Cheese Pairing - 02/27/24

Wine

- Woodbridge Chardonnay

- Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon - The Big Red Monster

- Five Ports Maynard's Aged Tawny Porto

Cheese

- Merlot Bellavitano

- Maple Gouda

- Brie

Since the Chardonnay had been opened for three days, I was not expecting much of a savoy taste. I would say I was pleasantly surprised by my poor judgement. It was absolutely delightful with hints of pear and apple with a perfect balance of sweetness and rich tannins. I was expecting the stereotypical Chardonnay with buttery richness and abundant sweetness. The Maple Gouda, most pungent cheese on the table, did not pair well. The nutty flavor with thyme infused inside of it was definitely overpowering for the subtle wine. On the other hand, the Merlot complimented the wine nicely with an apple-like sweetness. Lastly, the Brie transformed the wine into a incredibly rich taste. The woody and nutty undertones were delicious to pair with.

The Cabernet Sauvignon had an exceptional amount of sweetness with notes of raspberries and blackberries. It paired well with the overbearing taste of the Gouda and made it tastes like a sort of Italian seasoning. The Merlot cheese elevates the wine, increased its sweet nuttiness while highlighting its tannins and acidity with a sweet tartness. The combination brings tastes of plum and raspberry, offering a truly indulgent experience.

In our last portion of tasting, we tried the Porto dessert wine. From a visual standpoint, the amber color was quite intriguing to look at. It gave strong aromas of fresh apples. After tasting, I get the strongest notes of honey and tangy fruits. When paired with Gouda, the Port's intense sweetness clashed with the flavor of the cheese. The Merlot enhances the dry alcohol flavor of the wine and gave notes of caramel. The Brie was the best companion to the Port. It tasted like figs and even has a similar texture. The Port's fruity notes combine well with the nuttiness of Brie. 









Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tasting - Simonet Brut Blanc de Blancs

Image
Simonet Brut Blanc de Blancs Variety: Chardonnay Country: France Region:  Alsace Year:  N/A Price: $13  Wine Folly Pg. 94 My Review:  Regarding Wine Folly, Brut is supposed to be one of the driest varieties of sparkling wine. In my opinion, this sparkling Chardonnay actually has a very sweet apple taste with a buttery finish. We followed Wine Folly’s recommendation to chill this sparkling wine, which resulted in a crisp and refreshing undertone. Describing bubbles as "fine" was definitely an interesting choice of words, but I think it accurately described them. Though this wine is sparkling, it is not unbearable because of the very low carbonation level. I honestly enjoyed this wine because it gave me a nostalgic taste of apple juice. Professional Review: Made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. It's an expressive sparkling made in the classic Champagne style that produces rich and complex wines. In addition to flavors of green apple, peach, and pear, it offers lively aci...
Read more

Tasting - Momo Kawa Tokubetsu Junmai Craft Sake 2022

Image
Momo Kawa Tokubetsu Junmai Craft Sake 2022 Variety: Sake Country: Japan Region of Origin:  Prefecture Price: $16.95 My Review: This was not my favorite. I really got no taste other than soap and rice. The aromas were pungent vinegar. I was shocked by the clear appearance with a subtle tint of yellow. The one thing I do notice is no signs of fruity or herby tastes.  Professional Review: "It’s an idea. An attitude. A belief that there is something more just waiting to be discovered. It drove the pioneers across the Oregon Trail and our micro-brew and winery friends to change laws and start a revolution in craft beverages that has become a hallmark for Oregon. Momokawa is America’s premier craft sake brand, brewed with that revolutionary passion to craft the greatest possible expression of what we love."
Read more

Tasting - 19 Crimes Cali Red (Snoop Dogg Wine)

Image
19 Crimes Cali Red (Snoop Dogg Wine) Page: 96, 97 Variety: Red Blend Country of Origin: USA Region: Lodi, CA Price: $15 My Review: Well, Snoop Dogg has done it again. It's a pretty solid wine considering the mostly negative reviews. Wine Folly mentions the flavor profile being mostly sugar plums and blueberry. I do taste these in the beginning, however, it does finish a little harsh for my liking. This has to do with the aggressive tannin profile. I was not aware that tannins are responsible for the bitter and dry feeling in your pallet. Black tea was also a MAJOR note that I tasted in it. Professional Review: “ Full and dense, with strong black & blue fruit notes up front from the Petite Sirah, complemented by bright red, slightly candied fruit in the background from the Zinfandel. The darkly toasted oak ties it all together along with a slightly sweet finish.”
Read more