Wine and Cheese 2

Pairing 1: Chardonnay with Brie

Name: Josh Cellars Chardonnay

Variety of Grape(s): Chardonnay

Country of Origin: United States of America

Region of Origin: California

Vintage Year: 2023

Price: $12.99

Nose: Yeast, grape, dry, pear, apple

Taste: Fruit, cream, apple, yogurt

Brie: Creamy, milky, earthy, mild, soft, lettuce/celery, green leaves

This was a phenomenal pairing. My favorite notes and flavors were highlighted by each other. All flavors were very balanced, and the fruity, vegetable notes mesh under the sweetness of the grape and apple flavors.

Pairing 2: Chianti and Buttercheese

Name: Da Vinci Chianti

Variety of Grape(s): Sangiovese

Country of Origin: Italy

Region of Origin: Chianti, Toscana

Vintage Year: 2023

Price: $18.99

Nose: Dry, blackcurrant, ethanol, tannins

Taste: Fruit, hot, sweet, plum, blackcurrant

Cheese: cake, butter, very mild

As someone who hates most cheeses, especially ones that taste particularly funky or strong, I hoped this buttercheese would be palatable like the brie I had previously. I was surprised when I disliked it for living up too much to its name. It really just tasted like I was eating a solid piece of slightly cheesy butter. It was really creamy and sweet, and it tasted a bit like yellow cake. It was really weird, but the chianti balanced it out pretty well. I found the cheese tastes a lot creamier and sweeter with the wine, but without being overpowering, and the bitterness of the blackcurrant and the tannins helped to balance the cheese. I liked this combo.

Pairing 3: Petite Sirah and Parrano Gouda

Name: McManis Petite Sirah

Variety of Grape(s): Petite Sirah

Country of Origin: United States of America

Region of Origin: California

Vintage Year: 2023

Price: $18.99

Nose: Cinnamon, tannic, dry, ethanol, sweetness of balsamic, cherry

Taste: Spiced, Christmas, Clove, Sage, assorted herbs, balsamic, strong cranberry, slightly sweet, but hot from the spices

Cheese: Awful. I hated it. I almost threw up after tasting it. I really hate gouda.

I have absolutely no notes on the pairing other than I merely washed the horrible flavor of the gouda out of my mouth with a delicious wine. I hated the cheese and could barely notice any pairing or differences in flavors because I was so disgusted by the cheese.

The wine itself was wonderful. I realized while writing this that the bottle of syrah I went to pick up from the store was actually a bottle of Petite Sirah. I had no idea they were different grapes, but I found the history of the grapes quite interesting. I am very happy with the bottle I did grab, and I loved the flavors and aromas of the wine. The best way I could describe it was that the wine tasted like Christmas. The herbs, cranberry, fruity, earthy tones all reminded me of Christmas Dinner with my family. The hot spices added a great kick to it as well, and I loved every bit of it. I will be buying this bottle again and sharing it with my family.