In this week’s Wine and Cheese Wednesday, we explore the unlikely pairing of Dutch Gouda & tart, spunky Basque cider that will spark fireworks through your taste buds!
If you’ve ever asked us for a recommendation in the cheese section, odds are we pointed you right to Pareggio. A gouda that’s made with parmesan cultures, this Dutch delight is the best of both worlds. In fact, the Italian word ‘Pareggio’, translates to draw or tie or even balance, which is the perfect way to describe what’s going on in this cheese. Aged as a gouda, but with parmesan characteristics, you get the smooth, rich, slightly creamy gouda texture but with a firmness and crystallization found in the best quality Parmigiano Reggiano. Pareggio is a tidal wave of rich notes of nuts and caramel with just a touch of tang. Stick it on a grazing board with some sticky-sweet dried fruit or fresh figs and salty Marcona almonds and have yourself an afternoon.
An unlikely pairing; Isastegi Cider
This may seem like an odd pick seeing as this is Wine & Cheese Wednesday, but lucky for us and you (and Pareggio,) cider is wine too! If you’re not so much a cider drinker, still give this one a go. This Basque-style cider is funky and fresh, and not at all sweet like what you might be used to. If you’ve ever been curious about the natural and wild-fermented world of wines and ciders, this bottle is s great intro. At just 12 bucks a bottle, even if you decide it’s not for you, it won’t set you back too much dough. This dry and acidic sipper is a perfect complement to Pareggio’s rich, gouda-y side while brightening up its caramel notes. When drinking Isastegi, do as the Spaniards do to make sure you get the full experience of this special cider! Pour small amounts into wide glasses from a far above; it’ll break up the residual carbonic gas and essentially carbonate it by force. The soft bubbles will make sure to keep your palate cleansed and ready for more cheese and, really, isn’t more cheese always the goal?