubbles. I don’t usually drink a ton of sparkling wine, Champagne or not, but when I got this sample I was definitely intrigued as a good friend of mine is a big fan of bubbles and has been slowly but surely pressing it upon me.
I got lime and a bit of baked bread on the nose, but what I really got was the yeast on the palate. With just a hint of sweetness, which I’ll chalk up to the apricot the tasting notes claimed I would taste, and a nice acid finish, it was an enjoyable wine. The small bubbles made it easy to drink, and the dinner of a deconstructed chicken pot pie was actually a nice pairing for this, as the flavors of the wine helped cut through the creaminess of the food. Read the rest of this entry »
By: Sara Kahn, Founder of The Cheese Ambassador.
Whether you are hosting a soiree or a casual get-together this holiday, your mission is to provide your guests with warm hospitality, lively conversation and a delectable spread of food and drink. Whether the menu is complicated or simple it better be delicious. Serving a sumptuous gourmet cheese course is perfect as a starter or centerpiece of the meal. Not only is the preparation simple (no cooking!) but more importantly, your guests will enjoy discovering and savoring new favorites. As a wine lover, you want to impress with the right pairings but the overwhelming selections of wine and cheese can make your head spin. Relax. There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to choosing the right combinations of cheese and wine. Just keep in mind a few simple considerations.
A cheese course is about observing and enjoying contrasting and complementary flavors. For a foolproof gourmet cheese course, select 3 – 5 cheeses that vary in texture and flavor. Add some crusty bread, fresh or dried fruit, olives and nuts and voila!
Remember, wines are meant to cleanse the palate, wash away the tongue-coating richness of the cheese and prepare your mouth for the next delicious bite. It’s important that your selections don’t overwhelm the cheese and vice versa. Essentially, you’ll want to match wine and cheese of the same intensity level. Just remember “like for like”.
Take a look at the gourmet cheese categories and wine recommendations below for guidance. You’ll see how easy it is to serve an elegant wine and cheese course. For best results, just add friends and family.
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