14th Anniversary Celebration Pairings
February 18, 2025
Incoming President: Deborah Flores
Incoming Vice-President: Lisa Gonzalez
Outgoing President: Ed Lavin
Menu Downloads:
Welcome Pour
Crémant d’Alsace Brut Rosé “Harmonie de Rosé” – Ruhlmann (12% ABV, Alsace, France)
100% Pinot Noir. Pale pink, with fine bubbles. A hint of berries with light citrus notes. On the palate, citrus freshness, red fruits aromas, and wild strawberry. An elegant wine with fine persistent bubbles, full and harmonious with great length. Available at Vintage Wines.
Pairing One
La Délice de Bourgogne – Fromagerie Lincet (Burgundy, France)
A luxurious triple cream cheese from Burgundy with a bloomy rind and a rich, buttery interior. Earthy aromas of straw and mushrooms complement its decadent texture. Ideal with Champagne or Bourgogne wines. Available at Trader Joes.
La Burgondie – Crémant de Bourgogne Brut Réserve (12% ABV, Burgundy, France)
Made from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Aligoté and Gamay. A crisp and lively sparkling wine from Burgundy, France, featuring creamy bubbles, fresh apple notes, and a touch of toast from bottle aging. The mineral finish adds elegance and complexity.
Pairing Two
Parrano Gouda – Parrano Cheese (Amersfoort, Netherlands)
A Dutch Gouda with an Italian flair, aged for five months to develop the nutty flavors of Parmigiano Reggiano while maintaining the smooth texture of young Gouda. Excellent for slicing, grating, or melting. Available at some Ralphs and Albertsons stores.
California Crushin’ Kölsch – Barrel & Stave Brewing Co. – (4.7% ABV, Vista, California)
A crisp and refreshing German-style Kölsch with a clean lager-like flavor and dry finish. Brewed with traditional German ingredients, it offers a light, smooth drinking experience. Available for purchase at Barrel and Stave locations in Vista, Temecula, and Fullerton.
Pairing Three
Moses Sleeper – Jasper Hill Creamery (Vermont, USA)
A soft, bloomy rind cheese inspired by classic French Brie. This raw cow’s milk cheese has notes of cauliflower, crème fraîche, toasted nuts, and white mushroom, with a creamy, luscious texture. We especially wish to thank Jasper Hill for generously donating this delicious cheese for the Queso Diego Anniversary Party. Available for shipping from Jasper Hill Creamery. May be available seasonally from Jimbo’s or SmallGoods.
Cidre “Nantosuelta” 2021 – Domaine J. Cecillon (6% ABV, Brittany, France)
A naturally fermented, semi-dry cider; rich amber color with fine bubbles, and a complex nose of white flowers. Harmonious palate displaying elegant aromas of candied fruit, vanilla, and caramel. Available at The Wine Connection Del Mar (next to Venissimo).
Pairing Four
Pleasant Ridge Reserve – Uplands Cheese (Dodgeville, Wisconsin)
America’s most awarded cheese, made with raw cow’s milk using traditional Alpine methods. Aged for complex, nutty, and caramelized flavors with a firm yet creamy texture. Available at SmallGoods.
Aecht Schlenkerla Rauchbier Märzen – Heller-Bräu Trum (5.1% ABV, Bamberg, Germany)
A deep brown lager brewed with malt dried over beechwood fire, imparting a signature smoky character reminiscent of bacon and campfire. A true representation of the rauchbier style. Available at Total Wine and other purveyors of craft beers.
Pairing Five
Goat Gouda – Central Coast Creamery (Paso Robles, California)
A semi-hard goat’s milk cheese aged for five months. Smooth, dense, and slightly grainy, it has rich caramel and nutty notes with a delicate cooked milk flavor. Available at SmallGoods.
Red Electra Moscato – Quady (5.5% ABV – Madera, California)
A sweet, frizzante-style red Moscato with vibrant flavors of ripe cherry, red berries, peach, and pomegranate. The blend of Orange Muscat, Muscat Canelli, and Black Muscat grapes creates a beautifully aromatic and refreshing wine. Available from Quady using the links above.
Pairing Six – Dessert
Cannoli Deconstructed
This classic Italian dessert is reimagined as a crisp flat cookie wafer topped with a liqueur flavored creamy ricotta mixture and finished with mini chocolate chips. The perfect indulgent finish to the tasting experience. Ingredients available from Trader Joes.
Mostraveza – Barrel & Stave Brewing Co. (8.0% ABV, Vista, California)
A Mexican mocha milk stout with rich Mostra coffee and chocolate flavors balanced by vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of pasilla pepper. A smooth, bold pairing for dessert. Available for purchase at Barrel and Stave locations in Vista, Temecula, and Fullerton.