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National Wine & Cheese Day

Hi Wine Lovers,

My name is Katherine and I’d like to welcome you to The Good Drop Wine Shoppe’s Wine Blog. In honor of National Wine and Cheese Day, I thought I would break down the harmonious relationship between cheese and wine. 

Rule #1… Don’t overanalyze cheese and wine pairings, it’s best to learn from trying what you like and don’t like. 

Rule #2… Funkier cheese= sweeter wines.

Rule #3… Pair wines and cheeses that have equal intensity, that way one doesn’t overshadow the other. A good rule of thumb is higher alcohol wines= more intense cheeses.

Rule #4… When in doubt, pair your wine and cheese combination with Pringle’s. The saltiness cuts the cheese’s creaminess in a balanced and yummy way.

Here’s a few good suggestions…

Pinot Noir & Gruyere

The smooth red berry fruit flavors from Pinot Noirs are complemented by the nutty and rich flavors of gruyere. Talk about a match made in heaven!

Bubbles & Brie

The soft texture of brie cut by the sharp, ripe acidity of sparkling wines creates a balanced sensory experience. In my mind, this is a perfect contrast for warm summer evening appetizer.

Cabernet Sauvignon & Aged Cheddar

A big cheddar needs a wine to elevate the intensity by matching its flavor profile. I find the dry tannins in a good cab balances out the fattiness of an aged cheddar.

Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese

Goat cheese is the perfect blank canvas for the citrus and mineral notes of a Sauvignon Blanc. This particular wine’s complexity brings out an herbal characteristic from the heaviness of goat cheese. 

And Lastly, My Personal Favorite…. Fondue Cheese & Pinot Blanc

The compelling origin of Pinot Blanc has instilled a curiosity in me. It started with a cluster of Pinot Noir grapes that began to turn white, zero interference, and came to be the light-bodied and dry white wine it is today. The airy and crisp expression of Pinot Blanc cuts the thick creaminess in fondue cheese.

Please share your favorite wine and cheese pairings with us by tagging @gooddropwineshoppe

Cheers,

The Good Drop Girls

P.S. I hope this blog post made you thirsty and hungry 🙂

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Here for The Right Riesling

Hello Wine Lovers,

Welcome back to The Good Drop Wine Shoppe’s Wine Blog. It’s Katherine again, and today I thought I would talk about all things Riesling. Maybe your love for Riesling started by watching Somm: Into the Bottle 2 (my personal story), your Grandfather’s favorite wine is Riesling, or you just happened upon a Riesling during your latest wine shopping spree… My hope is that after reading this blog post your love for Riesling might grow.

“When life gives you lemons… Drink Riesling” – Yours Truly

Traditionally, most Riesling wines are on the sweeter end of the spectrum to balance the high acidity. However, nowadays there are plenty of fantastic dry Rieslings on the market. The Riesling wines that tend to be drier are the perfect refreshing companion on a hot day, boasting its simplicity as a leaner-wine. Riesling grapes can be used to make dry, semi-sweet, sweet, and sparkling white wines. 

This particular wine varietal has a colorful heritage originating in Germany, where today, this grape continues to thrive. With only a little over 89,000 acres planted worldwide, Riesling is considered a rare varietal. Rieslings typically have intense aromas of orchard fruits, honeycomb, jasmine, and a touch of striking petrol. I like this varietal because it comes in many shapes and sizes, and conforms to no one flavor profile. I typically taste lime, meyer lemon, pineapple, and apricot in most Rieslings. What captivates me in Riesling wines is the sharp acidity, very similar to a tart glass of lemonade. 

Note to self, start a Riesling Stand $1… I think Sarah and Beckie will be up for that, given their entrepreneurial spirit.

When it comes to food pairings, think spice. One of the most classic Riesling pairings is spiced duck leg, as well as any strongly spiced meal such as Indian or Asian food. 

Now that you have had a crash course on Riesling wines, it’s time to taste some. Drop by The Good Drop ASAP and we will assist you in all of your Riesling needs. 

Happy Drinking,

The Good Drop Girls