RED, WHITES & BLUE CHEESES
For most of us, the month of July will be welcomed on the fourth by a dazzling display of colorful fireworks as we celebrate the anniversary of the publication of the Declaration of Independence. Here in Lodi Wine Country, we believe that no celebration is complete without a glass of handcrafted wine. To complement our red and white picks this month, we’ve asked Cindy Della Monica from downtown Lodi’s Cheese Central to suggest a blue (cheese, that is) pairing for each, sure to create some major flavor explosions.
BORRA VINEYARDS 2013 GILL CREEK RANCH CHARDONNAY
This all-star Chardonnay shows off flavors of golden apple and honeyed vanilla with just a pinch of banana on the finish. The creaminess of this wine complements Saint Auger (Sant ah-GOOR) – a buttery double-cream cow’s milk blue cheese made in the village of Monts du Velay, France. With its delicate sharpness and low melting point, this cheese is perfect for slicing and adding to grilled chicken sandwiches or pasta with lemon cream sauce. Pair your meal with a chilled glass of Borra Vineyards Chardonnay and you’ve got something to celebrate. ($17) Borravineyards.com
ST.AMANT WINERY 2013 MOHR-FRY RANCH OLD VINE ZINFANDEL
A blend of fruit sourced from two gnarly old vine vineyards planted in 1901 and 1944, this all-American Zinfandel pops with big and intense flavors of ripe red raspberries and spicy blackberries. This fruit-forward chewy wine makes a great partner to semi-sharp Maytag Blue Cheese from Maytag Dairy Farms in Newton, Iowa. A ripening period of more than six months allows this cow’s milk cheese to develop a dense, crumbly texture ideal for showering your barbecued Kobe beef burger or ice cold wedge salad with some blue cheese love. Serve up your burger alongside this juicy Zinfandel for an explosion of intense flavor. Stamantwine.com ($24)
MICHAEL DAVID WINERY 2014 SYMPHONY
A crossing of Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache Gris, this hybrid grape was originally created by Dr. Harold Olmo of U.C. Davis in the 1940’s. This wine sparkles with aromas of apricot, citrus and peach, creating a bouquet of pure summer delight. The harmony of frank sweetness and acidity in this wine supplies the fuel for some pretty serious flavor fireworks when paired with Roth Käse Buttermilk Blue® – a delicately-laced, creamy blue cheese with a tangy, yet mellow, flavor. A cold glass of Symphony and a plate of fresh figs, pears and dates generously dusted with this cheese make for a grand old time. ($15) Michaeldavidwinery.com
WHERE TO FIND THESE WINES & CHEESES:
Pick up all three of these Lodi wines from the Lodi Wine & Visitor Center, 2545 W. Turner Rd., Lodi, (209) 365-0621. Open daily 10AM-5PM, Lodiwine.com.
Find these yummy cheeses and more at Cheese Central, 11 N. School St., Lodi, Cheesecentrallodi.com.