Choosing Your Cheddar

Because the styles of cheddar range all across the spectrum of mild to sharp, finding the perfect wine partner can be tricky. The variety makes the semihard cow's milk cheese wonderful to play with winewise. Based on doing just that, here's some of what we've found.

~Rich, creamy chardonnay goes especially well with mild cheddar because the cheese's mellow flavors don't clash with the oak flavors in wine.

~Pinot noir, because it's earthy and complex, but not overwhelmingly powerful, works well with most cheddars in the middle range.

~Extrasharp aged cheddars are fantastic with such dramatic southern French reds as Chateauneuf-du-Pape and Gigondas from the Rhone Valley.

~And finally, if cheddar is for dessert (rather than before a meal), serve it with reserve ruby Port. Smith & Woodhouse Lodge Reserve is packed with intense aromas of ripe red fruits, cassis, and floral hints. On the palate, full-bodied, smooth and well balanced, with a long and lingering aftertaste. It matches cheddar's intensity inch for incjh, and the textural contrast is mind-blowing.

Cheese Heaven

This past week Chef Sherry has added a few new selections to our deli case. Who's going to be the first to sample:

Centenol Pyrénées, France: A lovely cow's milk cheese that has a natural rind and a very smooth, semi-firm paste. The nutty flavor of this cheese stands out from the first bite, and its buttery texture leaves only the subtlest aftertaste. Not as intense in flavor as other Basque cheeses, allowing for this wonderful cheese to be paired with a wide variety of wines.

Valdeon, Spain: A rich and creamy, full-flavored cow

and goat's milk blue cheese, stronger than Stilton but less intense than Cabrales. The Valdeón wheels are wrapped in Sycamore leaves which contribute to their distinctive appearance and complex flavor. Valdeón was named best blue cheese in a 2003 national competition in Spain. This cheese pairs well with wines made from the Gamay grape, such as Beaujolais, as well as Muscats. This cheese is delicious with smoked and cured meats, and simply divine melted on top of a hanger steak.

Irish Harp Cheddar, Wisconsin: Feeling Lucky?

This unique Irish Harp Cheddar is like finding a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Two tones on one wedge developed under the watchful eye of a certified Wisconsin Master Cheesemaker. Maple Leaf Irish Harp Cheddar has a rich, creamy flavor which becomes increasingly sharp with age. Smooth, firm and creamy texture.

Sink your teeth into these cheeses and so many more at the cheese case of Sun Singer's Gourmet Deli.