Red Bartlett / Brie / Reserve Chianti
This selection was provided by Northwest chef and James Beard Award winner, Caprial Pence.
Red Bartlett is a mild pear with a soft aroma and supple flavor. It is very juicy when ripe.
Brie is a mild cheese with a very creamy texture. Brie has a slightly nutty flavor. When ripe, it has a bit stronger flavor and aroma.
Reserve Chianti is a full-bodied wine with a softer finish than the more rustic Chianti Classico. This wine has an earthy, slightly fruity flavor, with a soft but slightly tannic finish. The earthy flavors highlight the earthiness of the Brie's rind, and blend very well with the aromatic pear flavor. The slightly tannic finish cuts through the creamy texture of the cheese and the sweet flavor of the pear.
Red Bartlett / Stilton / Tawny Port
The smooth textured and aromatic Red Bartlett pear works well with creamy Stilton and a sweet Tawny Port with currant overtones and a prune nose.