Bonjour! This will be my second round to bring another French Ministry of Agriculture to you.
I've noticed a lot of parties have been themed around different cultures of the world. French and Italian is one that I stand by a lot when hosting a party because I love to serve tons of wine and tons of cheese. This time will be a little different with the 4 different wines paired with some cheese and chocolate.
I love to place everything on my kitchen counter and just have my friends serve themselves. Also getting everybody gathered in the kitchen is something I like doing. I am able to talk about my inspiration for the evening as well as why each products were selects. And honestly, everyone always ends up there anyways.
This butter is freshly crafted from cultured cream made in the heart of Normandy. I let this set at room temperature and leave one out (in a nice dish) plain with coarse salt and cracked pepper on the side, and another mixed with honey. I will pair this with mixed breads from baguettes, sourdough, to even pretzel rolls. Everyone likes variety, trust me.
Istara P'tit Basque is a 100% pure sheep's milk cheese. It is still made the same why by tradition which is handmade by sheperds leftover curds from milking their sheep. This cheese has a hint of sheep’s milk, with a smooth, sweet flavor and a nutty finish. I paired this with sweet, plump, and extremely crispy green grapes that I left in the fridge soaked with ice water.
I'm a huge fan of Mas De Daumas Gassac.
Their white grand cru comes from a dry winter and spring climate, followed by an exceedingly hot summer and just the right amount of rain in August meant they were able to pick grapes at an ideal maturity. The complexity of the wine is multilayered with tons of flavor which is pleasantly enjoyed. Here's a little more background of this white wine:
- Average age of the vines: 33 years.
- Yield: 35 hl/ha.
- Total production: 71 000 bottles and 1000 magnums.
- Alcohol by vol.: 13,30% Vol.
- Total acidity (H2SO4): 3,98.
- Ph: 3,32.
- Residual sugar: 12g.
Next we have the Rose from Mouilin De Gassac. The scent of this wine has pleasant, yet intense, floral and mineral aroma. The wine on the palate is well balanced with freshness combining red currants and berries.
Les Vignobles André Lurton, is currently one of the largest wineries in the Bordeaux region. These wines are produced from the prestigious Bordeaux appellations.
Château Bonnet White 2016 - Has a very distinct flavor of what you would find in a Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignons always reminds me of a dry crisp pear. I would serve this with fresh seafood outside from grilled to raw. This is a nice white to drink during this time of year.
Château Bonnet Red 2014 - This wine has notes that features raspberry, vanilla, and spice. Also has velvety tannins and good acidity that finishes. Some would tastes flavors of black currant which I'm not surprised about. An easy wine to drink.
THe Dulcey 32%, baking bar has a DELICIOUS notes of caramel that I've never had before. The color of this bar was also gorgeous. Nicely golden. I can make some great desserts with this, but I think I would rather enjoy this as is with the tines.
Same with the Orelys baking bag. These chips don't have the caramel flavor, but has a distinct deep milk chocolate flavor followed by licorice. I would also serve this as is with the wines. Such a dangerous treat.
Enjoy!