Brush up on your wine-tasting knowledge and explore the best cheese/wine pairings!
There’s a common misconception about wine and cheese pairing. Many people think that red wine is the only wine that can go with cheese. It doesn’t matter whether you pair red or white wine with cheese – either can go well with cheese!
Pairing with cheddar
Cheddar cheese is usually quite sharp. There is a richness you get with cheddar that you might not get with other cheeses, due to its hefty fat content.
Because it’s a rich cheese, you might want a red wine that has an extra bit of boldness to it! Match the same strength of flavour with the cheese to the wine. Try one with a crumbly consistency.
Cheddar goes with Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese and Tempranillo.
Pairing with washed rind cheese
For a cheese to be classed as washed rind, the wheel is rinsed off and bathed in either cider, wine, beer or whey. This is to get rid of any bacteria – think Brie or Camembert. These soft cheeses might have a beige tinge to the rind. The smell of the cheese tends to be more overpowering than the taste.
As there are so many different types of washed rind cheese, pairing wine to go with it provides a large spectrum of choices!
Light and creamy brie? Try sparkling wine.
Salty cheese? Try a light red, such as Grenache.
If you’ve got something very strong tasting, opt for a sweet wine like moscato.
Pairing wine with goat’s cheese
Goat’s cheese has a distinctive aroma and an even more distinctive taste. Goat’s cheese offers a blend of creaminess with pungency. Because of this, you’ll need to match it with a wine that is just as aromatic.
Goat’s cheese goes with Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Rose. For reds, choose something light-bodied.
Pairing with blue cheese
In the cheese world, blue cheese tends to have the strongest taste. Because most blue cheeses have an equal level of strength, it can make wine pairing relatively easy.
Try out a sweet chardonnay for white, a jammy red if you’re looking for something a bit juicier to complement it.
Check out these cheese and wine pairings, and you’ll already be an expert when you go on a wine tour!