Champagne Friday: A Perfect Champagne and Cheese Pairing

Michel Loriot in the L'Arpent Vineyard that produces the Loriot Meunier Vieilles Vignes.By: Kyle Kurani | K&L Staff Member

Food and wine is something of a regular topic here at the K&L, as it ought to be really at any wine shop, but the topic comes up especially often with Gary and Cindy Westby and me. I am forever asking them what they had for dinner, what they drank with it, and how the paring worked.

Champagne is one of my favorite wines to drink with (and before) dinner, and so when Gary returms from his annual trip to Champagne, it is my habit to interrogate him about what he ate and drank. After returning the last time, one particular thing stuck firmly in my head: he mentioned that for the first time he could remember, he had been served a non-French cheese with a bottle of bubbles. To say cheese is a big deal in France is an understatement. I was surprised that this took place in front of a guest. It must have been a nearly perfect pairing.

Let me tell you, it is.

The Champagne is the 2006 Michel Loriot "Pinot Meunier Vieilles Vignes" Brut Champagne ($49.99) The cheese is Parmesan.

With this in mind, I set out to create a dish that would compliment this natural pairing, as well as highlight the savory components of the wine. This bottle of Champagne has both driving minerality contrasted with a beautifully creamy mouthfeel. Pinot Meunier always has this umami quality that tantalizes me the way that truffles and mushrooms can when incorporated perfectly into a dish. In order to find the right dish I found myself flipping through the French Laundry cook book.

Eventually I stumbled on the perfect dish: White Truffle Risotto with Shitake Mushrooms and Parmesan.

This risotto is constructed in the usual manor: soften shallots, toast the rice, add white wine, and then carefully ladle in stock until the rice has absorbed enough liquid to be cooked through but firm. After the risotto was cooked properly, I folded in a cup quartered Shitakes that I had sautéed in butter and a splash of Cognac separately (flambé carefully please), stirred in a touch of heavy cream, and a few drops of white truffle oil (a few drops really do go a long way, it is completely worth it to spend a bit more of high quality oil, the difference is truly amazing), and a half cup of grated Parmesan. I topped the risotto with a baked Parmesan cracker, grated the cheese on to a silicon pad, and popped it in the oven until lightly golden brown and crispy.

I poured a glass of the Champagne and proceeded to enjoy truly a great pairing. The interplay of the savory aspect of both wine and the dish were truly stunning. The richness of the Risotto was countered with the driving minerality and fresh acidity of the wine, and everything was in harmony. I encourage all of you to think about Champagne as a great wine to have before dinner, but also as a very capable pairing to many dishes.

Cheers!

-Kyle

Loriot's ancestors watch over the L'Arpent day and night.

Keith's Burgundy Hotline: 2011 Fevre Chablis are Here!

By: Keith Wollenberg | K&L Burgundy Buyer

Hello Burgundy Lovers,

Just wanted  to let you know our 2011 Fevre Chablis is now in stock and available on the web or in our stores.  SCROLL DOWN FOR MAGNUMS!

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru "Fourchaume" Price: $43.99

91-93 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "SWEET SPOT OUTSTANDING! Here the nose offers up an abundance of Chablis character with a gentle hint of wood framing the aromas of mineral reduction and green fruit. There is good volume to the generous, rich and attractively textured flavors that possess good power and very solid density, all wrapped in a refreshing, stony and saline-infused finish. This is lovely." (9/2012)  91-93 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The 2011 Chablis Fourchaume wraps around the palate with serious intensity, which is amazing, considering the wine is made from the second selection of young vine fruit from Vaulorent  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse San Francisco

BH 91-  93

RP 91-  93

ST 89-  91

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" (375ml) Price: $56.99  half bottles

93-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). This was quite closed and somewhat difficult to read but aggressive swirling grudgingly liberated ripe aromas of sea breeze, pear, lemon rind, oyster shell and mineral reduction plus an abundance of typical floral scents. The large-scaled flavors are overtly powerful and impressively concentrated as there is plenty of palate staining dry extract that also buffers the very firm acidity that supports and shapes the gorgeously precise finish. This explosively long effort  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  96

