There’s no one-size-fits-all way to pair wine and cheese. There are some basic rules to follow, as well as some classic pairings. Whether you’re going for a fresh goat cheese, an aged cheddar, or a Port with Stilton, you’re sure to find a pair that’s perfect for you.
Let’s dive into some of the best cheese and wine pairings.
Why do cheese and wine pair so well?
The main difference between cheese and wine is the difference in the taste of fat and protein. The acids and tannins in cheese are acidic, while the tannins in wine are tannin-rich. The primary characteristics of wine, tannins and acidity, help to cleanse the tongue of fatty proteins, making wine an excellent palate cleanser for foods high in protein.
Bubbles paired with cheese
When it comes to culinary marriages made in heaven, few combinations rival the delightful union of bubbles and cheese. The effervescence of sparkling wines like Champagne creates a symphony on the palate when paired with the rich, creamy textures and complex flavours of cheese.
Picture yourself savouring a creamy Brie alongside a crisp glass of Champagne. The bubbles dance on your tongue, cleansing your palate with each sip, while the creamy cheese coats your mouth with its luxurious texture, enhancing the wine’s fruity and toasty notes.
Whether you’re indulging in a casual gathering or a sophisticated congregation, the marriage of bubbles and cheese promises to elevate your taste buds to new heights. So next time you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, don’t forget to uncork a bottle of bubbles and prepare a cheese board for a match made in culinary heaven. Cheers to the perfect pairing!
White wine cheese pairings
Pairing white wine with cheese creates a delightful symphony of flavours that can elevate your tasting experience to new heights. The crisp acidity and fruity notes of white wines beautifully complement the creamy, salty, and nutty characteristics of various cheeses. For example, a light and zesty Sauvignon Blanc can accentuate the tanginess of goat cheese, while a rich and buttery Chardonnay can harmonize with the creamy texture of Brie or Camembert.
Experiment with different combinations to discover your perfect pairing and elevate your wine and cheese tasting to a whole new level of enjoyment. Cheers!
Red wine cheese pairings
Firm cheeses, especially aged ones, tend to pair well with red wines. Be careful with softer cheeses, as they can make red wines look thin and flabby while emphasizing tannins.
As cheese ages, its water content decreases and its fat content increases, making it richer in flavour and perfect for pairing with bold red wines. The fat content of the cheese balances the strong tannins of the wine. To get the best results, choose aged cheeses that have at least one year of age.
When paired with cheddar, cabernet sauvignon is a great choice. It has intense fresh aromatics, sweet and dried fruit, black pepper, and cigar box notes. On the palate, it has a bold structure and a bracing acidity that shows the wine’s potential as it ages. It is dark, rich, and delicious.
Port wine cheese pairing
Pungent, smelly, salty and tasty? A rich red dessert wine, like a Port, paired with a rich cream, sharp and salty Stilton cheese, like a blue cheese or even an earthy, aged cheddar, is a classic and divine pairing.
Conclusion
The best type of cheese for a particular wine depends on the wine’s characteristics and personal preference. Generally, pairing a light, acidic wine like Sauvignon Blanc with fresh, tangy cheeses such as goat cheese complements each other’s flavors. Rich, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert often pair well with buttery Chardonnays due to their similar textures. For bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, aged cheeses like aged cheddar or Parmesan are excellent choices as they can stand up to the wine’s strong flavors. Ultimately, experimenting with different combinations is key to discovering your perfect pairing.
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