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Instant Expert Cheese and Wine
Say you don’t want to spend too much on wine to go with cheese –
is there an all-rounder that you could choose?
I love the fact that the balance is always in the middle. If you prefer a white wine,
then a Pinot Gris is surely a very versatile one, and, depending on its origin,
could start at a very affordable price. As a red, a Pinot Noir does the job most
of the time and despite being considered a light wine it is, in fact, a wine with
great personality, able to accompany almost any style of cheese. A Port would
be a classic but please be careful when it comes to light, tasty, high acidity styles
of cheese – it won’t be unpleasant but the Port will make the cheese disappear
completely.
Is there a port that you particularly like to go with cheese?
Not really. I consider the Tawny a good option for both your palate and your
pocket. The Vintage Ports are more sophisticated as is the Colheita, but I rather
prefer to enjoy the last two after dinner if a nice spirit would be excessive.
Are there any wines that you should avoid when matching cheese
and wine?
Blue cheeses and white wines are generally not best friends unless you try a
Gewürztraminer (any version), or a bold and rich wine, or even a sweet wine. At
the same time I would avoid goat’s cheese – or similar style/texture – and Port or
any rich and bold wine – Amarone, Rioja? No chance!
What would you buy a wine-lover for Christmas?
For an item, a wine book to discover new places, styles and fashions. As an
‘ongoing’ present I would suggest a couple of vintages of the same wine to
encourage someone to build up a ‘vertical collection’. A Coravin is always very
well received, too. Also, a ‘tasting menu’ dinner at Chewton Glen with one of our
‘wine flights’ to pair is a great choice. One of the flights, called ‘Hedonism’ is a
truly great experience.
Chewton Glen’s ‘Five Course Festive Dinner’ runs from the 24 November–23
December, offering a choice of four different starters, four mains and four
desserts from which you can pick your preference. Go to www.chewtonglen.
com for more details.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
Treat yourself to a touch of glass
(From left to right)
Riedel Apple Ny
Decanter
Harts Price: £35.00
Riedel Veritas
Cabernet / Merlot
Wine Glass
RRP: £27.50
Harts Price: £21.95
Riedel Veritas
Champagne Glass
RRP: £27.50
Harts Price: £21.95
Rieslings to be Cheerful
Riedel Veritas
Chardonnay Glass
Glassmakers Riedel have pioneered glasses for particular grape varieties
with their Veritas range. This makes them a great gift for anyone who
enjoys their wine with each glass designed to engage your senses and get
the best possible taste from your chosen wine.
RRP: £27.50
Harts Price: £21.95
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www.hartsofstur.com
Vacu Vin Swirling Carafe
A carafe is a good way to get more of the flavour and
body from your wine when serving it. This swirling
carafe speeds up the process and is stylish and elegant
for a real conversation starter at dinner.
RRP: £49.99
Harts Price: £40.00