The Perfect Pair: An Ode to Cheese and Wine
It is a delight beyond measure when you discover a magical combination of wine and cheese that unlocks flavor, harmonies really, that just didn’t exist in the wine or cheese alone. But what happens when you combine three such pairings? For WineFest, Cheesetique presents a curated triptych of classic couplings, The Perfect Pair.
The beauty of The Perfect Pair lies not just in the individual cheese and wine pairings, but also in how these three combinations complement each other to provide a rich and diverse tasting experience. Each pairing has been chosen to reflect a distinct set of flavors and characteristics, allowing you to explore a wide range of taste profiles and traditions. The tasting starts light, crisp, fresh, and creamy. The middle pair adds a level of complexity – tangy and zesty; it’s sharper than the first combination. Finally, sweet and nutty meets strong, salty, and pungent. A rich, bold, and indulgent ending.
Our first offering, the Blanc de Blancs Brut and Triple Crème Brie, is a testament to the elegance of simplicity. Blanc de Blancs Brut, made entirely from white grapes, predominantly Chardonnay, is a sparkling wine known for its light, fresh, and citrusy notes. These qualities make it a perfect partner for a buttery and creamy cheese like Triple Crème Brie. This pairing originates from France, where both products are renowned. The rich, creamy texture and mildly sweet, buttery flavor of the Brie harmonize wonderfully with the crisp acidity and effervescence of the Brut, balancing each other out in a delightful dance of flavors.
The second pairing, Sauvignon Blanc with Fresh Chevre, represents the heart of France's Loire Valley. Sauvignon Blanc, known for its high acidity and zesty citrus notes, has long been a popular white wine across the globe. Fresh Chevre, a soft, tangy goat cheese, is a classic of the region. Both have a naturally high acidity, making for a beautifully balanced pairing. The sharp, tangy nature of the goat cheese is complemented by the bright, grassy notes of the Sauvignon Blanc, creating a refreshing taste profile that lingers on the palate. This pairing follows the age-old adage, “what grows together, goes together.”
Lastly, the pairing of Tawny Port with Blue Stilton offers a bold and decadent finish. Tawny Port, a fortified wine from the Douro Valley of Portugal, is aged in wood barrels, giving it a rich, nutty, and caramel-like profile. Its sweetness perfectly offsets the strong, pungent, and salty Blue Stilton, a traditional English cheese. This pairing tradition, which dates back to the 18th century, was born out of the historical trade relationships between Portugal and England. The contrast between the strong, bold flavors of the Stilton and the sweet, smooth Port creates a complex, indulgent experience that is both luxurious and deeply satisfying.
The reason these pairings work so well lies in the harmony and balance they achieve. In each pairing, the properties of the wine and cheese - whether it's the creaminess of the cheese balanced by the acidity of the wine, or the sweetness of the wine offset by the saltiness of the cheese - create a perfect equilibrium. These pairings have been tested and perfected over centuries, reflecting not only the rich histories and traditions of their regions, but also the fundamental science of taste.
The Perfect Pair is a journey through time and geography. Each combination paints a vivid portrait of its origin, showcasing the harmony between the cheese and the wine, the balance between flavors, and the dance of tastes on your palate. Whether you're a seasoned wine and cheese connoisseur or a curious newcomer, the gastronomical adventure offered by The Perfect Pair is one not to be missed. It’s at Cheesetique until the end of June.