On Saturday we had a fabulous cheese and wine tasting at
the Discovery Wine store, highlighting the region of Navarra, Spain. Despana
Brand Foods provided the cheese (if you haven’t checked out Despana yet you are
missing out!) and we paired them with two wines typical of the region.
Roncal
This hard sheep’s milk cheese is the first Spanish cheese
to receive protection (D.O. status) by the government in March 1981. Made
with raw milk from the Lacha and Rasa sheep, this cheese is made in seven
different municipalities in Navarra that are located in the Valley of Roncal.
With an irresistible flavor of nuts and olives and a rustic and almost porous
texture, Roncal is aged no less than 4 months. Pairs well with young, lively
red wines.
Idiazabal
Originally two hard sheep’s milk cheeses made outside the
Valley of Roncal, produced under different names, Urbasa and Idiazabal. In
1989, the Spanish government fused the two to create the denomination cheese
Idiazabal. Made from 100% Lacha sheep’s milk, either raw or pasteurized, this
cheese is traditionally smoked after its first two months of maturation, which
provides it with a meaty, piquant quality. Pairs well with Tempranillo and
Garnacha blends.
You can purchase Roncal ($15.50/lb) and Idiazabal
($14.95/lb) cheeses at Despana Brand Foods, 408 Broome Street (w/Lafayette),
New York, NY 10013. Tel: (212) 219-5050.
Artazu Artazuri Rosado 2005
An enticing, complex rosado (rosé) made from 100% Garnacha
(Grenache). This varietal is widely planted throughout the western
Mediterranean, with the largest concentration in Spain. Navarra is fast
becoming one of the most important wine producing regions of Spain, and is most
famous for rosado wines made in this style. Refreshingly crisp, with light
raspberry and strawberry aromas, and a long dry finish.
Marco Real Garnacha 2004
A lively red wine made from 100% Garnacha (Grenache). This
wine highlights the spicier side of the varietal, brimming with black cherry
and clove undertones. Stainless steel fermentation, with 15% of the assemblage
aged in French oak for 6-8 months, lending even more complexity to the final
product. This wine is a great example of Garnacha from Navarra, with excellent
balance and soft tannins, making it ideal for near-term consumption.
You can purchase Artazu Artazuri Rosado 2005 ($10.99) and
Marco Real Garnacha 2004 ($11.99) at Discovery Wines, 10 Avenue A (bet. 2nd St
and Houston St), New York, NY 10009. Tel: (212) 674-7833.
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