Wine and Cheese Pairings

I realize I have been absent. Since June I have been afflicted with a painful, undiagnosed illness that affects my ear and neck and/or carotid artery. I lived with it all summer and tried to keep posting and keep my chin up. But I'm going on month five now, and many co-payments and specialists, and x-rays and MRI's and prescriptions (and still no answers) have left me broke, fatigued, still in pain, fearful, impatient and depressed. I have not even had my usual zest for wine tasting - that alone is enough to make me depressed. While this strange pain I have affects me daily, I am lucky enough that it leaves me for anywhere from 4 - 8 hours at some point during the day or evening. My boss gave me his seat tonight at a wine and cheese pairing event that I accompanied his wife to. The stars lined up for me and my pain left me at 5:00 p.m. I have just returned from a wonderful reprieve of an evening pairing exquisite artisan cheeses with five wines. There is a new store in a local town that sells fresh, unbelieveable creamy goat, sheep and cow cheeses, as well as fine chocolates and artisan breads. The owner and his wife ran the event this evening. I was thrilled to meet the owner's wife who is a sommelier who trained under Kevin Zraly at "Windows of The World" in NYC.

As my zest for photo taking has left me as well, there are no photos of the evenings' pairings, but following are my two top favorite pairings of the evening.

I have tasted and reviewed both of the following wines previously (so if you want label info, look in the archives here). Both wines were unparalelled when paired with these cheeses this evening.

Drylands Estate, 2007 Sauvignon Blanc ($17.99) paired with Brigid's Abbey Cato Corner Farm cow cheese. The cheese being extra creamy and FAT, the citrus fruit of the Drylands was a perfect match.

7 Deadly Zins, 2006 Red Zinfandel ($17.99) paired with Timberdoodle Woodcock Farm Vermont cow cheese. The Timberdoodle cheese is very strong and complex on its own and the other wines we tried with it just petered out. But the 7 Deadly Zins was power packed full of flavor to match the cheese. The result was a fantastic smoke flavored finish of both cheese and wine. (This combo I hope to be able to serve as Thanksgiving appetizers.)

I can't promise I'll be posting again soon, but I am going to think positive and tell you when I have a good day, and a good wine experience, I will pass it along, even if just brief. Mid-November, this store is having a special holiday pairing. Focal points will be Chocolate and Cabernet and Port and Bleu Cheese. I am hoping the stars will align for me once again and I will forward my experiences on to you. :)

Palazzo Della Torre Veronese

2004
Allegrini
Italy

Will definitely drink this very smooth wine again. Buy now to drink and/or cellar for a few years.

70% Corvina Veronese
25% Rondinella
5% Sangiovese

I thoroughly enjoyed this very smooth, full-bodied red. Deep velvety red in color, it was very fruit forward in scent and initial mouth full. Had a big blackberry scent and flavor up front for me. It 's finish was pleasant, not as long as I might have liked, but enjoyable. It was good all on its very own - no food influences. It wasn't as distinct in flavor once the addition of food was made (black bean and roasted garlic stew).







8.25 out of 10 (The Guy gives it a 9.0 without the addition of food. 8.5 with tonight's dinner)
13.5% alc. by vol
$20 / 750 ml bottle

Two Hands Angels Share Shiraz

2004
McLaren Vale
Australia

Loved this wine - would love to drink again.

(I was unable to snatch the bottle to get a pic before it was thrown away, however, the fab image to the right is found on the bottle.)

I reviewed Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz on New Year's Eve, 2007. See the review here: http://whattodrink.blogspot.com/2007/12/two-hands-gnarly-dudes.html.

Although the Gnarly Dudes had a slight edge over Angels Share, they are pretty darn close. The Guy and I went to his work picnic a few weeks ago and we were lucky enough to be given a choice of not-the-average-run-of-the-mill wine selections by his very nice and generous boss. Prior to our delicious main meal, we enjoyed this wine on its own. I also had it with home-made Clam Chowder (and shrimp cocktail) and still enjoyed it just as much.

This was a beautiful "dark ink" color and had that awesome McLaren Vale-specific taste to it. The Barossa and McLaren Vale are definitely two of my favorite Australian Shiraz regions. I found it to be smokey-mocha-oak-earth cherry in flavor and loved it. I highly recommend it, though it's not the average budget material :{

Tonight's reflection is yet another song that hits me personally (most that I post do in some way). It's my absolute favorite by "O.A.R". I hope it doesn't get overkilled on the radio (I fear it's starting to), but nevertheless it speaks volumes to me right now. I feel it represents Classic Co-dependency and wish I couldn't identify with it so. (And, as a side note, for my friend in the Netherlands who worries about my "broken hearts" poems and song choices - this is cathartic for me and it's who I am - but I am OK and so very grateful you care.)

