Cheese and wine have a long history together and remain one of the most iconic pairings of all time. Both cheese and wine offer an amazing array of flavors and aromas, and when paired correctly these combinations can be up to 10 times more enjoyable than each of the individual elements. From creamier blue and brie cheeses all the way to stronger, tangier cheese like Parmesan; there’s a wine out there that is sure to be the perfect partner. Let’s take a look at some of the basics of pairing cheese with wine.
When pairing cheese with wine, there are a few simple guidelines to remember. Firstly, it’s important to pay attention to the kind of cheese you’re choosing; the type of milk it’s made from, its ripeness, and the levels of salinity, acidity, and complexity will all be important factors to consider. Secondly, make sure to take into account the type of wine you’re choosing and the type of glass you’re using. Lastly, consider the strength of both the cheese and the wine, as one may overpower the other.
Next, it’s important to understand the basics of both the cheese and the wine you’re working with. Knowing a few of the nuances of each will help you get to know how to pair them together. Cheese can be separated into four main categories based on the kind of milk it’s made from—goat’s milk, sheep’s milk, cow’s milk, and human milk!—while wines can be divided into red, white, sparkling, and sweet. Depending on type, they will also have different levels of acidity, tannins, sweetness, and complexity.
It’s also important to remember that when it comes to cheese and wine, there is no one “right” answer. With such a huge selection of both cheese and wine out there, it’s best to experiment and get to know what combinations you enjoy the most. With this in mind, let’s dive a little deeper into the specific types of cheese and how to best pair them with wine.
Popular Cheese and Wine Combinations
No matter the occasion, the perfect wine and cheese pairing is the perfect way to make sure your special event is enjoyed by all. There are many different cheeses that pair well with different wines -- so let's look at some popular cheese and wine combinations.
- Goat Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc: Goat cheese is a light and tangy cheese that is best paired with a grassy and herbal Sauvignon Blanc. This combination helps to bring out the earthy notes present in both.
- Gruyere and Chardonnay: Gruyere is a semi-hard, nutty cheese that pairs best with a Chardonnay. The Chardonnay helps to bring out the nutty and sweet flavors of Gruyere and the creamy notes of the Chardonnay help to cut through the nuttiness.
- Brie and Pinot Noir: Brie is a classic cheese that pairs well with a rustic, earthy red wine like Pinot Noir. The Pinot Noir helps to bring out the buttery and mushroom qualities of Brie, while the acidity of the wine helps to cut through its creaminess.
These are just a few examples of the many different cheese and wine combinations that you can explore. Have fun experimenting with different wines and cheeses and find the perfect combination for your own special occasion!
Understanding the Different Types of Cheese
When pairing cheese with wine, it's important to understand the characteristics of various types of cheese. Here is a guide to some of the most popular types of cheese, as well as some tips for putting together the perfect cheese and wine pairings.
Hard Cheeses
Hard cheeses, like Parmesan, cheddar, Gruyère and Gouda, are aged for several months to several years. Since they are firm in texture, they pair best with full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
Semi-hard Cheeses
Semi-hard cheeses, such as Edam, Emmental and Jarlsberg, are softer in texture than hard cheeses while still being relatively firm. They pair best with wine that has a bit of a sweetness to it. Good choices are oaked whites, like Chardonnay, as well as blush wines and lighter reds, such as Pinot Noir.
Soft Cheeses
Soft cheeses, like Brie and Camembert, have a velvety texture and creamy flavor. They pair best with sweet wines, such as Rosé and fruity whites, like Riesling.
Blue Cheeses
Blue cheeses are characterized by their tangy, pungent taste. They have a crumbly texture and pair best with sweet and sparkling wines, such as Moscato and Prosecco.
No matter what type of cheese you're enjoying, make sure to choose a wine that will complement rather than overwhelm the flavor. By choosing the right wine, you can make any cheese and wine pairing a delicious experience.
Accentuating the Flavors of Cheese Through Wine
Pairing cheese and wine is an art of flavor and texture matching. The right pairing will bring out the best in both the cheese and the wine. Different types of cheeses adjust and accentuate the flavors in the wine—from sharp and earthy flavors to creamy and nutty notes—that’s why pairing cheese with wine is so fascinating.
Cheeses range from mild to strong, salty to sweet, and coverage from crumbly to smooth. When choosing a cheese for your wine, consider its flavor and texture. The atmosphere and foods on the menu should also be taken into consideration. For instance, a Camembert will pair well with a light, fruity white wine, but won’t do justice to a heavy red.
It’s best to choose a cheese that is neither too mild nor too strong for the wine. Be aware of not only flavor contrasts, but also flavor complements. These combined flavors could lead to a perfect pairing. Hard and aged cheeses work well with fuller-bodied wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. Creamy cheeses pair perfectly with creamy white wines, while nutty cheeses are ideal with complex red wines.
The following list of pairings will help you create an enjoyable experience while pairing cheese with your favorite wines:
- Roquefort Cheese & Sauternes.