RP 93-  95

ST 92-  95

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru "Vaulorent" Price: $57.99

92-94 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "from a huge 3.63 ha parcel out of only 17 ha and most of it is hard by Les Preuses. Séguier calls this their “baby grand cru” as specific barrels are selected for vine age, concentration and power). This is quite aromatically similar to the Fourchaume though here there is also a discreet hint of sulfur and the wood is all but invisible. There is fine concentration to the powerful, suave and intensely stony flavors that possess superb finishing complexity on the balanced, clean, very dry and energetic finish. As is often the case, this delivers grand cru   ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 92-  94	ST 91-  93	WS 90-  93
RP 90-  92

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis 1er Cru "Montée de Tonnerre" Price: $59.95

91-94 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from two .5 ha parcels divided between 1/3 Pied d'Aloup and the rest from Chapelot). An expressive, airy and cool nose features notes of stone, sea water, floral aromas and white orchard fruit. This is also exceptionally rich and concentrated yet the medium weight flavors remain light and pure with absolutely no trace of heaviness on the mouth coating and stunningly persistent finish. This is beautifully refined yet there is no absence of muscle or punch." (9/2012)  92-94 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "The most mineral of the premier crus, the 2011 Chablis Montee de Tonnerre possesses an elus  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 91-  94	RP 92-  94	ST 91-  93
WS 90-  93

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Vaudesir" Price: $79.99

93-95 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from a parcel of vines that is close to Vaudésir and extends all the way from Grenouilles to the tree line at the top of the hill). This could be from nowhere else but Chablis with its ripe yet cool, airy and refined nose of green fruit, mineral reduction, sea breeze and iodine. There is positively gorgeous intensity and laser-like precision to the rich but wonderfully vibrant flavors that display moderate austerity on the focused and remarkably persistent finish. This is a really lovely combination of power and refinement." (9/2012)  92-95 points Wine Spectator: "Planted by William Fè  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  95	WS 92-  95	ST 91-  94
RP 91-  93

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros "Côte de Bougerots" Price: $79.99

93-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from a 2 ha parcel at the bottom section of the vineyard; even so, the vineyard is so steep here that it must be worked entirely by hand as tractors would be dangerous to use). This is also completely classic and even more aromatically complex with a plethora of sea shore nuances to the cool green fruit scents. On the palate this is dense, powerful and quite serious with brooding flavors that brim with dry extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the intensely mineral-driven and explosively long finish. This is the biggest wine in the range yet impec  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  96	RP 92-  94	ST 92-  94
WS 90-  93

---

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Preuses"  Price: $87.99

94-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from two parcels of vines that total 2.55 ha, or 22% of the entire appellation). If the Côte de Bouguerots is the biggest wine in 2011 then the Preuses is arguably the most aromatically complex with a broad ranging nose of perfumed and ripe scents of oyster shell, sea water, citrus and white flowers. The silky and refined flavors are wonderfully seductive with an intense minerality to the austere, bone dry and balanced finish that exudes hints of saline and iodine. In sum, this is flat out stunning." (9/2012)  93-96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Pale yellow-green. Lemon, lime, grapefruit pit  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Hollywood Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 94-  96	ST 93-  96	WS 92-  95
RP 92-  94

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Valmur" (Pre-Arrival) Price: $89.99

93-95 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from a parcel of vines that is close to Vaudésir and extends all the way from Grenouilles to the tree line at the top of the hill). This could be from nowhere else but Chablis with its ripe yet cool, airy and refined nose of green fruit, mineral reduction, sea breeze and iodine. There is positively gorgeous intensity and laser-like precision to the rich but wonderfully vibrant flavors that display moderate austerity on the focused and remarkably persistent finish. This is a really lovely combination of power and refinement." (9/2012)  92-95 points Wine Spectator: "Planted by William Fè  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Special Order

BH 93-  95	WS 92-  95	ST 91-  94
RP 91-  93

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2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" Price: $99.95

