Red Envelope has assembled a selection of artisanal cheese that pairs perfectly with either red or white wines and Neiman Marcus has put together a collection for a “monthly celebration of cheese” selected by Artisanal’s renowned Chef Terrance Brennan. For a memorable gift to win over the gourmand in your life, pair this gift with a bottle or two of a truly exceptional wine and you will bring out the best in YOUR partner.
While shopping online is helpful for those with super busy schedules, you can easily assemble this gift yourself by shopping locally for the cheese, wine and freshly baked bread.
Artisanal Cheese for White Wines ($65 Gotta Have It!)
The bright flavors of white wine are best offset with either slightly tangy or “buttery’ cheeses. This trio of exquisite artisanal cheeses was specifically selected to be paired with white wines. Net weight 1.5lbs
Bonne Bouche goat’s milk cheese is made in Vermont and has a bright and lemony flavor with a runny texture
Comte St. Antoine is made in France of raw cow’s milk and is aged more than 15 months for a rich buttery flavor
Fontina Val D’aosta is made in Italy and has an earthy, woody flavor that brings out the best in floral whites.
Artisanal Cheese for Red Wines ($65 Gotta Have It!)
This exquisite trio was selected to accompany red wine pairings. Net weight 1.5lbs.
The Camembert hails from a US-based maker of fine French cheeses and has a mild, well-balanced flavor with a creamy texture.
Abbaye de Belloc, a sheep’s milk cheese made in France, has a fine, dense texture with a distinctly Basque character.
Valdeon goat’s and cow’s milk blue cheese was named best blue cheese in Spain’s 2003 national competition.
Neiman Marcus Cheese of the Month ($240 – $800 Gotta Have It!)
Neiman Marcus has assembled an international collection of cheese from Artisanal’s renowned Chef Terrance Brennan. Selections for 2008 arrive at peak ripeness. You can choose a three, six, or twelve month plan. Six-month plan, delivered January to June. Three-month plan, January to March. Weights, approximately 7 1/2 to 8 ounces unless otherwise noted. Handcrafted maple serving board with the first delivery. Orders must be placed by January 1, 2008.
- January: Bonne Bouche (5 ounces)/Manchego/Fontina Val D’Aosta/Maple Wood Serving Board.
- February: Pont l’Eveque/Fromage de Meaux/Valdeón.
- March: Chabichou du Poitou (6 ounces)/Double Gloucester/Morbier.
- April: Pavé d’Auge/Constant Bliss (6 ounces)/ Fourme d’Ambert.
- May: Selles sur Cher (5 ounces)/Wensleydale/Mahon.
- June: Fog Light/Zamorano/Laguiole.
- July: Hudson Valley Camembert (4 ounces)/Fiscalini Cheddar/Great Hill Blue.
- August: Cave-Aged Crottin (4 ounces)/Bra Tenero/ Ossau Iraty Piment d’Espelette.
- September: Hoja Santa (5 ounces)/Pecorino Toscano/ Le Moulis.
- October: Langres/U.S. Camembert/Colston Bassett Stilton
- November: Robiola Bosina (8.5 ounces)/Comté St. Antoine/ Bayley Hazen Blue.
- December: Chaource/Tome Fermiere d’Alsace/ Quicke’s Cheddar.
cave aged artisanal cheese ($68 Gotta Have It!)
A wine connoisseur knows that the best accompaniment is an exquisitely
crafted cheese. This trio of artisanal cheeses offers subtle and
complex flavors with goat’s milk, cheddar, and sheep’s milk selections
that complement both reds and whites. Exclusively from RedEnvelope.
Hoja Santa is a soft, young goat’s milk cheese that arrives wrapped in a heart-shaped leaf from a local Texas plant
Quicke’s Cheddar is crafted in England in the traditional style of English farmhouse cheddars
Bleu des Basques is a French sheep’s milk cheese with subtle and complex flavors
