How Pair Wine And Cheese
Wine & Cheese Pairing Cheat Sheet Drinks alcohol recipes, Party food
Cover Wine & Cheese Pairing Cheat Sheet Drinks alcohol recipes, Party food (600x900)
Table of Contents
- What are the best wines to pair with soft cheeses?
- Which wines go well with hard cheeses?
- What wines complement blue cheeses?
- Are there any wines that pair well with goat cheese?
- What are some wine pairing tips for aged cheeses?
What are the best wines to pair with soft cheeses?
Soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, have a creamy and delicate texture. They pair well with wines that have a similar soft and mellow profile. Here are some great wine options to pair with soft cheeses:
1. Chardonnay
Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can complement a wide range of soft cheeses. Its buttery and creamy flavors work well with the rich and creamy texture of cheeses like Brie or Camembert. Look for Chardonnays with a moderate level of oak to avoid overpowering the delicate flavors of the cheese.
2. Champagne
Champagne is a classic choice for pairing with soft cheeses. Its effervescence and acidity help to cleanse the palate between bites of creamy cheese, making each bite enjoyable. Opt for a brut or extra brut Champagne for a dry and crisp pairing.
3. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity and herbaceous flavors. These characteristics make it a great match for soft cheeses, as the acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, while the herbal notes complement the flavors. Look for Sauvignon Blancs from regions like Marlborough, New Zealand, or Sancerre, France.
4. Pinot Grigio
Pinot Grigio is a light and refreshing white wine that pairs well with soft cheeses. Its crisp acidity and subtle fruit flavors provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese. Look for Pinot Grigios from northern Italy for the best pairing.
5. Rosé
Rosé wines, with their wide range of flavors and styles, can be a great match for soft cheeses. The fruity and floral notes of rosé complement the creamy texture of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. Choose a dry or off-dry rosé for the best results.
Which wines go well with hard cheeses?
Hard cheeses, such as aged Cheddar or Parmesan, have a firm texture and intense flavors. They require wines with enough structure and complexity to stand up to their robust character. Here are some wine options that pair well with hard cheeses:
1. Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with bold tannins and rich flavors. It can easily match the intensity of hard cheeses and provide a complementary pairing. Look for Cabernet Sauvignons from regions like Napa Valley, Bordeaux, or Coonawarra.
2. Syrah/Shiraz
Syrah, also known as Shiraz in some regions, is a red wine with intense flavors of dark fruits, pepper, and spice. Its robust character makes it a great match for hard cheeses, especially those with a nutty or savory profile. Look for Syrahs from regions like Rhône Valley, Australia, or California.
3. Malbec
Malbec is a medium to full-bodied red wine with ripe fruit flavors and a smooth texture. Its soft tannins and juicy acidity make it a good match for hard cheeses, as it won't overpower the flavors of the cheese. Look for Malbecs from regions like Mendoza, Argentina, or Cahors, France.
4. Rioja
Rioja is a red wine from the Rioja region in Spain. It is made primarily from the Tempranillo grape and has flavors of red fruits, vanilla, and spice. Rioja's balanced acidity and smooth tannins make it a great companion for hard cheeses, especially those with a nutty or aged profile.
5. Zinfandel
Zinfandel is a red wine with bold flavors of black fruits, spice, and sometimes a hint of sweetness. Its robust character can hold its own against the intensity of hard cheeses, creating a flavorful pairing. Look for Zinfandels from regions like California or Puglia, Italy.
What wines complement blue cheeses?
Blue cheeses, with their pungent and salty flavors, require wines that can balance their intensity and enhance their complex profile. Here are some wine options that complement blue cheeses:
1. Port
Port is a fortified wine from Portugal. Its rich and sweet flavors, along with its high alcohol content, make it a great match for blue cheeses. The sweetness of the Port helps to balance the salty and pungent flavors of the cheese, creating a harmonious combination. Look for a tawny or vintage Port for the best pairing.
2. Sauternes
Sauternes is a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region in France. It is made from grapes affected by noble rot, which concentrates their sugars and flavors. The honeyed and apricot notes of Sauternes complement the intense flavors of blue cheeses, creating a delightful pairing.
3. Riesling
Riesling is a versatile white wine that can range from dry to sweet. Its high acidity and fruity flavors make it a good match for blue cheeses. The acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, while the fruity notes complement its flavors. Look for off-dry or semi-sweet Rieslings for the best pairing.
4. Late Harvest Gewürztraminer
Late harvest Gewürztraminer is a sweet white wine with flavors of lychee, rose petals, and tropical fruits. Its aromatic profile and sweetness make it a good companion for blue cheeses. The sweetness of the wine helps to balance the saltiness of the cheese, while the aromatic flavors add an extra layer of complexity to the pairing.
5. Madeira
Madeira is a fortified wine from the Portuguese island of Madeira. It has rich flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruits, which make it a good match for blue cheeses. The sweetness and nutty character of Madeira complement the intense flavors of the cheese, creating a unique and enjoyable pairing.
Are there any wines that pair well with goat cheese?
Goat cheese has a distinct tangy and creamy flavor that requires wines with enough acidity and freshness to balance its intensity. Here are some wine options that pair well with goat cheese:
1. Sauvignon Blanc
Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine known for its vibrant acidity and herbaceous flavors. These characteristics make it a great match for goat cheese, as the acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, while the herbaceous notes complement its flavors. Look for Sauvignon Blancs from regions like Marlborough, New Zealand, or Sancerre, France.
2. Chenin Blanc
Chenin Blanc is a versatile white wine that can range from dry to sweet. Its high acidity and fruity flavors make it a good match for goat cheese. The acidity helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, while the fruity notes complement its tangy flavors. Look for Chenin Blancs from regions like the Loire Valley, South Africa, or California.
3. Rosé
Rosé wines, with their wide range of flavors and styles, can be a great match for goat cheese. The fruity and floral notes of rosé complement the creaminess and tanginess of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. Choose a dry or off-dry rosé for the best results.
4. Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a red wine made from the Gamay grape in the Beaujolais region of France. It is known for its light and fruity character, with flavors of red fruits and floral notes. Beaujolais' freshness and low tannins make it a good match for goat cheese, as it won't overpower its delicate flavors.
5. Vermentino
Vermentino is a white wine that is often associated with the Mediterranean region. It has crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and a slightly herbal character. Vermentino's refreshing profile makes it a good companion for goat cheese, as it helps to balance its tanginess and creaminess.
What are some wine pairing tips for aged cheeses?
Aged cheeses, with their complex flavors and firm textures, require wines that can match their intensity and provide
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