On Wednesday, 27 May, we gathered at Gamla Amsterdam for an evening dedicated to two things we do rather well in Europe: cheese and wine. Guided by our host Peter, we tasted five distinctive Dutch cheeses paired with three European wines.
A few lessons stuck with us. First, cheese and wine have more in common than you'd think — both develop their character through aging, and the right pairing makes both taste better than they do on their own. The opening of a young goat cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc was a surprise favourite.
Second, don't forget your nose. A trained nose can distinguish between 3,000 and 4,000 aromas, and much of what we think we taste actually comes from there. A big breath in through the nose before sipping reveals a lot more of the wine's flavour.
And the tip of the night: save your Swedish 'julost' for next year. Take off the wax wrapping, let it mature, and it develops a much richer, more complex taste — an easy and affordable upgrade for next year's cheese board.
Thanks to all participants for a relaxed and curious evening, and to Peter and Gamla Amsterdam for the excellent selection and guided tasting.
/MvV & MG
A few lessons stuck with us. First, cheese and wine have more in common than you'd think — both develop their character through aging, and the right pairing makes both taste better than they do on their own. The opening of a young goat cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc was a surprise favourite.
Second, don't forget your nose. A trained nose can distinguish between 3,000 and 4,000 aromas, and much of what we think we taste actually comes from there. A big breath in through the nose before sipping reveals a lot more of the wine's flavour.
And the tip of the night: save your Swedish 'julost' for next year. Take off the wax wrapping, let it mature, and it develops a much richer, more complex taste — an easy and affordable upgrade for next year's cheese board.
Thanks to all participants for a relaxed and curious evening, and to Peter and Gamla Amsterdam for the excellent selection and guided tasting.
/MvV & MG
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