Staying at home for Valentine’s Day has always been a good idea, but it’s a bit more of a realistic one this year. What’s our recommendation for making Valentine’s Day special? Create your own wine and cheese pairing experience complete with score card below!
Wine and cheese scoring card. Rate wines and cheeses 1-5 with 5 being a top score. Compare your totals at the end of your experience to see which wines and cheeses you and your partner liked best.
Choose three or four wines from your local grocer or vineyard. Then, ask questions about which cheese might go well with the wines you’ve chosen. Or, start the opposite way by selecting the cheeses, and then ask your local grocer or vineyard for tips on wine pairings. In my experiences, local experts are happy to help!
Here’s a sample menu we enjoyed over the holidays with input from Ab Astris winery and Cooper’s Hawk winery (some dessert pairings included!):
Ab Astris 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon: pair with goat cheese (no desserts)
Ab Astris 2019 Aurora Rosé: pair with desserts (slightly sugary or fruity desserts are best) or simple fruit (raspberries)
Ab Astris 2019 Picpoul Blanc: pair with blue, comte, or gruyere cheeses, or pineapple upside down cake.
Cooper’s Hawk Blueberry Acai: pair with chocolate cake, berry tart, or a creamy cheese like brie.
Extra tips: use a large cutting board or butcher’s block to arrange all cheeses so that they are not touching each other to preserve flavor. Allow the cheeses to reach room temperature before serving to maximize taste. Allow the wine to “breathe” before serving.
Wine at home
Leave us a comment about your own wine and cheese pairing experience created at home, and enjoy this Valentine’s Day with your loved one!
References to Ab Astris winery and Cooper’s Hawk winery are based on my own opinions and experiences, and I received no compensation from the wineries for discussing my own opinions.
First and third images above: Shutterstock.
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