Tasting Prep & Pairings - Long Meadow Ranch

VIRTUAL TASTING PREP + PAIRINGS

We look forward to hosting you in a Long Meadow Ranch virtual tasting experience. If you would like to enhance your experience with cheese or food we have suggestions below that may be helpful to you. We have also included useful wine storage and technology tips below that will help you prepare for the big day.

WINE STORAGE

Wine is most enjoyable at its optimal temperature. We recommend that you store your wines in a wine refrigerator, or in a cool, dark place as soon as they arrive. On the day of your tasting, place white wines in your refrigerator for 30-45 minutes, or until they reach 45-55° F, and chill red wines for 15 minutes or until they reach 55-65° F.

TECHNOLOGY TIPS

Be sure to check your internet connection before the tasting begins to ensure good audio and video quality. Participating in the tasting is always the most fun when you display it on your largest screen. If you know how to broadcast a virtual meeting to your TV, we highly recommend it. This may require an HDMI cable or having AirPlay enabled.

WINE + CHEESE PAIRINGS

Wine and cheese is a timeless pairing. In the right combination, each will elevate the other and enrich the overall tasting experience. At Long Meadow Ranch, all of our wines have good acidity that cuts through the high fat content of cheese. Our winemaking goal has always been to create wines that complement food and bring out the best in everything on the table. We recommend picking cheeses that strike a balance. It’s always wise to select cheeses that are not too stinky or funky so those big personalities don’t overpower the wines. With that in mind, here are some of our favorite pairings.

SAUVIGNON BLANC, RUTHERFORD, NAPA VALLEY

Pairs well with: Humboldt Fog Goat Cheese or Feta (sheep or goat)

Why it works: While they’re earthy and tart, most goat cheeses are a bit of a blank slate, so the citrus and mineral notes found in our Sauvignon Blanc bring out the wonderful nutty and herbal flavors that can be found in the cheese. The acidity is also a great way to cut through the heaviness of the goat cheese.

CHARDONNAY, ANDERSON VALLEY

Pairs well with: Cowgirl Creamery Mt Tam, Brie, and Gruyere

Why it works: The softer texture of triple-cream cheeses like Cowgirl Creamery’s Mt Tam and a classic Brie demand something with good acidity to cut through the fat. Our Chardonnay has particularly good acidity and will combine with these cheeses’ creaminess in a contrast that is satisfying and delicious. The nuttiness of Gruyere will also be a great pairing with our crisp, mineral driven Chardonnay.

ROSE OF PINOT NOIR, ANDERSON VALLEY

Pairs well with: Havarti or Goat Cheese

Why it works: The crisp, mineral-driven strawberry fruit that shines in our Rosé of Pinot Noir is delicious but delicate, and the mellow flavor you find in a Havarti complements the wine gracefully without overpowering it. In addition to this, the steely minerality of our Rosé is a great contrast to the smooth, soft texture of the cheese. If Havarti is not your style, goat cheese is always a great pairing with our Rosé.

PINOT NOIR, ANDERSON VALLEY

Pairs well with: Pennyroyal Farm Boont Corners, Gruyere or Comté or Taleggio or Epoisses

Why it works: The earthy red berry fruit of our Pinot Noir is the perfect match for the nutty flavors found in a medium-firm cheese like Gruyere. Both have just the right amount of aroma and complexity to them, without running the risk of one overpowering the other. If you get the chance to try the Pennyroyal Farm Boont Corners, you will be rewarded with the ultimate local pairing – it’s made just a few miles from our vineyard!

MERLOT, NAPA VALLEY

Pairs well with: Gouda or a semi-firm sheep’s milk cheese such as a young pecorino

Why it works: Our Merlot is so versatile, with it’s balanced, soft tannins, and vibrant acidity it will pair beautifully with Gouda, which also has a great balance. A young pecorino has just enough nuttiness to pair well, and not overwhelm the Merlot. Consider staying away from cheeses that are aged for a long time as they will overpower the Merlot.

CABERNET SAUVIGNON, NAPA VALLEY

Pairs well with: Manchego, Aged cheddar

Why it works: A bigger, bolder cheese needs a wine that can lift it up, spin it around, and not get winded in the process. An aged Cheddar has a fattiness that matches up wonderfully with the dry, firm tannins you will find in our Cabernet Sauvignon. Plus, their respectively bold flavors will match, instead of one drowning out the other.

EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL, NAPA VALLEY SELECT

Pairs well with: Burrata or Fresh Mozzarella

Why it works: Fresh mozzarella (or burrata) drizzled with high quality extra virgin olive oil and flaky sea salt is a classic Italian delicacy. This combination elevates the rich, creamy flavors in each. We recommend leaving the cheese out on the counter to warm-up a little before serving to intensify the flavors.