by Sophia Stern
Why we love the cheese
A fan favorite for a reason. Brabander goat gouda is tangy, creamy, savory, and sweet making it the perfect cheese for a crowd. Aged for over 24 months, Brabander Reserve boasts a creamy paste that’s chock full of those desirable crunchy crystals. Fromagerie l’Amuse has done it again, crafting another successful batch of this holiday exclusive.
Why we love the wine
A genre defying Willamette Valley Pinot Noir from a legendary, founding Willamette Valley vineyard. This wine is the epitome of what we love in our Oregon Pinots, bursting with juicy raspberries and warm cinnamon. It drinks fresh and smooth. Try serving it with a 30-minute chill to amplify the flavors.
Why we love the pairing
The Pinot Noir invigorates the Brabander Reserve. This delicious gouda is rich and intense, but the Adelsheim makes the cheese’s texture far less dense. The wine brings playful acidity and draws out the sweetness from the gouda's creamy paste. The tang of cream from the cheese rounds out the earthier notes of the pinot, without covering them at all.
What else you should do with it
If you’re looking for a festive appetizer to serve at a holiday gathering, this pairing would lend itself perfectly to a mushroom toast. Toast some darker bread (like Baker’s Field Table Loaf), cover in sautéed mixed mushrooms seasoned with salt, pepper, and thyme, and grate Brabander Reserve over the top. The earthy, savory, tangy notes of the toast will go perfectly with a bottle of the Adelsheim Pinot Noir.