A Library of Flavors & Textures

Join the owner of The Cheese Shop of Centerbrook, Deana and I for a fun-filled evening of wine and cheese tasting at the Essex Library in Essex, CT.

Domaine Thierry Mothe Chablis 2022

We begin our tasting journey with the exceptional Burgundy with the Domaine Thierry Mothe Chablis 2022, a true embodiment of classic Chablis. Crafted from 100% Chardonnay grapes, this wine celebrates its distinct minerality derived from the Kimmeridgian limestone soils. White, chalk limestone soils that date back to the Jurassic era filled with fossils and seashells impart a unique minerality to the wine. The careful fermentation and aging process in stainless steel preserves its vibrant fruit and mineral qualities beautifully.

In appearance, expect a pale, bright straw color, while the nose entices with aromas of crisp apple, ripe peach, and that signature flinty mineral note, complemented by hints of citrus, acacia. On the palate, it is elegantly dry and well-balanced, crisp acidity and light profile with lingering flavors of apple, lemon and peach interwoven with a strong mineral backbone.

Pair this delightful white with Fromage d'Affinois for a delightful match! This cheese I made from cow’s milk in the Loire region of France. Similar to Brie in appearance only this is a Double cream, soft ripening cheese with 60% butter fat. It's creamy, and buttery with a subtle sweetness.

Château Les Clauzots Graves 2021

Next we venture to the Graves region of Bordeaux for a white wine from Château Les Clauzots Graves 2021. A standout Bordeaux white blend that combines 60% Sauvignon Blanc, 35% Sémillon, and 5% Sauvignon Gris. The Sémillon, sourced from the estate's oldest vineyard parcel, lends this wine an air of elegance and subtle floral nuances.

Expect aromas of grapefruit, lime zest, apricot, passionfruit, mango, mandarin, sweet peas, beesewax, orange blossom, honey and chamomile. On the palate, this wine offers a round yet delicately textured experience, culminating in a lively and aromatic finish. The unique terroir of the Graves region, shaped by its pebbly, clay, and sandy soils, contributes to its remarkable minerality.

This refreshing wine finishes subtly, making it a perfect pairing with Brie cheese for an indulgent experience! Bucheron - Goat's milk, France - Loire Valley - Bloomy rind, Young goat's milk cheese with a soft outer ring and a crumbly chevre middle. Sweet, tangy with earthy undertones and a mild lemony citrus finish.

Vecchia Modena Cleto Chiarli e Figli Lambrusco

Transitioning to Italy, we present the Vecchia Modena Cleto Chiarli e Figli Lambrusco, a delightful sparkling wine from the Emilia-Romagna region. Known for its frizzante style, this Lambrusco is crafted with meticulous attention to quality, featuring a slow secondary fermentation that enhances its elegance and dryness.

With a bright magenta pink hue, it greets you with captivating aromas of candied strawberry, raspberry, red plum, rose petals, milk chocolate and red currant. The palate reveals a clean, fresh entry with sweet fruit notes, balanced by bright acidity and beautiful bubbles.

Enjoy this charming Lambrusco with a serving of Parmesan for a delightful culinary pairing!

Amalaya Malbec 2023

Finally, we arrive at the Amalaya Malbec 2023, sourced from the stunning high-altitude vineyards of the Calchaquí Valley in Salta, Argentina, located 5,900 feet above sea level. This region's unique terroir, characterized by dry, sunny conditions and significant temperature fluctuations, contributes to the exceptional quality of this wine.

This Malbec features a captivating blend of 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, and 5% Petit Verdot. Its brilliant ruby color invites you in, while the nose offers intense aromas of ripe red fruits, including strawberries, raspberries, and plums, enriched with violet, vanilla and a touch of spice. The palate is juicy and fresh, complemented by soft tannins, bright acidity leading to a delicate and satisfying finish on red chili flakes, Chinese five spice and vanilla..

Pair this extraordinary Malbec with Beemster Classic for a remarkable tasting experience! A Gouda from holland made from cow’s milk and aged for 18 months. It is a pale orange color, hard and dry in texture with a nutty, buttery character with salty with notes of butterscotch and caramel.

Thank you for joining us on this wine tasting journey—each of these selections embodies the essence of their respective regions and varietals, offering a rich exploration of flavor and terroir.