Finding your Perfect Combination for successfully Pairing Wine and Cheese
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Pairing wine and cheese is a well rewarded effort. This article will explore some proven tips for pairing wine and cheese successfully. Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée or simply indulging in a cozy night in, understanding the art of pairing wine with cheese can elevate your gastronomic experiences. In this guide, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of wine and cheese pairings, uncovering the secrets to creating perfect harmony on your palate. I’ll offer up style recommendations along the way but experiment and find your perfect combination. Many great cheeses are available at your local favourite deli or gourmet grocery store. Others can be ordered online at stores like Murray’s Cheese and shipped directly to you
Understanding Flavor Profiles:
Before diving into the specifics of pairing wine and cheese, it’s essential to grasp the basic principles of flavor compatibility. Both wine and cheese exhibit a diverse range of flavors, from delicate and subtle to bold and robust. When pairing the two, aim to create balance by either complementing or contrasting their respective flavor profiles. For example, a creamy cheese might be enhanced by a crisp, acidic wine, while a tangy cheese could be balanced by a sweeter wine.
Pairing Guidelines:
While there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to pairing wine and cheese, certain guidelines can help steer you in the right direction:
White wines: Lighter, crisper white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pair well with fresh cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella. Their acidity helps cut through the creaminess of the cheese, cleansing the palate with each sip. I love a Sancerre from France with a tangy goat cheese.
Red wines: Medium-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir or Merlot complement semi-hard cheeses such as Gouda or Gruyère. The fruity notes in these wines enhance the nuttiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. A Sonoma Pinot Noir is a great choice. Personally, I love Walt La Brisa. It’s showing juicy raspberry and cherry flavors, with toasty barrel notes that carry through to a fresh, savory finish. It got amazing ratings at 95 points from Wine Enthusiast and 93 from Wine Spectator. You can find more details on the Loire Valley and their wines here.
Rosé wines: Versatile rosé wines offer the best of both worlds, making them suitable for a wide range of cheese pairings. Opt for a dry rosé to accompany soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, or choose a slightly sweeter rosé to balance the saltiness of aged cheeses like Parmesan or aged Cheddar.I usually recommend a French rosé but I’m really enjoying this beauty from Flowers. It has wonderful round peachy flavours with just the right amount of acidity to keep it fresh.
Sparkling wines: Sparkling wines such as Champagne or Prosecco are a natural choice for pairing with cheese, thanks to their effervescence and acidity. Pair a dry sparkling wine with salty, hard cheeses like Pecorino or Manchego for a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. This recommendation is a bit off the beaten path but I encourage you try Jansz from Tasmania. It’s a rosé Champagne with a cult like following down under. You can expect Fresh strawberry, pomegranate, and mandarin orange with hints of white flower and spice on the refreshing finish.
Exploring Regional Pairings:
One of the joys of pairing wine and cheese is discovering regional combinations that highlight the best of both worlds. For example:
French cheeses like Brie or Roquefort are traditionally paired with wines from the same region, such as Bordeaux or Champagne. These classic pairings showcase the terroir of both the wine and the cheese, creating a truly authentic experience. If you are planning for a future special occasion, this Lynch Bages is sure to be amazing (if you can still even get it) its still on futures so won’t deliver until 2025. In the meantime this beautiful California red blend from Robert Mondavi features all five Bordeaux grapes. It will give you fresh dark Red Fruit, Sweet Spice, Tobacco, baking spices and a Smooth finish
Italian cheeses like Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano pair beautifully with Italian wines such as Chianti or Barolo. The rich, complex flavors of these wines complement the savory intensity of the cheese, resulting in a delightful match. When I first started to drink Barbaresco, the Produttori del Barbaresco Barbaresco was my go to producer. With the 2018 you can expect spices, pepper and black cherries. It’s Powerful, firm, and elegant.
Spanish cheeses like Manchego or Cabrales are perfectly suited to Spanish wines like Rioja or Albariño. The bold, robust flavors of these wines complement the boldness of the cheese, creating a dynamic interplay of tastes and textures. Today’s Albarino is from Spain and great value at under $20. Wine Enthusiast gives this 93 points saying “Light straw to the eye, this wine has a nose of nectarine, cardamom and brined green olives. Soft mint and fennel notes and lemon, peach and green apple flavors ply the palate in a gossamer-textured wine that eases into a shimmering finish.” If you haven’t tried Albarino before, try the Columna.
Pairing wine with cheese is an art form that rewards experimentation and exploration. By understanding the principles of flavor compatibility and embracing regional pairings, you can create unforgettable combinations that tease the taste buds and elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re enjoying a casual cheese board with friends or hosting a formal tasting event, the perfect wine and cheese pairing can transform an ordinary moment into something so much more. Cheers to the journey exploring pairing wine and cheese! If you are looking for the perfect dishwasher safe glasses for your wines I have you covered here.
