We’ve got the best case of déjà vu, because for Episode 103 of the Bring a Bottle podcast, we’re joined by cheese & wine sage Jessica Summer again! We further explore the beautiful Graffigna Malbec and Jessica walks us through an example cheese and wine tasting session, featuring some absolute must hear tips. We also try a delightful hazelnut liqueur you’ll want to try and get our sommelier on with some rather challenging pairings!
Our Guest Drinker
If you missed last week, then Jessica owns the Mouse and Grape, a luxury cheese and wine business that not only sells amazing hampers, but also does private tastings, corporate events, and hen parties. Jessica is fully armed with WSET Level 3 and Cheese Academy Level 2, so what she doesn’t know isn’t really worth knowing.
What’s In Our Glass?
We’re still loving the Graffigna Genuine Collection Reserve Malbec, 2020, with its lovely light quality that’s surprising for a Malbec. From the prestigious Uco Valley in Mendoza, the high altitude creates a concentrated wine bursting with flavour. Think ripe blueberry and chocolate-coated raspberries. There’s a comforting oakiness from the aging that lends itself to pairing with grilled dishes, and a subtle chocolatey nose that would be lovely alongside, surprise surprise, some dark chocolate. So, it’s reliably by your side for main and dessert! It’s elegant, easy-drinking food wine that’s unbelievable for the price.
Size: 750ml
ABV: 13.5%
Find here: £9 Sainsbury’s
Cheese and Wine Tasting
Jessica is back with more eye-opening cheese and wine wisdom. We try Saint Nectaire French Cow’s Milk Cheese, a delicate and earthy cheese with velvety rind to match the oaked Malbec being sipped. The combination is beautifully savoury and it’s more than the sum of its parts, accentuating the tertiary flavours wonderfully. Listen for more great tips to get the most out of your cheeses – you’ll never eat it in the same way again.
Drinkers Discovery
Wafer biscuits on the nose, the appearance of an oaked Chardonnay…it’s Frangelico – an Italian hazelnut liqueur. It’s pleasantly light, and not too sweet like some Amaretto can suffer from. Serve it over ice and enjoy with some indulgent nutty chocolate like Ferrero Rocher.
Size: 700ml
ABV: 20%
Find here: £15.99
Instant Somelleier
Any rich ragu, roasted lamb, cauliflower cheese or anything like that, then this Graffigna would work super well, being such a distinctly light and fruity Malbec. But what about other pairings?
Let Jess take you through perfect pairings for Christmas Dinner, Fish & Chips, Steak, Blue cheese, fruit cake and more! As a rule of thumb, you need a wine that is as sweet or sweeter than your food!
Mailbag
This week’s question is, ‘How do you let someone know they’ve been given a really expensive wine without saying it?’
Helena as some perfect tips to let someone know they’ve been given something special so if you struggle with this, tune in till the end of the podcast!