Here is the second part of the Bloomy cheese, now I will talk about the big tasty one..
Camembert (NV, France, Normandie), Camembert Calavdos (NV, France, Normandie), Brie de Meaux (NV, Iles de France, France), Brie de Melun (NV, Iles de France, France), Little Ryding (V, Somerset, ENG) and Tunwort (V, Hampshire, ENG)
All those cheeses above can be eaten young of course but I have to tell you when they arrive to complete maturity it is worth it but be prepared! Have a bite of it and it will take you back to the farm, with the cows or Ewe for one of them , with a bit of forest with damp leaves and mushroom, meaty earthy, hay ..... Yummy
Am I still talking about the cheese? You are asking yourself! Yes, I do actually, these are the flavors which you will get.
The middle will be creamy and have the hay, or caramelized onion and sometime a bit meaty. The rind will bring all he earthy flavors. I do see a lot of people removing the skin but you are missing all the experience!!!
One little explanation before going with the pairing I choose also a very particular cheese which is the Camembert Calavdos, a beauty!
It is made as a normal Camembert but when the cheese is ready they are removing the rind and deep it into breadcrumbs sucked in Calvados , I used to call it the King! Yes as it has so much strength. But why I choose it because it doesn't really go with the wine i will mention but mainly because it is a strong cheese and I wanted you to know it and if you do pass front of it once do not hesitate! It is SUBLIME!
Now the wine you will pair with it, needs to be complex (it means from the moment you taste till you swallow it the flavor will change, it will occur when for example you will have a wine with more than one grape) also your wine can have more tannin (It is this feeling that you will have once you have the wine in your mouth it will dry your gums and mouth, depending how much tannin it has) has your cheese are saltier.
Here are the grapes::
Syrah or blended (More than one grapes) with Syrah:: This grape is repeated from the first article as it can make more powerful wine on its own or blended. You will have those spices such black pepper, white pepper, chili and then the fruity side with blackberries, blackcurrant but more on the jammy (ripen fruit) side. With the blend such as Grenache which is juicy, freshness but bring the tannin, Mourvedre which gives you the power and deepness of the wine.. With a blend oof those grapes wyou wll have more complexity as each grapes will give its own flavor. Got it!
Where to find it: France/ Languedoc Roussillon (Corbiere, Minervois both Blend)
South Africa: Franschhoek
Australia: Western Australia
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of my favorite grape! Why you will ask me.
It is a grape that has a potential to acclimate itself pretty everywhere in the world and it makes absolute beauty. blended or on its own. It can be enjoyed at no time. But of course aromas in the wine will be different from young wine to older one. The flavor you will get and be able to recognize Cabernet Sauvignon is blackcurrant, elderberries. cedar wood when it develops Cabernet Sauvignon is known to make fine wines. It has enough tannin to sustain those cheeses but supple and round to not be to rough! Blended it is perfect with Merlot (plumy note) and Cabernet Franc (Depth) which is known under Bordeaux Blend.
Where to find it: 100% CS France: Southern France
South Africa: Stellenbosh (very renown wines)
Chile: Colchagua Valley
Australia: Heathcote
I have mention this one already as well, but I could not not talk about it!
Pinot Noir but as its neighbor above it is a versatile grape, its only difficulty is the skin which is very thin. So the weather change can be fatal for it.
But for the style of cheese like Camembert it is one of the best pairing, because of the medium bodied style and the aromas iin it such strawberry, cherry, earthy (soil) mushroom. And if I may, it will sound patriotic but, some of the best are made in France in Burgundy! and no one could reproduce them around the world. Yes I agree they are pricey, a good bottle will be at around £12-£15 to start. But it worth to have it, a little treat for yourself!
I hope every thing is clear enough for you readers and again please do not hesitate to leave me comment as it will be nice to hear what you think.
Next time I will go through the fresh cheese, goat, ewe, sheep. paired with some beautiful wine! See you soon
A Wine Lover