Say "Cheese" with your Wine

by Frank Mangio
The press release read: “Join the Cheese Impresario Barrie Linn, bringing together the finest wine and cheese to create a magic relationship that will sing and dance on your palate.”

This invitation was circulated by Dorian Linkogle, the co-owner of Briar Rose Winery in Temecula. Ok, I knew about the wines she and her husband Les produced (see my column of October 10th) but truthfully I had never been to a premium cheese event.

This much I knew. Red wines, especially heavy-bodied varietals, bloom into velvety, delicious, elegant wines, when European style cheeses are added to the tastings.

Linn was passionate in her love of cheeses as she opened up about how she simply wanted to tell the world about her discoveries. And the world responded. She has partnered with the Slow Foods Movement, The Oscar Awards Show, Wine Spectator and numerous wineries in her search for the greatest cheeses on the planet, matching up with the greatest wines. Barrie introduced us to the “Cheese Highway,” a method of maximizing the taste of cheeses and wines.

According to Linn, after sharp inhalations, she advises putting a small amount of the cheese on the tongue, then sip the selected wine pairing on the tongue over the cheese and swallow.

My favorite of the tasting was the Sartori Reserve Rasberry Bella Vitano from Wisconsin, with origins in Italy. It has a unique Parmesan flavor and a cheddar texture. Soaked in raspberry tart ale, it took first place in the American Cheese Society Competition. This cheese was paired with the 2005 Briar Rose Double Gold Winner Cabernet Franc, a Bordeaux style wine that exploded with flavor when poured over the “cheese highway.” To learn more about this cheese phenom and more of her thoughts and tips about cheese, go to www.thecheeseimpresario.com.

Now a few choice words about my all-time favorite cheese, Grana Padano, a magnificent cheese from cultivated cows in the enriching pastures of Parma, Italy. Almost any area of Italy produces cheeses that are worshiped by cheese lovers everywhere. Other popular cheeses are: Asagio in Veneto, Gorgonzola from Lombardy, Parmigiano Reggiano and Pecorino Romana from Romagna, Provolone and Mozzarella from Campania, and Ricotta from most areas of Italy.

Grana Padano gets its name from its texture which is grainy. This hard cheese is wonderful for grating over food. Use it in place of salt to enhance flavor. It is an accented yet savory flavored cheese, made in “wheels” and with aging of two years or more. Grana Padano tends to be moist and more delicate than other Parmigiano cheeses, not as sharp as some, but with a nutty character, sweet and delicate.

Wines that do well with Grana Padano are the full bodied reds from Piedmont and Tuscany. Sip some Barolo and Barbaresco, or Chianti Classico Reserve for the full effect. This cheese lasts a long time without spoiling which is to the good as it is a premium cheese at about $10. a pound or more. Check La Costa Wine Company for inventory. It has expanded its cheese department and has cheese tastings on occasion. Call 760-431-8455.

Wine Bytes
§ La Costa Wine Company has a “Deep, Dark Mysterious” wine tasting Fri. Oct. 29 from 5 to 8pm. You sip deep, brooding, adventurous wines. Free tasting for best Halloween costume. Details at 760-431-8455.

§ Canapes Bistro and Wine Bar in San Marcos is having a Halloween party Sat. Oct. 30 starting at 8pm. Great food, live music and select wines. Reservations and details at 760-510-2088.

§ A Halloween Murder Mystery Dinner is planned for Thornton Winery in Temecula Sat. Oct. 30 at 7pm. Eat, drink, come in costume and dance the night away. $90. pp. RSVP at 951-699-0099.

§ Lorimar Winery has a Halloween “Spooktacular” Sat. Oct. 30 at 6pm in the Temecula Old Town Tasting Room. Wear costumes for a big contest, live music, appetizers, and drink specials. Price and details at 951-240-5177.

§ A “Hallo-wine” and Spirits Party happens at Hotel Del Coronado Sat. Oct. 30 from 7 to 11pm. Costumes encouraged for grown-up trick or treating. Wine and chocolate combinations served in the wine shop, then delicious, lavish hors d’oeurves and dancing in the Crown Room. Advance RSVP’s. For price and details call 619-522-8490.

§ The Temecula Wine Growers are presenting a two day Harvest Celebration Sat. and Sun. Nov. 6 and 7 from 10am to 4:30pm. Visit up to 30 member wineries for wine and wine barrel samplings, and chef special cuisine samples. Two-day ticket $99. Check other options and to buy tickets, phone 800-801-9463 or access www.temeculawines.org.

§ The San Diego Spirits Festival and Chef De Cuisine Association is pairing local bartenders and chefs in a “Team Challenge” event Sun. Nov. 7, 1 to 5pm on the rooftop of the Hard Rock Hotel, downtown San Diego. $25. tickets in advance or at the door. More at www.sandiegospiritsfestival.com.