Just say Cheese

Who doesn’t love cheese? Here are four of my favorites to serve when we have family and friends over for wine and cheese. These are available at finer gourmet food stores like Fresh Market and Whole Foods. They are excellent served on a simple water cracker or warm French bread.    

Brillat Savarin (bree-YAH-SAH-vaa-rahn) - Brillat Savarin is a cow’s milk, triple-crème brie-style cheese from France. It’s buttery, rich, creamy, and decadent with a rare “natural rind” almost a thin skin. It basically is the cheese equivalent of ice cream. Incredible on its own or served with a fruit jam on hearty Artisan bread. Pair with champagne, sparkling wine or Sancerre. (French, cow, soft)

Piave (pee-AH-veh) – Piave has an intense, full-bodied flavor, reminiscent of Parmigiano Reggiano, that intensifies with age and makes this cheese absolutely unique. Pair with Zinfandel. (Italian, goat, hard)  

Parrano – Parrano is aged for five months, developing its nutty Parmesan flavor while maintaining the firm, smooth texture of a young Gouda. This perfect combination brings you the best of both worlds: a cheese that is full of flavor and versatile enough to cut, grate and melt. Pair with Cabernet. (Italian, goat, hard)

Saint André - Saint André is crafted in Coutances, in the Normandy region of north western France, St. André is a pasteurized cow’s milk cheese, covered with a satiny, edible rind. Soft-ripened, the downy-white outer layer offers a complex counterpoint to the wildly rich and silky center. Pair with champagne or sparkling wine. (French, cow, soft)