Cheese & Wine

Overview

Cornwall is well known for its world class dairy products. Davidstow Cheddar is a treasured Cornish cheese because it is the direct result of our unique micro-climate, skilled cheese-graders and time spent maturing. The milk use for Davidstow is rich in fats because we have the perfect weather to grow lush green grass. Under the Cornish sun and with a generous annual rainfall the grass provides rich pasture for the county’s proud dairy farmers. Surprisingly another plant that thrives on the Cornish Riviera is the grape. There are now a few notable British success stories where farmers have diversified to start growing their own vineyards on south-facing slopes over-looking the coast. This month I’ve travelled to meet John and Kim Coulson who after many years trading as fish merchants in Newlyn needed a new adventure. After growing flowers on a farm near Penzance and following some advice from Bob Lindo of Camel Valley vineyard, they decided to change tack and plant their own vines creating their very own Cornish Vineyard. They harvested their first grapes for wine back in 2006 and have been making award-winning wine ever since. Top quality cheese and wine both take time to perfect. The combination of Davidstow Cheddar and Polgoon wine works together on the palate to deliver an unforgettable taste experience.

Walking around the vineyard today John shares his passion and enthusiasm for producing good wine and highlights the difficulties associated with harvesting, the impact of the weather and general need to change the consumers’ preconception about British wine. John explains how like many artisan businesses Covid19 has hit them hard but things are still looking bright for the future. Polgoon Vineyard is open to the public again for tours, has a gold award shop with all sorts of wonderful drinks to buy, and they run tastings for the public. Polgoon have also diversified further over the years with a range of Cornish ciders and juices.  The cider is produced using the Methode Traditionelle, the same method used by French winemakers to produce sparking wines. I was looking for a wine and cider to build the ultimate Davidstow Cheeseboard and took the advice of John to try their Bacchus and signature Cornish cider.

The maturity and depth of Davidstow 18 month old Crackler is perfect with a crisp white wine and I heavily recommend trying this combination! The Polgoon bacchus is full of character with exuberant aromas of lime zest and freshly cut grass on the nose. Elderflower and gooseberry notes on the palate and a zippy finish. If you are not a wine drinker then Polgoon Cider is a ploughman’s treat – the lightly sparkled apple cider delivers a refreshing clean, crisp and dry apple flavour. Serve ice cold with chutney and crackers – plus a generous wedge of Davidstow cheddar for a celebration of autumn.