93-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). This was quite closed and somewhat difficult to read but aggressive swirling grudgingly liberated ripe aromas of sea breeze, pear, lemon rind, oyster shell and mineral reduction plus an abundance of typical floral scents. The large-scaled flavors are overtly powerful and impressively concentrated as there is plenty of palate staining dry extract that also buffers the very firm acidity that supports and shapes the gorgeously precise finish. This explosively long effort  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  96

RP 93-  95

ST 92-  95

---

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru Bougros "Côte de Bougerots" (1.5L) Price: $175.00  MAGNUM

93-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from a 2 ha parcel at the bottom section of the vineyard; even so, the vineyard is so steep here that it must be worked entirely by hand as tractors would be dangerous to use). This is also completely classic and even more aromatically complex with a plethora of sea shore nuances to the cool green fruit scents. On the palate this is dense, powerful and quite serious with brooding flavors that brim with dry extract that buffers the firm acid spine on the intensely mineral-driven and explosively long finish. This is the biggest wine in the range yet impec  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  96	RP 92-  94	ST 92-  94
WS 90-  93

---

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Preuses" (1.5L) Price: $179.95 MAGNUM

94-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from two parcels of vines that total 2.55 ha, or 22% of the entire appellation). If the Côte de Bouguerots is the biggest wine in 2011 then the Preuses is arguably the most aromatically complex with a broad ranging nose of perfumed and ripe scents of oyster shell, sea water, citrus and white flowers. The silky and refined flavors are wonderfully seductive with an intense minerality to the austere, bone dry and balanced finish that exudes hints of saline and iodine. In sum, this is flat out stunning." (9/2012)  93-96 points Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: "Pale yellow-green. Lemon, lime, grapefruit pit  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 94-  96	ST 93-  96	WS 92-  95
RP 92-  94

---

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Valmur" (1.5L) Price: $199.95 MAGNUM

93-95 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from a parcel of vines that is close to Vaudésir and extends all the way from Grenouilles to the tree line at the top of the hill). This could be from nowhere else but Chablis with its ripe yet cool, airy and refined nose of green fruit, mineral reduction, sea breeze and iodine. There is positively gorgeous intensity and laser-like precision to the rich but wonderfully vibrant flavors that display moderate austerity on the focused and remarkably persistent finish. This is a really lovely combination of power and refinement." (9/2012)  92-95 points Wine Spectator: "Planted by William Fè  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse

BH 93-  95	WS 92-  95	ST 91-  94
RP 91-  93

---

2011 Domaine William Fèvre Chablis Grand Cru "Les Clos" (1.5L)  Price: $205.00 MAGNUM

93-96 points Allen Meadows - Burghound: "(from 4 separate parcels totaling 4.11 ha, 3 of which are all at the top of the slope). This was quite closed and somewhat difficult to read but aggressive swirling grudgingly liberated ripe aromas of sea breeze, pear, lemon rind, oyster shell and mineral reduction plus an abundance of typical floral scents. The large-scaled flavors are overtly powerful and impressively concentrated as there is plenty of palate staining dry extract that also buffers the very firm acidity that supports and shapes the gorgeously precise finish. This explosively long effort  ... Read More » 

Inventory: Main Warehouse Redwood City San Francisco

BH 93-  96

RP 93-  95

ST 92-  95

---

Mr. Keith WOLLENBERG

Directeur Commercial Bourgogne

K&L Wine Merchants

http://www.klwines.com

+1-650-556-2724 Direct Line

Keithw@klwines.com

Brick's Beer News: Amazing New Arrivals and Freigest Tasting June 12th

By: Bryan Brick | K&L Beer Buyer

Hey All,

It has been a while since my last e-mail but I’m going to try to make that up to you with a bunch of good news. First off on Wednesday, June 12^th at 5pm we will be holding a special beer tasting with Sebastian Sauer from Freigest in Germany. We’ve been a huge fan of this breweries beers for the last year or so and we couldn’t be happier to host this special tasting. Cost will be $5 and reservations are not needed.

