Hard to find but well worth the effort, artisan
Farmhouse Cheshire shines alongside a fruity Rheingau Riesling.
The Cheese: English Farmhouse Cheshire
Cheshire is one of the oldest cheeses in the British Isles. Traditionally produced in northwestern England in and around the county of the same name, this cheese dates back at least to the Norman Conquest, and may well predate Christ. The best Cheshires come from just a handful of farms. Look for Lance Appleby’s “Abbey Farms,” the Borne family’s label “The Bank,” or “Mollington Grange Farm.” True Farmhouse Cheshire is stamped with the farm number, the make date, and the quality grade (fine or superfine).
The Wine: German Rheingau Riesling
Rheingau produces some of the great white wines in the world. They have a characteristic flintiness from the soils in the area, and carry intense fruit flavors without the cloying sweetness associated with cheap German whites like Blue Nun. These wines are lush with aromas of apples, pears, honeysuckle and jasmine, with a solid backbone of acidity.
The Extras: Fruit and Nuts
Choose non-citrus fruits such as berries, pears and grapes. Include a bowl of roasted nuts alongside.
