Being mostly broke does not afford much opportunity for good cheese and quality wine. Duh. But when an occasion arises to indulge in this pleasurable combination I want to get it right. This is especially helped by always getting a taste first (need a good, staffed cheese section- or better- a dedicated shop) and then when buying buy the smallest amount (my limit is under $3)- you can have them cut a bigger piece down.
Finding good standards that are affordable and satisfying seems to be the way to indulge more often, so in sharing my finds I can also keep track (how many times have I been at the counter and forgotten what it was I liked so much before?!). The reason for this is that simple pleasures are important in lean times (as I, and many others, are currently facing) so that frugality is not an experience of total deprivation.
This Valentine’s day, we got it right on all accounts:
A Spanish wine, Finca Yerro. I think Toro is the type. Though you’ll have to forgive my lack of knowledge in wine taxonomy, especially when it’s all in Spanish and there isn’t the easily recognizable pinot noir etc…
It’s been about a week since we had this, so the lasting impression was perfectly drinkable, heavy, and not a trace of that metallic edge. It was a valentine’s splurge, and I think it was 15 bucks. This is definitely the maximum, and not exactly this “affordable standard” I’m wanting to track- but so delicious!
(I’m not going to brush up on wine tasting/reviewing, it’s all about the moment, and the combination with the food. This one we had with these braised short ribs, a saffron rice pilaf, and the cheese below and it was perfect)
Cheese: Montcerda, Pyrenees, Cadi. Again, the categories of this information are not entirely clear, but logically- maker, location, type. This is an almost buttery, salty cow’s milk cheese that has enough bite, texture and flavor- that lasts on the back of the tongue- to motivate another four or five fat slices.
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