This Week at RCC What fun Sara and I had at Monday night's British Isles class! We're open to suggestions for the next one ("Stinkfest" was the group's vote for March but we'd love your input). What, you ask, no February cheese class?! That's right, in honor of Virginia Wine Week we're hosting something even cooler: a fantastic night of Barboursville Wine, 1 North Belmont Food AND RCC Cheese! Invitation below...see you there!
Cheers!
Julia
ps: New RCC Staff Picks are up! Find out what we've been eating and drinking...
Free Wine Tasting...
Friday, January 23rd, 5-7pm: Fabulous French!
(Peter's Notes)
This Friday's wine tasting takes us to France. I'll be pouring five French wines ranging from a zesty, lighter-bodied Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley to a full-bodied, spicy red from the Rhone Valley. Here's the lineup this week:
Thierry Delaunay 2007 Sauvignon Blanc "Tydy": Produced in the Loire Valley, this crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc has flavors that remind one of granny smith apples and citrus skin.
J. Maurat 2007 VDP du Val de Loire Blanc "Collection": Dry but not too lean, this mineral-driven Loire Valley white wine is made from Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Unique bottle shape!
Michel Noellat 2006 Bourgogne Rouge: Elegant Pinot Noir from a superb producer located in Vosne-Romanee in Burgundy. Neither austere nor overdone, this silky textured red epitomizes good Pinot Noir with aromas that range from cranberry and cherry to freshly turned earth and cinnamon.
Cedre Heritage 2006 Cahors: Made from 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot, this chewy red from the southwestern corner of France has dark grape and mulberry like notes meshing with truffle and earth notes.
Domaine Berthet-Rayne 2007 Cotes du Rhone rouge: Riper brambly fruit flavors meshing with floral and herbal tones come to mind in describing this full-bodied red from the south of France.
Don't forget to bring your own glass, unless you like health-department mandated plastic medicine cups!
Cheesemail!
(Sara's notes)
Howdy Cheese People!
First, a quick expression of gratitude to everyone who joined us for Monday's British Isles cheese class! I can't think of a more pleasant way to spend a Monday evening than being surrounded by such a lovely group of folks who are willing to listen to Julia and I chat cheese for almost 2 hours! It sure is nice to have an audience with whom to share our fascination with fromage, so thank you so much for being there! Sigh. What a great job we have, eh?
For those of you who missed it - we still have all sorts of delicious cheese treats from Britain, Ireland and Wales available at the shop. I think my favorite is the Montgomery's Cheddar - a raw cow's milk from North Cadbury. It is fruits and nuts and grass and crumbles. It is rich and balanced and complex. It is what true, traditional cheddar SHOULD be and it won't stop pulling me back in for another nibble. Yum! And I'm not normally the biggest cheddar fan, either, but Monty's has changed my mind! Come on by and try a bite for yourself!
Buon VAppetito! Thursday, February 26th, 5-7pm
Did you know that Chef Frits Huntjens of 1 North Belmont makes house calls? Sort of.
He'll march down the block on Thursday, February 26th to RCC's event space for a night of extraordinary hors d'oeuvres, fantastic fromages and Virginia vino. You're invited!
A Champagne Sabering with The Modern Gentleman (wine & spirits author/raconteur Jason Tesauro) kicks-off a splendid tasting on the eve of the Governor's Cup and the VA Wine Expo. Guests will enjoy a standing affair with a dazzling array of Frits' fare, Sara's savory cheese selections and mingling wine lovers as we sip highlights from Barboursville Vineyards, Virginia's most honored winery*:
On the docket:
Brut NV - house sparkler for the Inn at Little Washington
Viognier Reserve 2006 - unoaked and reminiscent of the classics from Condrieu
Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve 2006 - Old-world inspired cabernet
Octagon 8th Edition 2005 - elegant Bordeaux blend that is the most decorated wine in the state
Malvaxia Passito 2005 - hand-crafted, vin santo-style dessert wine.
Reservations required. Cost is $35 per person, all-inclusive. Must be 21+ to attend. Please call 804.355.1375 to reserve (space is limited).
*Octagon was served at the Inaugural Dinner...
Wine-o-the-Week
(Peter's notes)
Dievole 2006 Toscano Rosso IGT "Rinascimento"
Made from native Tuscan varietals such as Sangiovese, Ciliegiolo, and Canaiolo, this medium-bodied red has classic aromas of plum and cherry with subtle hints of cedar and pepper.
$14.99 per bottle.
Want a taste?
We have one open for you!
Beer-o-the-Week!
(David's notes)
Blue Mountain "Evil 8"
This beer is a truly Belgian style Dubbel (double). It has the long, slightly candy cane flavors that one expects, along with a classic Belgian yeasty background. Belgian yeast strains have a long history that differs quite radically from any other beer yeast. The yeasts' digestion results in great flavor. Pair this with almost any Asian cuisine, especially dishes that have more sweetness.
