When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, Champagne and triple cream might just take the cake. A wheel of Mt Tam and a glass (or a bottle) of Champagne is a combination fit for luxurious Valentine's Day dinners, decadent brunches, and over-the-top weekend getaways, but there's a whole world of bubbly out there! We picked out some of our favorite sparkling beverages from Sonoma and Marin for some unexpectedly delicious pairings for the holiday weekend.
Red Hawk with Carboniste 2018 Marin Brut Rosé
Marin County's coastal climate provides a unique environment for wine and cheesemaking alike. Red Hawk, our washed rind triple cream cheese, can only be made in our original Pt Reyes creamery. Here, conditions are just right to support the stunning microflora that gives Red Hawk it's signature sunset hue and pungent aroma. Growing grapes in Marin is especially challenging, with shallow soil and limited water, but Carboniste has sourced organically-grown fruit from two vineyard for this remarkable Brut Rosé. Notes of tart strawberry, mouth-watering acidity, and a floral nose that provides a delightful contrast to the meaty richness of Red Hawk. Try this one for the ultimate taste of Marin, or substitute your favorite sparkling Pinot Noir blend.
Mt Tam with Goat Rock Bramble Cider
In the natural beverage world, co-ferments are all the rage. Petaluma-based Goat Rock Cider company ferments organically farmed apples along with blackberries and Dandelion Chocolate cocoa nibs, yielding an unusual dry cider with notes of dark fruit. A cheesemonger favorite in our Pt Reyes shop, this cider loves our best-selling triple cream Mt Tam. With just a suggestion of sweetness and a delicate effervescence, the Goat Rock Bramble washes over your palate and leaves you wanting more. The cidery is just down the road from our Petaluma Creamery (where our Mt Tam is made), making for a hyperlocal Sonoma County pairing. Can't find Goat Rock? Seek out a dry cider local to you!
Inverness with Heidrun Marin County Wildflower Sparkling Mead
Have you ever tried sparkling honey wine? Heidrun's Champagne-style mead is crafted to express the character of the honey varietals they source, showcasing complex aromatics and a brisk bubble that is begging for cheese. Our limited production Inverness fits this bill, with a cheesecake-like texture and a balance of brine and funk. Named after the town across the Tomales Bay from Heidrun's farm in Pt Reyes Station, Inverness is a stunning match for this creamy mead, which brings out flavors of yogurt and brioche. We love Heidrun's mead because each bottle is a singular expression of a place, a reflection of the specific forage of the honey bees in that locale. What grows together goes together, and we can't think of a better pairing for these delightful little buttons of cheese. You can find Inverness at our Retail Shops, and schedule a visit at Heidrun Meadery right around the corner from our Pt Reyes Creamery Barn Shop & Cantina.
You can find all these pairings (while supplies last) in Pt Reyes this weekend, where are expert cheesemongers are ready to help. Exploring the coast for the long weekend? We're now open Thursday - Monday, 11 am - 4 pm.
Looking for non-alcoholic or kid-friendly cheese and bubbles? Check out our easy recipe for a Rosemary Honey Shrub, which we've crafted to go with our entire lineup of organic cheese.