Daily Dish the Sonoma Market blog
90 Points under $20
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Looking for the perfect pairings to pump up your holiday get-together? You can’t go wrong with our selection of 90 Point wines under $20, each matched with a delectable cheese to bring out the best flavors in both.
Looking for the perfect pairings to pump up your holiday get-together? You can’t go wrong with our selection of 90 Point wines under $20, each matched with a delectable cheese to bring out the best flavors in both. All wines in the 90+ Program have received at least 90 points out of 100 when rated by Wine Spectator, James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast, so you know they’re good. Try them with artisan cheeses hand-selected by our certified cheese specialists for the perfect pairings.
WHITE
2014 Quinta de Aveleda Vinho Verde (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) & Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog: A Northern Californian staple, this beautiful goat's milk cheese has a distinctive ash line running through its center. The bright, lemony flavor and dense, creamy texture of the cheese is beautifully lightened by the crisp flavors and slight effervescence of the Vinho Verde.
2013 Ch. St. Michelle Riesling (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) & Beemster Paradiso: This sweet aged gouda with Italian influences and a hint of butterscotch becomes even better when paired against the clean acidity of Riesling. The slight sweetness in the wine brings out the caramel flavors of the cheese for a truly decadent experience.
2014 Kendall-Jackson Pinot Gris (90 points, Wine Enthusiast) & Emmi Kaltbach Cave Aged Gruyere: Aged in sandstone caves, this 1-year old cheese has a smooth texture, sweet fruit and nut notes as well as light crystallization. Delicious when paired with a bright, dry white like the Kendall Jackson Pinot Gris.
N/V Mumm Napa Brut (91 points, Wine Spectator) & Domaine Du Village Triple Crème: Triple crème and sparkling wine are natural partners. The decadent, mouth-coating richness of this French cow's milk cheese is matched by the lovely Mumm Napa Brut and its playful bubbles.
RED
Quinta Do Vallado Douro (91 points, James Suckling) & Six Month Manchego: Aged for six months, this traditional Spanish sheep's milk cheese is salty, nutty and savory. Its complex flavors and richness pair well with a full-bodied red wine that has some aging and layers of complexity like Quinta Do Vallado.
Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel (92 points, Wine Spectator) & Sartori Bellavitano with Balsamic: The award-winning, fruity, nutty bellavitano cheese is bathed in Modena balsamic vinegar for a sweet yet bright flavor profile. The big flavors in the cheese make it a great match for big reds like this Seghesio Zinfandel.
DESSERT
Warres Warrior Port (90 points, Wine Spectator) & Stilton: The salty, earthy punch of this English cow's milk blue is beautifully paired with the Warres Warrior Port for a sweet, salty combination that will keep you coming back for more
