Refreshing Winter Whites
A Trio of Pears, Cheese and Wine Whitens Your Wintry Palate!
No occasion needed! A fresh pear, brought together with a mild white cheese and a crisp white wine makes a lovely appetizer or dessert.
Winter is often a time of hefty flavors and hearty foods boasting of color from the deepest hues of the color wheel. Coming into their own with the late fall harvest, sun-drenched squashes and earthy root vegetables tend to dominate both the palate and palette of wintertime menus. This not to mention persimmons, cranberries and pomegranates, the exquisite jewels that grace our holiday tables.
Conversely, one doesn’t have to look further than a fresh snow-covered landscape to realize that white is a beautiful thing. A clean, crisp, refreshingly beautiful thing. Taking a BIG nod from nature, why not try a little white-on-white-white to lighten up your wintry palate - and palette!
So how does one lighten up? It just so happens that USA Pears are at their peak of freshness throughout the winter months, too! A good source for Vitamin C and potassium, pears are also an excellent source for dietary fiber. Plus, pears are low on the glycemic index, making them a good choice for healthy carbs. A fresh, sweet, juicy pear, brought together with a mild white cheese and a crisp white wine makes a lovely appetizer or dessert for any occasion – or perhaps, no occasion at all!
There are a few things to keep in mind when gathering pears, cheese and wine together in one sitting. The idea is to create a nice balance and harmony between the three; not only with the flavor profiles of each, but with their textures, as well. Here are a few “pearings" to get you started:
Sauvignon Blanc, Chevre & Anjou Pears
Enjoy the charming aroma and flavor of a sweet Anjou pear along with each bite of Chevre, a fresh cheese made of goat’s milk. Chevre’s creamy texture has a mild flavor ending with a small tang. Sip a snappy Sauvignon Blanc, with its hints of citrus and herb, for a nice complement to this, otherwise, subtle fruit and cheese pairing.
Pinot Grigio, Asiago & Bartlett Pears
If the light, crisp, fruity profile of an Italian Pinot Grigio is to your liking, choose an Asiago cheese and Bartlett pear. A slightly-aged Asiago will have a delicate, creamy flavor, which is perfect paired with the sweet, juiciness of this popular pear. A clean, Pinot Grigio, sweep of the palate and you’re good for another perfect bite.
Dry Riesling, Blue Cheese & Forelle Pears
The versatility of a fruity Dry Riesling can appreciated when combined with Blue Cheese and Forelle pears. A beautiful blending of textures, flavors and colors comes together with these three. A smaller variety, Forelle pears are sweet, very juicy and maintain a crisp texture - perfect for snacking with crumbles of a mild, lemony Blue Cheese. Finish with a Dry Riesling boasting of sweet, apricot undertones.
Chardonnay, Aged White Cheddar & Bosc Pears
Unlike its sweeter counterparts, the Bosc pear is better known for its nutty, slightly spicy flavor. The Bosc’s unique taste and dense texture is wonderful coupled with the tanginess and chalky quality of an Aged White Cheddar. Keep in mind few white wines can stand next to the sharp, bold flavor of a finely-aged White Cheddar with any kind of dignity. For this reason, choose a ripe, buttery, full-bodied Chardonnay to balance the boldness of this cheese and pear combo.
Gewürztraminer, Brie & Bartlett Pears
Should you enjoy a glass of Gewürztraminer for its delicate sweetness and hints of harvest fruits and baking spices, choose a well-aged Brie cheese and the aromatic Red Bartlett. The earthiness of Brie’s rind and soft nutty flavor, coupled with the sweet Bartlett blend very well with this flamboyant wine.
