Chateau d’Yquem with Gorgonzola and a pressed apple terrine

OK, I don’t expect you to have a bottle of Chateau d’Yquem to hand, let alone a 1999 or 1989 vintage but this would work with any mature or not-so-mature Sauternes or similar sweet Bordeaux

It was served at a lunch at Portland restaurant in London to launch the 2019 vintage of Yquem, which is absolutely delicious by the way. (No I don’t do this every day!)

The restaurant chose to pair it with a Gorgonzola naturale, pressed apple terrine, thyme honey and hazelnuts. They could have served it with the Gorgonzola on its own of course but the terrine just added an element that linked to the wine. (By this stage the 89 tasted more like vintage Oxford marmalade than the luscious lemon and honey flavours of the 2019.)

It’s a lovely way of serving Gorgonzola anyway. I’m a great fan of showcasing a single cheese rather than serving a huge selection, one of which is bound to clash with the wine.

The 2019 doesn’t seem to be available in store yet but you can buy a half bottle of the 2018 for £146 from Berry Bros and Rudd should you feel like splashing out.

See also The Best Food Pairings for Sauternes

I ate at Portland as a guest of Chateau d’Yquem.

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