San Francisco Food Blog

If you spend a few minutes talking to head cheesemonger Colin Shaff of Mission Italian spot Bar Bambino (2931 16th St. at South Van Ness), there's no doubt he takes cheese just as seriously as he takes wine, which makes the bar's upcoming Cheese + Wine Tasting all the more alluring. After a successful run of tasting events last year, Bambino kicks off its new series this Sunday around the theme of cheeses newly recognized by the DOC (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) -- which is more interesting than it sounds. "The DOCG is an Italian quality assurance label for food and wine products," he says. "Just to give you an idea of how rare it is, there have only been five cheeses recognized since 1996. It's a very big deal."

Guests will take a tasting tour of Italy's newest formaggi and vini classifications, with four or five paired wines and cheeses, including Spressa delle Giudicarie, a young Alpine cheese ("Really smelly and pungent with a semifirm, Gruyère-like texture," Shaff says) and Canestrato di Filiano ("A southern Italian Pecorino made by one of the fellows who was instrumental in getting the cheese certified. It's a very big cheese." ). Among the wines is a Cerasuolo di Vittoria, a medium-bodied red and the first Sicilian DOCG.

"Eating cheese, talking about cheese, and drinking wine on the patio - it's just a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon," Shaff says. "We get very excited about it, especially when people have lots of questions." So come prepared with your abiding love for cheese and plenty of questions - you'll be richly rewarded. It happens Sunday, March 22, from 3 to 5 p.m., and costs $45 per person. To reserve your spot, e-mail events@barbambino.com or call 701-VINO (8466).