Now on to all the amazing beer we have been receiving recently:

Alaskan Brewing Company "Freeride" Pale Ale, Alaska 12oz $1.49

Almanac Beer Company "Farmer's Reserve No.3" Ale Aged In Wine Barrels With Strawberries and Nectarines, California 375ml $9.99

Almanac Beer Company "Farmer's Reserve No.4" Ale Aged In Wine Barrels With Cara Cara Oranges, Meyer Lemons and Buddha's Hand Citrons, California 375ml $9.99

2013 Avery Brewing Company "20th Anniversary" Double IPA, Colorado 22oz $8.49

Avery Brewing Company "Karma" Pale Ale, Colorado 12oz $1.79

2013 Avery Brewing Company "Samael's" Oak Aged Ale, Colorado 12oz $8.99

Black Market Brewing Co. "1945" Berliner Weisse, California 22oz $5.49

Boulevard Brewing Co. "Love Child #3" Wild Ale Aged In Bourbon Barrels, Missouri 750ml $20.99 (This is one of the best Wild Ales I’ve seen in a long time!)

Boulevard Brewing Co./The Roasterie "Coffee Ale" Strong Ale, Missouri 750ml $9.99

Brasserie Artisanale Du Flo "Cuveé Saint Antoine" Blonde Strong Ale, Belgium 750ml $10.99

Brasserie De La Senne "Gray Jacket" Belgian Ale, Belgium 11.5oz $4.99

Brasserie De La Senne "Kuro Oni" Black IPA, Belgium 330ml $4.99

Brasserie De La Senne "Zinnebir" Blonde Ale, Belgium 330ml $4.49 (Always one of the best warm weather Belgian beers) 

Brasserie Fantome "Chocolat" Saison, Belgium 750ml $14.99

Brasserie Fantome "Printemps" Saison Ale, Belgium 750ml $15.99 (These new batches are almost gone and are really “Fantome Weird”)

Brasserie Fantome Saison, Belgium 750ml $14.99

Brewery Ommegang "Fleur De Houblon" Belgian Pale Ale, New York 12oz $2.99

Brouwerij De Molen "Chinook" Rye IPA, Netherlands 330ml $3.99

Brouwerij De Molen "Legacy" Rye IPA, Netherlands 330ml $3.99

Brouwerij West "Dog Ate My Homework" Blackberry Saison, California 500ml $6.99 (Surprisingly delicious)

Cambridge Brewing Co. "Tripel Threat" Tripel, Massachusetts 22oz $7.99

Clown Shoes "Hoppy Feet 1.5" Black IPA, Massachusetts 22oz $6.49

Clown Shoes "Hoppy Feet" Black IPA, Massachusetts 12oz $2.79

Clown Shoes "Muffin Top" Tripel, Massachusetts 22oz $9.49

Clown Shoes "Tramp Stamp" Belgian IPA, Massachusetts 12oz $2.79

Clown Shoes "Vampire Slayer" Smoked Stout, Massachusetts 22oz $9.49

Coniston Brewing Company "Special" Oatmeal Stout, England 500 ml $5.49

De Struise Brouwers "Pannepot Reserva" Old Fishermans Ale Aged in Oak Casks, Belgium 11.2 oz (6 bottle limit) $7.99

Deschutes Brewery "Twilight Ale" American Pale Ale, Oregon 12oz (One of my all time favorite Pale Ales)

El Segundo Brewing Co. "Citra" Pale Ale, California 22 oz. $6.49

El Segundo Brewing Co. "Standard Crude" Imperial Stout, California 22 oz. $8.99

El Segundo Brewing Co. "Two 5 Left" Double IPA, California 22 oz. $8.99

Finnriver Artisan Dry-Hopped Cider, Washington 500ml $8.49

Goose Island "Summertime" Kölsch, Illinois 12oz $1.59

Great Divide Brewing "19h Anniversary' Oak Aged IPA, Colorado 22oz $8.49

Great Divide Brewing "Hey Day" Witbier, Colorado 12oz $1.89

Haandbryggeriet "Blabic" Wild Ale With Blueberries, Norway 500ml $12.99

Haandbryggeriet "Odin's Tipple-Barrel Aged" Dark Norse Ale, Norway 500ml $12.99

Hair of the Dog "Blue Dot" DIPA, Oregon 22oz $7.49

Hair of the Dog "Michael" Flanders Red Ale, Oregon 12oz $24.99

Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest "Turnhoutse Patriot" Belgian Pale Ale, Belgium 330ml $4.49

