Perfect Plate: Emmi Roth Swiss Alp Panorama Cheese & Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV

The cheese course is traditionally the grand finale to a meal but on a hot summer day, cheese paired with wine, fruit and bread is a light & delicious, no-fuss dinner that satisfies.

Many people have the misconception that Swiss cheese is exclusively that thinly sliced dairy product with holes that you purchase at the deli counter but Switzerland produces a wide variety of cheeses. I recently sampled Emmi Roth Swiss Alp Panorama Cheese and it is absolutely delicious. Panorama's rubbed-rind is edible and coated with savory alpine herbs that enhance the flavor of this tangy semi-soft cheese. Made from pure Swiss cow's milk, Panorama is matured a minimum of 4 months. If you love a strong but not obnoxious tasting cheese with a pleasant aroma, I recommend Emmi Roth Panorama. $18.99 for a one pound wheel.

Pinot Noir, Syrah, Gamay, Zinfandel and Champagne are recommended pairings for the Emmi Roth Panorama. During these sweltering summer months, I would reach for a split (1/4 bottle) of delicious Nicolas Feuillatte Brut NV ($10.95). This flavorful champagne is subtle enough to enhance, not overwhelm, the herbal flavors of the cheese. Round out your meal with strawberries, grapes, and salty nuts for a perfect plate!