Day 1030 : What to enjoy in the Summertime heat

We sure have gotten a wave of high temperatures and humidity here in New York City and in honor of mid July's heatwave, I thought I would suggest a positively perfect picnic basket pairing to enjoy nestled into the grass while soaking up some sunshine.

How about Vermont Creamery's Bijou? Vermont's answer to Crottin -- the small aged goat cheese roundelle hailing from the Loire Valley. Bijou, meaning jewel in French, is just that! Decadent and creamy yet elegant and refined with notes of citrus and grass but with a crisp milky finish. This cheese holds up well in the heat and is light yet flavorful - the key mixture for a summertime picnic cheese.

And what of the wine?

How about the North Fork's Croteaux Vineyard's 181 Merlot Rose?

Crisp and light, this rose is summertime in a glass. Full of grapefruit and grassy notes with a watermelony berry finish, this is crisp and light yet fanciful and flavorful, just want you want for a wine on a warm summertime night.

The perfect summertime pairing in Fromagical's mind.