Today I sampled three delicious artisan cheeses which each paired excellently with Pinot noir. I stopped by my local cheese bar, where I had a glass of 2010 Pinot noir from Baileyana Winery in Edna Valley, CA.
My server recommended that Pinot noir pairs best with goat and sheep cheeses.
From left to right: Istera's Ossau Iraty, Cypress Grove's Humboldt Fog, Rocchetta by Caseificio dell Alta Langa
Istera's Ossau Iraty, a semi-firm sheep cheese from France: The mild sweet taste has hints of olive, fig and hazelnut, and paired very well with Pinot noir. Although it is not spreadable, it is delicious in small nibbles, with a slightly oily texture.
Cypress Grove Chevre's Humboldt Fog, a semi-soft goat cheese from Humboldt, CA: With ash marbling and rind, this spreadable cheese has a creamy, light flavor with a slight lemon taste. It paired nicely with my glass of Pinot noir, and the wine did not diminish its distinct taste.
Rocchetta by Caseificio dell Alta Langa, a soft-ripened cheese from Italy: This is perfectly balanced, made with 33% cow's milk, 33% goat's milk, and 33% sheep's milk. Though it was creamy when I cut into it, it has a dense texture that was crumbly when spread. I really liked this cheese; it has an extremely rich buttery and aromatic taste, and it paired excellently with my glass of Pinot noir.
Be sure to check out The Wine & Cheese Corner next week, for new wine & cheese pairings and reviews.
Istara
Cypress Grove
Caseificio dell Alta Langa