Maui Brewing Company/Lost Abbey Lemongrass Saison, Hawaii 12oz Cans $2.79

Mikkeller "Crooked Moon Tattoo" Double IPA, Denmark 750ml $15.99

Mikkeller "George (Calvados Barrel)" Russian Imperial Stout, Denmark 250ml $15.99

Mikkeller "George (Cognac Barrel)" Russian Imperial Stout, Denmark 250ml $15.99

Mikkeller "It's Alive!-Chardonnay Barrel With Mango Edition" Wild Ale, Denmark 375ml $16.99

Mikkeller "It's Alive!-Grand Marnier Edition" Wild Ale, Denmark 375ml $14.99

Mikkeller Milk Stout, Denmark 11.2oz $5.99

New Belgium/Brouwerij Boon "Lips of Faith-Transatlantic Kreik" Wild Ale, Colorado 22oz $13.99

New Belgium/Dieu de Ciel "Lips of Faith-Heavenly Feijoa" Triple, Colorado 22oz $8.49

Noble Ale Works "Pistol Whip'd" Plisner, California 22 oz. $5.99

Panil "Divina" Wild Ale, Italy 750ml $17.99

Peak Organic Brewery "Summer" Session Ale, Maine 12oz $1.79

Peckham's Moutere Cider, New Zealand 500ml $9.99

Peckham's Moutere Perry, New Zealand 500ml $9.99

Picobrouwerij Alvinne "Cuvee de Mortagne" Quadrupel Aged in Pomerol Barrels, Belgium 500ml $12.99

Pivovar Konrad "11 Degrees" Plisner, Czech Republic 500ml $3.49 (This is incredible Czech Pils!)

Port Brewing Company "7th Anniversary" Imperial Pale Ale, California 22oz $6.49

Prairie Artisan Ales "'Merica" Saison, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99 (There are not enough good things to say about how awesome these Prairie beers truly are)

Prairie Artisan Ales "Funky Galaxy" Black Saison, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99

Prairie Artisan Ales "Okie" Strong Ale, Oklahoma 750ml $14.99

Prairie Artisan Ales "Prairie Ale" Saison, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99

Prairie Artisan Ales "Prairie Hop" Dry-Hopped Belgian-Style Ale, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99

Prairie Artisan Ales/St. Somewhere "Plus tot L'etat" Saison with Persimmon and Elderflower, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99

Prairie Artisan Ales/St. Somewhere "Prairie Somewhere" Saison, Oklahoma 750ml $12.99

Pretty Things "Fluffy White Rabbits" Hoppy Tripel, Massachusetts 22oz $8.99

Pretty Things "Jack d'Or" Saison, Massachusetts 22oz $8.49

Sainte-Helene "Antipode" Barleywine, Belgium 375ml $8.49

Sierra Nevada "Hoptimum" Whole-Cone Imperial IPA, California 12oz $2.49

The Bruery "Lokal Red" Red Ale, California 750ml $8.99 (This beer is finally available outside of Orange County)

The Bruery "White Oak" Wheatwine, California 750ml $15.99

The Bruery/Beechwood Brewing "Mrs. Stoutfire" Imperial Smoked Stout Aged on Wood Chips, California 750ml $15.49

Upright Brewing Company Gose, Oregon 750ml $10.99

Victory Brewing "Swing" Saison, Pennsylvania 12oz $1.79 (Gives Colette a run for its money for best Saison in a 12oz bottle)

Wadworth "Old Timer" Old Ale, England 500ml $5.99

Zeffer "Slack Ma Girdle" Cider, New Zealand 750ml $15.99

You can place orders in-store or online at KLWines.com.

Enjoy all these new beers, I know I have!

Cheers,

Bryan Brick

K&L Wine Merchants

Redwood City

(650) 556-2758

bryanbrick@klwines.com