. . .Stumble out, in the night
From the pouring rain
Made the block, sat and thought
There's more I need
It's always back to you

But I'm good without ya
Yeah, I'm good without you
Yeah, yeah, yeah . . .

. . .How many times can I break till I shatter?
Over the line can't define what I'm after
I always turn the car around
All that I feel is the realness I'm faking
Taking my time but it's time that I'm wasting
Always turn the car around

How many times can I break till I shatter?
Over the line can't define what I'm after
I always turn the car around

Don't wanna turn that car around
I gotta turn this thing around

O.A.R. - "Shattered"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=KzwAXlWkk3Y
(P.S. - It helps to turn this up nicely and belt it out with a look of anguish on your face)
(P.S.S. - while I enjoy YouTube for it's quick link videos, I ignore the comments and bad language by too many derelicts that tend to follow a music video - I suggest you do the same and don't read the comments - they are usually in no way a reflection of my personal tastes and I tend to find the majority either stupid or offensive or both)

(Robert Parker gave this a 95 if you're interested.)

8.5 out of 10
$29 / 750 ml. bottle
14% alc. by vol. (?)

Burgans Albarino

2007
Rias Baixas
Spain

Will drink again.

Having been craving an Albarino for a few weeks, I purchased the only one a local wine shop had a lot of. This was it. I enjoyed it, though not quite as much as the Nora Albarino I reviewed here in November 2007. But I would still recommend this.

A friend from another planet recommended Albarino to me last year following a business-related trip he'd made. He loved it. I'd never heard of it. Months later, in 2007, I tried a Nora Albarino at a restaurant with my tuna entree and loved it. I haven't had one since, though I've read it is THE wine to have with shell fish and/or paella. So, tonight I was stir-frying shrimp and figured I'd try to locate one. We had shrimp with ginger, garlic risotto and spinach and this Albarino accompanied it perfectly. I am in love with the lemon and mineral notes I seem to pick up in the only two Albarinos I've ever had.

Though this one was more floral and citrus-y, and much lighter in color than the Nora, I still enjoyed it. It reminds me of a cross between a lemony Sauvignon Blanc and a woodsy Chardonnay. Nice. I may not be a connoisseur, or have big bucks to spend, so you may choose to believe I'm just blowing words out my ass, but this wine goes especially well with sea fish and shell fish. Trust me.

Josiah
Seven years old
AK-47 forced into your little hands
The weight of it causing you to lose balance and fall over
Forced into battle against the "rebels"
You never survived your first RPG experience
Your one and only day in battle
Crying out for your long ago separated mother
Your life ends
And my faith once again mocks me
Where was the God I trust?

(I've been reading the true and heart-wrenching Ishmael Beah's "a long way gone - Memoirs of a Boy Soldier" of his life in Sierra Leone. Josiah's story struck me especially hard as he was the same age as my youngest and I can't imagine a child having to experience these horrors at any age, yet so many have, are, and still will until the hatred and violence ends. But first, help must come from elsewhere. UNICEF saved Ishmael.) PAIX / سَلام / paz / 平和 / pace / ειρήνη / 和平 / 평화(의) / damai / мир / rahu / der Frieden / friður / PEACE

http://www.unicef.org/

Robert Parker gave this Albarino a 90.

$13 / 750ml. bottle
8.0 out of 10
12.5% alc. by vol.

Terre di tufi

2003
Super White Tuscan
San Gimignano, Italia

Will definitely drink again.

A wonderful blend of:
Vernaccia - 80%
Chardonnay - 7%
Malvasia - 7%
Vermentino - 6%

Sad to say, but I can't for the life of me remember what I served with this deletable little number Labor Day weekend. All I know is, The Bro and I really loved it. The Guy doesn't remember it. :0 Doh! He must have enjoyed it a little too much.

Called a "cult wine", this wonderful Tuscan white had a really nice texture and finish, and a wonderful taste combo of creamy, vanilla spice with a nice acid balance.







8.0 out of 10
13% alc. by vol.
$22 / 750 ml bottle

Hayman Hill

2005
Cabernet Sauvignon
NAPA VALLEY
Reserve Selection No. 27

Would love to drink again, and again.

