You Say Wine, I Say Cheese

What goes better with wine than cheese? OK, don’t answer that question.

How about what goes better with Moroccan wine than French cheese? If you agree and swoon at the mention of camembert, you’re in luck.

Next week a French Connection will be more than ever a la mode as Cheese Day Paris, created by Jean- Francois Hesse, crosses the Atlantic to take a bite out of the Big Apple from Tuesday, February 21^st through Sunday the 26^th, 2017. Over the course of the six days the Maitres Cuisiniers de France and other notable chefs in New York, will spotlight cheeses from France and around the world.

What’s the program?

The French Cheese Board will organize tastings throughout the week in the boutique at 41 Spring Street in Soho by reservation: cheesesoffrance@thebaddishgroup.com.

Here’s a sampling of the weekend line-up:

Friday, February 24th from 5PM to 7PM

Alouette Cheese:  Saint Agur, Saint-André, Saint-Albray, Supreme, Etorki, Le Rustique Camembert

Fromagerie Arnaud:  Comté Juraflore Fort des Rousses

Saturday, February 25th from 4PM to 6PM

Rians:  Le Roulé, Germain

Sunday, February 26th from 4PM to 6PM

Fromagerie Henri Hutin:  Belletoile 70%, Brie Couronne Herbes, Brie Couronne Poivre, Pâte Fraîche Goat Cheese

Murray’s Cheese will be offering in-store sampling and discounts on select French cheeses at 254 Bleecker Street and Grand Central Terminal locations. Demos will take place from 3 to 6 pm every day.  Nightly pairing specials of French cheese and wines will be on offer at Cheese Bar, 264 Bleecker Street.  And a special themed class which is open to the public will be given on Tuesday, February 21 at Vive la France, French Wine and Cheese, 254 Bleecker Street. Zabar’s will have a cheese sampling on February 24th and 25th from 2 to 5pm. And Maison Kayser locations will highlight some of their cheese dishes such as: Croque Monsieur, Croque Madame, Goat Cheese Tartine and a Gruyere cheese bread.  Now, I’m getting hungry.

And now for the wine!

Once you’ve immersed yourself in French cheese go a step further and taste some Moroccan wine.  France’s roots in this exotic Arab country are still firmly established and if Morocco is not on your ultimate travel bucket list, then you need to make a revision. Morocco is an enchanting country where old meets new and history, architecture and cuisine all combine to create an amazing cultural experience.

North Africa has had a long history with vine and grape growing and Morocco is the leader in the Renaissance of the region’s viticulture. The rich and plentiful vines were noticed by French growers when French vines were damaged and the country was soon recognized for its potential to produce high quality wines. Moroccan wines have now evolved and are on the world map.

Enter Domaine Ouled Thaleb with a heritage approaching 100 years.  With gorgeous vineyards situated between Casablanca and Rabat facing the sea, most of the growing is done onsite. But they also partner with neighboring growers to create unique one of a kind blends. Their portfolio currently comprises 45 different expressions so it’s no surprise that wine (and cheese) lovers are taking notice.

A classic white like Chardonnay is “un-oaked” leaving it light and crisp while Ouled Thaleb’s Moroccan White Blend is more complex and fragrant with a buttery finish. True red wine lovers will adore the Ouled Thaleb Signature, a vintage created by Stephan the new winemaker. It’s a blend of Carmenere, Marselan and Petit Verdot grapes. Medaillon, a bold Cabernet Sauvignon that’s a twist on the classic is oak aged and fruit forward with notes of black cherry, cassis and plum. Ouled Thaleb’s Syrah is fresh on the palate with good texture that doesn’t overpower. Finally, how about pairing some of the heavier cheeses from the south of France with Ouled Thaleb’s Sauvignon Blanc or the Moroccan Rosé that’s savory on the palate with a full body and bright acidity.

The diversity of these unique wines from Domaine Ouled Thaleb is what draws wine lovers to them. So, while many New Yorkers next week will be saying “cheese” for their selfies as they dive into Cheese Week, I will be saying “wine’.

*Moroccan wines from Domaine Ouled Thaleb are imported by Nomadic Distribution and are available in New York City, Brooklyn, Queens and New Rochelle at the following retail outlets.