Wine and Cheese for New Year's Eve

Yes, toasting at midnight is a must, but what about all the hours before hand, or wines for football the following day? Here are a few of my picks, along with friendly cheese suggestions from Kerrygold Natural Irish Cheese. Almonds are good to offer as well - ancient Romans nibbled on them to prevent intoxication.

Stylish Italian  -

Nino Franco Rustico Prosecco Superiore Valdobiaddene $20

Friendly cheese: Kerrygold Dubliner - a robust, aged cow’s milk with flavors ranging from nutty to sharp to sweet.

Classic French

Chateau de Sancerre Blanc Loire Valley $29

Understated and intense – like an unwavering gaze from behind thick glasses. This 100% Sauvignon Blanc has notes of pink grapefruit, chalk, dried sage and lemon.

Friendly cheese: Kerrygold Reserve Cheddar - an extra year of aging brings out its concentrated flavors.

Dreamy Californian

Terlato Family Vineyards Pinot Grigio Russian River Valley $16

Clean, round, honeyed and slightly nutty, this is richer than Sauvignon Blanc but lighter than Chardonnay.

Friendly cheese: Kerrygold Red Leicester - mellow cow’s milk cheese with a tangy finish.

Austrian Aphrodisiac

Kracher Beerenauslese Burgenland Austria $39 375ml

One of the world’s finest sweet wines from from the great Kracher estate in Austria, this decadent blend of Chardonnay and Welschriesling is richly perfumed, seductive, intensely sweet, and appropriate for pairing with cheese, desserts, or your lover.

Friendly cheese: Kerrygold Aged Cheddar with Irish Whiskey - nutty, smooth, whiskey-infused aged cheddar.


© Copyright 2014 Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis, Planet Grape LLC. All Rights Reserved.