Harvest time in Nothern California

Lots of changes since my last post. Sadly I lost my father to cancer in June. It is the kind of experience that makes one appreciate life for it's simple pleasures. He definitely taught me to appreciate life and live it fully and fearlessly. A wonderful father and friend. He is dearly missed.

It is turning to winter here in the mountains, and my little garden is producing luscious tomatoes. What is a good combination for fresh tomatoes? Cheese, of course! Fresh mozzarella and basil with a drizzle of olive oil and balsamic vinegar is a simple delight. And paired with it, a nice red, maybe a pinot noir or zinfandel, with the right amount of lightness and fruitiness, you can't go wrong. I recently have been taken with a Carmel Road Monterey Pinot Noir. It is very fruity but light and delicious. Try it!

France and Italy join forces with delicious results

Been busy, folks. But between the long daily commutes, the tennis matches, the visits to my ailing father, putting in my first veggie garden at my new property, and battling raccoons and squirrels, time has been moving at the speed of sound. Amazing how a nice glass of wine and some extraordinary cheese can create the perfect environment for slowing down, smiling, and savoring time. There is lots of wine and cheese out there and way too little time.

And lots of wine and cheese lovers too! Every day I meet someone else who is enamored with the blend of scents, textures, and tastes that these 2 wonderful things offer. One recent contact, Susan, is a good friend and coworker, who, after I told her about my blog, told me about her brother's wine tasting club. I invited her and his club to join in so we can all benefit from their trials. Share the wealth! of knowledge. Maybe choose one wine at each tasting that is the top selection and submit the critique.

Here is a nice cheese that my son shared with me that is delicious with wine. Fromage d'Affinois, a French double cream soft cheese with garlic and herbs, is produced by the Fromagerie Guilloteau company. Due to a process called ultrafiltration, it has less water than brie but still has a great spreading texture, along with claims of higher nutritional value. The white outer rind is edible, as with brie, and the herbs and garlic give it a lively flavor that pairs well with sparkling wines or whites.

One that I recently tasted deserves a mention. It is an Italian Pinot Grigio from Santa Margharita winery. They are well known for their Pinot Grigio from the Alto Adige vineyard in the Veneto region of northeastern Italy. It is a well-balanced and subtly flavored, easy drinking wine for a refreshing summer afternoon treat. And great with a creamy soft french cheese and fresh french bread. Salute'

Red wine makes you feel so fine

Red wine has 2 great qualities: it is delicious and it has heart-healthy benefits. There are so many varieties...and so little time. It helps to focus on world geography in our research. France is a good place to start. For a value-priced red, I have come across a nice Bordeaux that is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon.

It is from the Bordeaux region of France and has the qualities of a Bordeaux, fruit-forward, mellow flavor, but without the tannins that can cause an alcoholic tongue, and biting finish. For a non-classified Bordeaux, Chateau Campot-Lafon Bordeaux is an inexpensive, but quality choice that goes well with meats and cheese; particularly brie, camembert, or gorgonzola.

The only place I have found it is at a local New Leaf market, but there are links online that claim to have it as well.

Comte

Comte is a hard, creamy cheese from cows milk, similar to gruyere, with a strong, slightly sweet flavor. It is robust enough to stand on its own, but is also nice with french bread or crackers. It can also blend well with dried meats, such as salami or prosciutto.

Wine pairs well with comte cheese. Because of it's strength and presence, a lighter red or white compliments it nicely and doesn't overpower it. Look for a good pinot noir or chardonnay.

Values can be found in California winery pinots. I recently tasted an excellent 2006 pinot from Tolosa Winery in San Luis Obispo.

Another excellent winery, Cakebread Cellars , (doesn't sell bad wine), has a 2006 Rubáiyat that is delicious. It is a blend of 83% Pinot Noir, 15% Zinfandel and 2% Syrah. The winemakers recommend drinking now; it is ready to be enjoyed, just how we like it!

In the white category, try the J Lohr Winery 2006 Arroyo Vista Vineyard Chardonnay or the Iron Horse Vineyards 2005 Rued Clone Chardonnay.

If you are looking for an inexpensive chard, try the Kendall Jackson Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay or Dry Creek Vineyard Chardonnay.

If you have some tried and true wine and cheese combos, share, my friend, share the wealth.

Welcome to artisan cheese and wine

My blog will publish the latest great cheese and wine combos from all around the world.