Of wine & song!

Written by Victoria Baker
Wednesday, 07 October 2009 23:00

“How can anyone govern a nation that has two hundred and forty-six different kinds of cheese?” said French President Charles de Gaulle of his country. The only thing the French do better than cheese; is wine. I absolutely love cheeses — Brie, Roquefort, Stilton -- and I like certain wine, though I’d be lying if I said I was a connoisseur.

Cheese and wine are absolutely central elements of the French diet and French food. Wine has always been an integral part of the French dining table, perhaps as central to the French table as water is to the American table. Generally speaking, wine is not overindulged in France; sipping wine throughout lunch or dinner is a common practice.

Cheese and wine are both produced in batches. However th e winemakers have one real chance every year, based on the grape harvest, to make their product work. Cheesemakers, however, most likely endeavor year-round with each batch expressing a season, but also allowing for variation. Each cheese-making episode allows for change. In addition, the seasonal fluctuations in milk composition do and must bear on cheese quality. In a way, cheese batches are like vintages.

Those of you who are wine and cheese devotees may find the upcoming event sponsored by the Greenwich Symphony to support the Orchestra’s Young People’s Concerts to your taste. From 7 to 9:30 p.m. at Richard’s on Greenwich Avenue, this event will also pay for awards for talented young musicians. Wine selections by Terry Rogers of Horseneck Wine and Liquor will be paired with various gourmet cheeses. Background music will be provided by Larry Spivack, who is the percussionist for the Greenwich Symphony, as well as his own Jazz Quartet. A silent auction will offer the opportunity to choose among the more than 40 wines to be poured that evening. The cost of the evening is $100 per person. For more information, call Lu and Jack Morris at 637-2143 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

“Wine is the most civilized thing in the world,” said Ernest Hemingway.

Indeed, in small quantities it may very well be. Perhaps then, attendees of the upcoming Wine & Cheese tasting to benefit the Young People’s Orchestra will get to spread the gospel of music to the next generation whilst enjoying the more giddying pleasures of a fine wine. And perhaps too, they will recall the words of Thomas Jefferson “I have lived temperately... I double the doctor’s recommendation of a glass and a half of wine a day and even treble it with a friend.”

Victoria Baker of Greenwich is an opera singer. She teaches piano and voice privately in Greenwich. Questions, call 531-7499 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .