You have just finished looking over your menu and have decided on your meal for the evening. Then it happens, suddenly a little bit of panic sets in. Your dining partner asks you to make the cheese and wine pairing for the evening. You thought you were safe because you knew how to choose which wine goes with the main course, but you do not know anything about cheese and wine pairing. From Gorgonzola to Gruyere, this guide will help so that you can look like an expert.
Cheese and wine pairing
There are so many potential combinations between exotic cheeses and exotic wines that it can be difficult to know how to pair the perfect cheese and wine. The most important rule of thumb is to try to match the intensity of the flavor of the wine to the intensity of the flavor of the cheese. For instance, a bold red wine goes best with aged cheeses that have a complex flavor profile.
A classic example is Cabernet Sauvignon and aged sharp cheddar. As cheeses age the water dissipates and the fat content becomes more dense. It takes a robust, somewhat dry wine to counteract this. A good rule of thumb is that the more aged the cheese, the more flavorful and robust the wine should be.
When you have a doubt about the wine, you can almost never go wrong by choosing a cheese that has a nutty flavor. For instance, with a Malbec or Shiraz an Edam, Tomme, or Gouda is always a good bet.
For information regarding where you can find the best cheeses or wines online, you can visit specialized review sites such as Today Top Reviews. Then you will make a knowing decision.
description of Cheeses and wine that pairs
For most, the wine is the most familiar part of the pairing. It is the cheese that causes the greatest confusion. However, this is simple if you understand that the cheeses can be for divided into four different types.
Uncharted Territory
For the most part, if you consider the strength of the flavor of the cheese against the strength and flavor profile of the wine, you cannot go wrong. However, there are some cases that may be a little trickier when pairing cheese and wine, such as choosing a wine that goes with fondue and bread.
Fondue is very rich in flavor, almost savory, which would make you reasonably think that it requires a strong wine such as a robust red, but in this case, you may want to think about something that tempers it a bit such as a dessert wine or Sauterne.
When the flavor profile of the cheese is exceptionally strong on one end of the scale, or light on the other end of the scale, you might want to think about a wine pairing that is the exact opposite. This can create a nice contrast.
Another simple rule is that locals usually know best. For instance, if you order a local wine with a local cheese, you will usually be pleasantly surprised.
Conclusion
Cheese and wine are some of the greatest pleasures of life, but also one of the trickiest when trying to create the perfect match. In general, if you match like to like in terms of flavor profile and robustness, you will choose well. However, if you are feeling a little bit bold and daring, choosing something that complements, instead of matches the flavor, opens a world of wonderful possibility.
Trying new cheese and wine pairing is a fun way to get to know local culture and sometimes make new friends. The most important rule is to not be afraid to try new things and enjoy the adventure.
For more information on cheese and wine pairing, check out this book. To look like a pro, consider this stylish cheese and wine board.
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