9/20/08 - Update: Had again with lunch - tostadas with black beans, kidney beans, garlic, tomato sauce, Greek plain yogurt and Chipotle topping. Very, very good together.

I still have (3) wines that The Bro brought Labor Day weekend to review, and (3) new reds from a picnic yesterday. But tonight, we had one of our own and this was it. I enjoyed it a LOT. It was good alone and with turkey meatballs, roasted garlic marinara and fresh basil from my kitchen garden, spinach and fresh parmesean. Especially excellent following a bite of the meatball. Scent of a meaty olive, the taste was pleasant blackberry with a little oak and vanilla with a lingering finish.

Quote of the Day - I told The Guy (who, in case you didn't know, writes for Comcast and Scout on the internet about the New England Patriots) with regard to the Patriots' Tom Brady replacement: "He makes me wish I was twenty years old again, and a New England Patriot cheerleader."

He quoted me, wryly, on his report: newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/wickedgoodsports/patriots/week-2-cassel-vs-the-hated-jets/


8.25 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol.
$12.00 / 750 ml. bottle

Valckenberg Gewurztraminer

2006
Germany

Would drink again.

The Bro was here for Labor Day weekend and birthday celebrations. He came with (4) reds and (4) whites. He is not a white wine lover, but he went out on a limb and gave them his best attention. He did not leave a white wine lover, but we did have fun.

I really enjoyed this Gewurztraminer though he did not, nor did The Guy. The Bro's biggest complaint was that he likes a wine he can enjoy on its own without requiring food to enhance the flavor. This wine was on the sweeter side, which was no surprise to me, but it didn't go over well with The Bro or The Guy. We had it with grilled marinated chicken breast, roasted garlic and pecan grains, and broccoli and carrot slaw. I thought it accompanied the tangy flavors of the meal well. And I felt the meal brought out the best in the wine.

Nutmeg, peach and an undisclosed floral scent and flavor. This was my first floral wine experience and I liked it. This wine is flavorful and right on with the budget. Low in alcohol content, it's enjoyable well-chilled on a warm summer day, especially following a LONG hike and you won't get hammered after a couple of glasses.


8.0 out of 10
$10 / 750 ml bottle
10.5% alc. by vol.


Rain it on down.
What else can you throw at me I haven't heard before?
And tear me on down.
I am unforgivable.

So why don't you just tell me
What you really think of me?
And scream me on down
I am so forgettable
Yes, I know.

And shoot me on down
Don't you think this isn't killing me?
But it's no more than I deserve.

I don't care what you call me.
Because it won't hurt any more.

David Ford / I Don't Care What You Call Me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ybt26QmzZ6U

Ten Mile Red Wine

2005
"The Broken Road"
Blend of Petite Sirah, Barbera, Zinfandel, Carignane California

I think I just had a glass of water with a little grape juice stuck in it.

You know, the old saying that you shouldn't pick a wine by its label just resonates so with me right now. I was captivated. Drawn in. It was me walking down Ten Mile Road, from the valley of The Broken Road. That, and I so LOVE eccentric blends.

The Guy really enjoyed it and got a berry burst of flavor and some heat. To me it smelled very promising and heady, but the flavor petered out immediately after swallowing. It was disappointing to me. With or without food - no change. It packed a punch, the scent drew me in, but I literally tasted little other than faint berry.

The saddest songs are the happiest
The hardest truths are the easiest
Put us both to the test
And tell me if you still need me
And I will swallow these words
And see if I can still believe

The biggest lies are the little ones
When the look in your eyes is the distant one
Angel or demon
You know that they can share one bed
I've laid awake so long
I've got them both inside my head. . .

. . . You were 80% angel
10% demon
The rest was hard to explain

Over The Rhine, "What I'll Remember Most"

7.0 out of 10
13.5% alc. by vol
$13 / 750 ML bottle
www.ninenorthwines.com

Stephen Vincent Sauvignon Blanc

2006
Sonoma County
California

My most wonderful mother has treated me to dinner out a few times recently and our dinner last week was fun and wonderful. We were both having the Salmon special and wanted the Greg Norman Chardonnay special but they were all out. They offered us this in it's place and we decided to wing it. It was very, very good. It accompanied our meal well and one bottle went down all too smoothly. In addition, I had fried calamari for my appetizer and was amazed that the S.V. went extremely well with it (especially as the calamari had marinara sauce with it that I consumed in it's entirety - I don't normally find tomato sauce goes well with white wines).

