We will be having an educational wine and cheese tasting on Friday, Nov. 23, from 3–6pm.

Our selections for this week will include a variety of Bordeaux wines, including Clos La Coutale Cahors, Chateau la grange de Grenet, Chateau L’Orangerie, and Chateau Ducasse Bordeaux Blanc. Considered “the most famous and highly coveted wine blend in the world,” by some, Bordeaux is the region of southwestern France where these wines are made. Reds are the primary wines of the region, although there are also whites, and the well-known red wines are always made from the combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot (although other wines may also be added into the blend). Red wines from Bordeaux tend to be medium-to-full bodied with the aroma of black currant, plums, and earthier notes. Mineral and fruit flavors dominate the taste profile, ranging from tart to sweet, depending on the vintage, quality, and location of where the wine was made. As the region has a river running through the middle of it, the flavor profile of the wine also depends largely on which bank of the river the winery sits on.

Stilton is a pasteurized cow’s milk blue cheese that originated in England and has been called England’s “King of Cheeses.” Interestingly, while the cheese is named after a village in Cambridgeshire, no Stilton cheese has ever actually been made in the town of Stilton, and the identity of who actually first created it has never been established. Mysterious history aside, Stilton is now considered among the top blue cheese varieties in the world, along with cheeses like Roquefort and Gorgonzola. It’s moist but firm texture can be crumbly and becomes smoother and more butter-like as the cheese ages. It’s also known for a complex flavor that can run the spectrum including creamy, savory, spicy, fruity, or nutty, with many nuances and variations. The Stilton we will sample on Friday comes from London’s Neal’s Yard Dairy and will be an exciting companion to the selection of paired wines. 

We hope you to see you on Friday, between 3–6pm, in the center of our store, for this exciting educational wine and cheese tasting.