Cheese - Semi Hard / Medium Perfect Pairings
Cheese - Semi Hard / Medium Sure Bets
Semihard cheeses can run the gamut from Tomme de Savoie, and Manchego to Gruyere. They can be smoked like Smoked Gouda, mild flavoured and chalky/buttery like Caerphilly or more powerfully flavoured like Appenzeller. Here are some suggestions...
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River Stone Malbec Rose, Okanagan Valley BC
Readers rated this wine:

From the South Okanagan and made from estate grown Malbec grapes.
Having just returned from Argentina, I sampled (and enjoyed) a lot of rose made from the Malbec variety.
This one is a deep cranberry shade with aromas of cherries, rhubarb, peppery spice, dried herbs/garrigue, raspberry seeds and dried flowers. It has some good structure; it leans dry but still exhibits some sweetness. The acidity is good and makes the red wild berry and toasted spice flavours pop. There is the slightest impression of tannin on the dry finish.
If you are looking for a rose to pair with grilled or barbecued foods and heartier fare, this is the one.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - May 3rd, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -568980
UPC Code -626990128526
Agency: self represented

Mer Soleil 'Gold' Barrel Fermented Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands
Readers rated this wine:
Charlie Wagner's decadent Chardonnay offers liberal ripe pineapple, baking spice, honey and Meyer lemon underscored with orange blossom and vanilla and wrapped in butterscotch. It's creamy and silky in the mouth; it is spicy and buttery with welcoming vibrancy to keep it fresh. A perfect accompaniment to grilled cheese of smoked cheddar and pears on toasted sourdough or skillet cornbread from the Rutherford Grill.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 11th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -453142
UPC Code -710909710107
Agency: Grady Wine Marketing

Kettle Valley Viognier, Okanagan Valley BC
Readers rated this wine:
A truly delicious Viognier that was made from grapes harvested in Naramata and also from the more southerly Similkameen Valley.
Expect exotic spice, honeysuckle, Meyer lemon and stone fruit aromas that are spiked with lime and honey. It has a captivating concentration and weight; honeycomb, anise and citrus flavours are rounded out by a hint of caramel and ginger biscuits. Lovely length and vibrancy.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 9th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -88963

Agency: Not Available

Sebastiani Chardonnay, Sonoma County
Readers rated this wine:
If you love the bold and buttery versions of Chardonnay - this one is for you.
Butterscotch and pineapple chunks, vanilla and baking spice dominated by clove. On the palate, vanilla liqueur, creamed buttery caramel and juicy tangerine flavours are wrapped in spice. A crowd-pleaser with a lively palate and spicy finish.
Pair with smoked Gouda, cornbread spiked with jalapeno or corn-on-the-cob.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - April 2nd, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -361634
UPC Code -88232002627
Agency: Select Wine Merchants

Vina Mayor Reserva Ribera Del Duero Spain
Readers rated this wine:
This Tempranillo spent 36 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels.
The aromas here are black raspberries, strawberry, cedarbox and fine spice with hints of vanilla and earth. Very good balance with chalky tannins across the palate - oak spice, leather and red fruit lead to a cocoa and spice finish. Good brightness with a medium-length finish.

©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 28th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -472654
UPC Code -84159000296
Agency: International Cellars

Stoneboat Vineyards Pinotage, Okanagan Valley BC
Readers rated this wine:

This South African variety (Cinsault crossed with Pinot Noir) has its fans and its critics, but when you talk about this rare variety in British Columbia, Stoneboat is usually the first to spring to mind.
It's a wonderful blend of exuberant strawberry and sweet blueberry aromas, carob and peppery spices with grilled wild herbal notes. Expect smooth dark carob and berry flavours, roasted coffee beans and smoked spices. Good intensity and balance to keep it bright on the palate.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 19th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -383836
UPC Code -62699005901
Agency: Appellation Wine Marketing

Fabiano La Piazzola Valpolicella, Veneto Italy
Readers rated this wine:
Made from the regional varieties of Corvina, Rondinella and Molinara this charming weekday red leads with smoked cherries and vanilla, some chocolate, plum and sweet spice and is rounded out with saddle leather and cigarbox notes. It is supple and very fresh - fllavours of bittersweet cocoa and spice are layered with juicy red fruit. Good substance, nice brightness.
Perfect for tomato pastas, medium-firm Italian cheeses and roasted meat.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 18th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -352013
UPC Code -8005357041234
Agency: WineQuest

Miopasso Fiano, Sicily Italy
Readers rated this wine:
A fantastic departure from your everyday Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. This delightful white presents aromas of beeswax and lemon oil, stone fruits and blossoms with sweet, nutty undertones. The palate is just as charming - it's oily in texture with a supple weight. Luscious stonefruit, honey, marzipan and sweet spice notes are layered with lively citrus. It has lovely concentration, rich flavours and tangy acidity to keep it bright. Excellent length with spice flavours trailing on the finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - March 13th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -207357
UPC Code -8034115191270
Agency: Vino Allegro

Fort Berens Meritage, British Columbia
Readers rated this wine:
Made from a blend of 65% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc and 5% Cabernet Franc from Black Sage Bench (near Oliver in the Okanagan Valley) in Fort Beren's Lillooet winery.
This is an impressive vintage for Fort Beren's Meritage - expect a plush and aromatic red of black cherry, sweet ripe currents, spice cake and vanilla. There are chalky tannins across the palate and plenty of dusty plum and cherry flavours layered with bittersweet chocolate and baking spice. It has an attractive fullness and persistent finish.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 11th, 2013
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UPC Code -626990121992
Agency: Delf Group

Dow 'Vale Do Bomfin' DOC Douro Portugal
Readers rated this wine:
Made from traditional Portuguese varieties: Tinta Barroca, Touriga Nacional, Tinta Franca, Tinta Roriz and Tinto Cao.
On the nose you can expect sweet purple and black berries, velvety chocolate, violets with sweet spice and savoury notes at the core. It is supple and generous on the entry with plenty of mixed berries and chocolate. Firm almost chewy tannins and a spicy finish. Lively acidity will allow this wine to pair with pork, rich tomato based sauces and flavourful Portuguese cheeses.
©copyright 2013 Daenna Van Mulligen
Wine Diva reviewed - February 6th, 2013
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BC CSPC Code -209734
UPC Code -94799020738
Agency: Bacchus

 
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