Cold, on the lighter side, but with a lasting tropical yet lemon-y slight mineral finish, we both enjoyed this wine.

No restaurant pics :( this time.

I don't wanna talk
About the things we've gone through
Though its hurting me
Now its history
Ive played all my cards
And thats what you've done too
Nothing more to say
No more ace to play

The winner takes it all
The loser standing small
Beside the victory
Thats her destiny

ABBA, The Winner Takes it All


8.0 out of 10
13.6% alc. by vol.
Approx. $12 / 750 ml.
http://www.stephenvincentwines.com/

Los Vascos Cabernet

2006
Colchagua Valley
Chile

Overall, this wine is a good deal for the price. Owned by one of the more premier older French vineyard owners, this wine was medium bodied and dry with a light oak flavor and scent, mingled with green pepper taste, slight black cherry and black pepper finish. Not a long finish, not a deep wine, but perfect for every day to have on hand. The Guy and I reviewed Los Vascos 2004 Reserve last year, and I think I like this more.




My Wine Eludes Me

In the midst of hardening reality
Questioning, praying, on the edge of delusion and then forsaking
Only to initiate the cycle again

Knowledge, religion, veracity, asseveration
Ebb and flow through the veins
Afflicting the heart and the brain
Even my wine eludes me

Ransacking for solace, or just a sign
Beholding the electronic medium
It is the lyrics to a song that taunt me in possessive irony
The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony" offers me no mental release

Nothing is as it seems



7.75 out of 10
$10 (or less) / 750 ml bottle
14% alc. by vol.

14-18h Rose

2007
Agiorgitiko
Greece
I once again visited the world of Rose (accent mark necessary but stumps me again). 14-18h was pretty good. I actually liked it. It wasn't sweet. It was dry and flavorful. Reminded me a bit of "Turkey Flat" which is another Rose I like. Though it wasn't heady, like I like my whites and reds (I didn't expect it with a Rose), I enjoyed it with leftover Tortellini Alfredo and fresh, sliced Avocado. And I enjoyed it on it's own. On a hot summer day, this is a refreshing wine to drink, well chilled.

Although, not a strong wine, I found myself affected :) My children have been away having fun at the beach with their grandparents for several days, and I knew I missed them, but I didn't know how much until my little one called me tonight to ask me to say her prayers over the phone and sing "Silent Night" to her (our favorite bedtime song all year round). I answered the phone at 10:00 PM and heard a quiet "Hi Momma" (I LOVE it when she calls me that - normally she calls me "Mom" except when she's really sleepy or just out of sorts). She asked for "prayers and 'Silent Night' ". I choked up halfway through prayers, then again doing the second verse of "Silent Night". I blamed the wine in my mind. :)

All my bags are packed,

I'm ready to go

I'm standing here outside your door

I hate to wake you up to say goodbye

But the dawn is breakin, it's early morn

The taxis waiting, he's blowin' his horn

Already I'm so lonesome I could cry.

So kiss me and smile for me

Tell me that you'll wait for me

Hold me like you'll never let me go.

Im leavin' on a jet plane

I don't know when Ill be back again

Oh, babe, I hate to go.

Peter, Paul, and Mary, Leavin' on a Jet Plane

7.75 out of 10
12.5% alc. by vol.
$13 / 750 ml. bottle

Clos Du Bois Chardonnay 2007

2007
North Coast
California

This is just a brief comment on trying the 2007, thinking it was the 2006. The Guy brought this home last week to please me following a week of no wine. While I normally prefer "new" wines to review, I was so happy that it was my old standby (or so I thought). I tasted it and, though it was good, it was different and not as "minerally" or finish-lasting as my norm. So I quizically studied the label. It was 2007 in lieu of 2006. I was pretty thrilled to realize I can tell the difference a year makes! Anyway, still a good wine, but I will pay more for the 2006 flavor.

And you read your Emily Dickinson,
And I my Robert Frost,
And we note our place with bookmarkers
That measure what weve lost.
Like a poem poorly written
We are verses out of rhythm,
Couplets out of rhyme,
In syncopated time
Lost in the dangling conversation
And the superficial sighs,
Are the borders of our lives.

Simon & Garfunkel, Dangling Conversations

7.75 out of 10
$22 / 1.5 L bottle
http://closdubois.com/