- Gorgonzola Cheese & Amarone.
- Stilton Cheese & Ports.
- Cheddar Cheese & Zinfandel.
- Brie Cheese & Chardonnay.
Experimenting with different combinations of cheese and wine is an enjoyable way to discover new flavors and perfect your pairing skills. Just remember, the most important part of pairing cheese with wine is to have fun!
Making the Perfect Cheese and Wine Pairing
When it comes to enjoying a perfect cheese and wine pairing, the best strategy is to balance flavors. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Consider Sweetness
While it’s common knowledge that reds go with hard cheeses and whites go with soft cheeses, it’s also important to consider sweetness. Sweet wines can help offset the strength and sharpness of hard and pungent cheeses, but for dry wines, try pairing with milder cheeses. For example, a bold cabernet sauvignon pairs wonderfully with a sharp blue cheese.
2. Look for Commonalities
When pairing cheese with wine, both sides should have similar flavors, aromas, and textures. For example, the smoky notes of a washed-rind cheese go well with a spicy shiraz or the intense fruitiness of a brie pairs nicely with a sweet pinot noir. Even with bold flavors, aim to have certain flavors that harmonize well.
3. Use Region as a Guide
One of the easiest ways to pair cheese and wine is to remember the rule of thumb: Match regions. It's often said that Spanish cheese goes with Spanish wine or that Quercy Tomme goes great with Cahors. Regional pairings offer the biggest chance for a great match.
4. Pair Cheese Course with Multiple Wines
When entertaining, give your guests a variety of wines. Try creating a flight of wines and pair multiple wines with the cheese course. This will help to enhance the whole dining experience and give everyone the opportunity to find their favorite wine pairing.
5. Keep Exploring
The basics of pairing cheese with wine don’t need to be complicated. The important thing is to experiment and enjoy. After all, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to finding the perfect cheese and wine pairing. Have fun and keep exploring until you find the pairing that’s just right for you.
Experiencing Cheese and Wine Tasting Events
Attending a cheese and wine tasting event can be a great way to learn more about food pairings and to experience different flavors. Cheese and wine tastings allow guests to sample a variety of cheeses and wines in order to determine which ones go best together. Below are a few tips for getting the most out of your cheese and wine tasting experience.
Do Your Research
Before attending a cheese and wine tasting, familiarize yourself with the types of cheese and wines that are typically used in pairings. Learn about each type's flavors, characteristics, and texture. Additionally, do some research into which wines pair best with each cheese to help you narrow down the choices.
Arrive Prepared
When attending a cheese and wine tasting, taste the wines first, then the cheese. Make sure to bring a list of all the cheeses and wines that will be served so you can keep track of your favorites. Additionally, try to sample the cheeses in order from mild to strong flavors. This helps to bring out the distinctive elements of each cheese.
Take Notes
Take time to reflect on each wine and cheese combination that you taste. Note the flavor, texture, and overall impression the combination creates. Jot down the things you enjoyed and disliked about the pairing to help you remember later.
Ask Questions
Don't be shy about asking questions at a cheese and wine tasting. If you're unsure about what type of cheese or wine you're tasting, feel free to ask the host for more information. This is a great way to learn about different types of cheeses and wines and the types of pairings that may be the most successful.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your experience at a cheese and wine tasting event. Take the opportunity to sample different pairings and to develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of the flavors you come across.
Shopping for Cheese and Wine
Pairing cheese and wine can be an enjoyable experience, but it can also be a bit intimidating at first. Before serving any cheese or wine, it is important to make sure you are buying the best quality ingredients. Here are a few tips for shopping for cheese and wine.
Cheese Shopping
- Choose a cheese that appeals to your taste. Do you prefer a soft, creamy cheese? Or are you more into sharp, pungent flavors?
- Inspect the label and make sure the cheese is fresh and the expiration date hasn't passed.
- Check the packaging for any signs of moisture, as this is a sign the cheese may have gone bad.
- Ask your local cheese shop for advice. The knowledgeable staff can provide valuable guidance when it comes to selecting the right cheese for your needs.
Wine Shopping
- Decide what type of wine you want. Do you prefer a dry red or a sweet white?
- Read the label and look for clues to the quality of the wine. Look at the vintage date, the type of grape and the region the grapes were grown in.
- Check the price; a more expensive bottle isn't necessarily better, but it generally will indicate better quality.
- Ask for help. Talk to your local wine shop staff for recommendations if you're not sure which one to buy.
With just a little bit of knowledge and preparation, you can find the perfect cheese and wine pairing that is sure to please your guests and allow you to explore the wonders of food and drink pairings.
Conclusions
In conclusion, there is no definitive answer as to which cheese pairs best with what wine. There are certainly some general rules that can give you a great starting point - such as having lighter wines with milder cheeses, and pairing full-bodied wines with strong, flavourful cheeses - but the pairing comes down to individual tastes at the end of the day. Try experimenting with different combinations to discover what works best for you!
