Wine and cheese pairings are often a matter of taste. The experienced consumer will know just which types complement the other. But if you are just getting started on your home entertaining, there’s nothing easier than providing a good bottle of wine and a selection of cheese.
There are classic pairings, and there are times when you might have your personal preference. Just remember that one flavour should not overwhelm the other. The wine and the cheese are there to complement and balance each other perfectly. But which wines pair best with which cheeses?
Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Pair According to Intensity
To create your wine and cheese pairing, try to balance the wine with a cheese that matches its intensity. If the wine is 13% ABV or more, this is a wine to be savoured slowly. So, the cheese that you eat with it can have more intense flavours. In this regard, because of the cheese’s strong aromas and taste, it is also consumed in moderation.
Pair More Intense Wines With Aged Cheeses
The older the cheese, the richer and more intense the flavour. It may also have a sharper scent due to the decrease in water content and increase in fat. So, if you have the option for older cheeses, choose a bolder red wine.
Try Strong, Funkier Cheeses With Lighter or Sweeter Wines
Not everyone will crave sweet wine with cheese. Sometimes, sweet wines are best saved for dessert. But if you have the occasional guest who prefers a sip of sweetness, try offering a funkier cheese alongside it. While it is best paired with nuts and cream cheese, you can also serve this bottle with slices of stronger blue cheese or an aged sheep’s cheese.
Sparkling Wines Go Well With Soft Cheese Varieties
Sparkling wine is generally consumed as a starter before the more full-bodied wines. It is preferred in the summer or warmer months when you crave a light refreshment. So, think charcuterie boards filled with nuts, fruits, and either grilled brie or camembert cheese for a sparkling wine bottle.
A firm, nutty cheese is a safe bet to counterbalance the strong tannins in high-quality red wines. Go for Swiss cheeses, Gruyère, Abbaye de Belloc, or Emmental.
When in Doubt, Pair by Region
Often, you may find that you can go the traditional local route, pairing wines and cheeses from the same region of a country. For example, when serving a French Sauvignon Blanc, try a goat cheese from the Loire Valley in France. If slicing Manchego from Spain, serve it with a bottle of crisp Grenache rosé to remind your guests of warm holidays by the sea or a sun-kissed afternoon.
Elevate Your Meal With Fantastic Wines
Remember that a good wine experience is also about the memories you make. When entertaining friends, family, or loved ones, don’t overthink the pairings. Trust your tastebuds to guide you on what works best for your palate, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Be open and versatile and have fun. You’ll find that when you allow your senses to guide you, the flexibility and variety of options for pleasure are endless. After all, it’s about the journey, not the destination.