With all the self-aggrandizing hype over the Festival, you might think there's nothing else cheese -related to talk about.  Amid all the hoopla, Connie has found some of the best Italian cheeses I've ever tasted from a company called Casa Madaio out of Campania.  We have three of their cheeses: il Cinerino (a cave-buried goat), Calcagno (a Parmigiano-like sheep that is the best pecorino I've ever tasted - really) and the totally unique Barilotto (a buffalo milk, ricotta-salata type that would be great in a beurre blanc).

Look for some of the highlighted Cheese Festival cheeses in our cheese case.  Not the least of these cheeses is a nice array from Estrella Family Creamery.  Kelly and Anthony have created a few new things, including a Cacciocavallo that's mildly smoked and less dry than the Italian version - a beautiful cheese.

We've created a little Cheese Festival nook at the store (near the stairs to our wine department).  In the nook, you will find all the cheese accoutrement you can imagine.  We have Matiz dried fruits, Saporina Balsamic Spread, Honeys, Wine Jellies from Livio Pesle, Crackers for Cheese and much more - including wines we like with cheese.  The nook is our Must See Section for May!

New releases and new wines to the market continue to arrive.  Revered Italian varietals are starting to pay off their makers' gambles.  Sangiovese (and Barbera) have been planted for several years in the Walla Walla area and the results are approaching exceptional.  The 2005 Sangiovese and Cabernet Franc from Walla Walla Vintners are on the shelf and are showing beautifully. Also from Washington are new arrivals from Merry Cellars, a lovely Sangiovese and a rich red blend called Crimson. We were also enchanted with two offerings from Basalt Cellars, a lush Merlot and their red blend Rim Rock Red. Both are welcome additions to our Northwest section. Lastly, from the NW, the Fall Line Winery's Tim Sorenson treated us to a wonderful tasting last weekend and we're happy to note that we have a few of his wines left in the house.

A quick note to remind everyone that our bailiwick is pairing wine with food.  In particular, we're proud of Ben Erickson's ability to match wine with cheese.  Ben spent several years in our Deli where he stood out as our most knowledgeable cheese monger.  After a couple of years in the wine department, Ben's familiarity with cheese and knowledge of wine allows him to assist you in matching two of the most important components to your occasion.  Next time you're in, pick his brain!

Upcoming Wine Tastings

Please note that we are doing Saturday and Sunday wine tastings during the month of May.  Same bat-time, same bat-channel. (2-4pm, upstairs in the Wine Department)

5 May - Vineyard Brands from one of our favorite Italian wine reps, Val Markus
6 May - Dalla Terra wines from our other favorite Italian wine rep, Carrie Omegna

I had to come up with something using the Barilotto cheese mentioned above and this came to mind.  I started with a classic Dijon vinaigrette then Justin, in our café, suggested the lemon and shallot vinaigrette - he was right again.  It's a classic salad with a twist.  We hope you enjoy it.