Pairing Cheese with Wine: A Comprehensive Guide
Welcome to a guide on how to pair cheese with wine! Whether you're a seasoned sommelier or a cheese and wine enthusiast just starting your journey, this article will help you understand the basics and provide tips on how to create the perfect match between cheese and wine.
Introduction to Cheese and Wine Pairing
Pairing cheese with wine is an art that has been practiced for centuries. It involves selecting a cheese and wine that complement each other, enhancing the flavors and textures of both. The key is to understand the different textures and flavors of cheese as well as the characteristics of different types of wine.
Selecting the Perfect Cheese for Your Wine
When it comes to pairing cheese with wine, the best choice is often to keep it simple. For example, French cheeses should ideally be paired with French wines, and English cheeses with English wines. This traditional approach often results in the best pairings because it allows the delicate flavors of the wine and cheese to shine through.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. Strong cheeses such as blue or sharp cheddar can be overpowering with white or rosé wine. Instead, they pair well with red wines, which can complement the strong flavors of these cheese.
Specific Cheese and Wine Pairings
Sharp Cheddar with Cinnamon Schnaps: One of the most popular pairings is sharp cheddar cheese with cinnamon schnaps. The sweet, warming note of cinnamon complements the sharp, tangy flavor of cheddar, creating a harmonious flavor profile.
The Red Wine option for pairing with strong cheese like cheddar is an AGED RED such as Port wine or a robust Syrah. These wines can stand up to the robust flavors of cheddar and balance the sharpness.
Other Cheese and Wine Pairings
The cheese and wine pairing also depends on the type of wine you have:
Sharp Cheddar with White Wine: A delicate Chardonnay or a crisp Riesling can complement the tanginess of sharp cheddar cheese, providing a refreshing contrast to its flavor. Blue Cheese with Red Wine: A full-bodied Malbec or a Cabernet Sauvignon can balance the pungent and creamy flavors of blue cheese, creating a rich and satisfying pairing. Camembert with Rosé: Light and creamy Camembert pairs well with a light and fruity Rosé wine, providing a perfect balance of flavors.Important Exceptions and Considerations
There are certain scenarios where cheese and wine pairings need to be adjusted:
Food Pairing Exceptions: Wine like California wines, Indian wines, and Canadian wines are often better enjoyed on their own, without cheese. These wines are often stronger and more robust, and pairing them with cheese can compete with their robust flavors.
Champagne: Cheese and champagne are best enjoyed separately. Champagne's bubbles can wash away the flavors of cheese, and cheese can obscure the delicate bubbles and flavors of the champagne.
Conclusion
Pairing cheese with wine is about experimenting and finding the right balance. Whether you're a fan of sharp cheddar with cinnamon schnaps, a fan of full-bodied reds with blue cheese, or just looking for new cheese and wine combinations to try, the key is to keep it varied and enjoyable. Remember, the best pairings are those that create a harmonious blend of flavors, enhancing the experience of each bite and sip.