Pairing Wine & Cheese

Recently, I read an article by a food journalist that said that you should never serve wine and cheese together. Is he nuts???!?!!!

First of all, never say never when it comes to food and wine. Second, wine and cheese is a classic combination, and, frankly, one of life's pleasures! There are as many suggestions for pairing wines and cheeses as there are palates! Morovino wines (cool climate grapes, you know) or other slightly acidic wines are particularly suited to cheese pairings. The acidity helps cut through the buttery, creamy flavor of the cheese—letting you experience the flavor of the wine as well as the creaminess of the cheese.

When pairing cheese and wines, remember that cheese is generally oil based and wine is water based. As we all recall from high school chemistry or cooking, oil and water don't always mix. So, start with a nibble of cheese give it a couple of good chews and experience the texture and flavors. Add a sip of wine and chew together to let the flavors mingle in your mouth. When it's good, it's great.

To experience the not-so-great aspect of cheese and wine pairings, try a heavily tannic wine like a REALLY big Cabernet or Zin with a very bold Blue Cheese. Sometimes you have to try the bad to know just how good the good is!

Ultimately, let your palate be your guide. If you like a cheese and a wine together, it's a good pairing—at least for you. But here are some tips to help you get started.

Think geographically! The wine of a particular region usually pairs well with cheeses of that region. Think Sangiovese with aged Parmesan or Asiago. Creamy cheeses need a more acidic wine to cut through the buttery flavors. Think Pinot Grigio with Brie or Camembert or Mild Monterey Jack. Hard cheeses stand up to more tannic wines. Think Cheddar and Zinfandel. Opposites attract! Try sweeter wines with stronger cheeses. Think Cosa Dolce or Reisling or Port with Stilton, Gorgonzola or Blue. Pair strong wines with strong cheeses. One of my favorite pairings is a full-bodied Cabernet with a nutty, full-flavored Swiss--Mrs. Vino knows this sounds crazy, but try it!

Our suggested pairings:
Wasabi Cheddar with Cosa Dolce (contrasting flavor) or Zin (complimentary flavor)
Gouda with Pinot Grigio or Sangiovese (acidic to cut through creaminess)
Smoked Cheddar Morovino ‘98 or ‘99 Barbera (smoky goes with smoky)
Chipotle Jack with Zinfandel (spicy with spicy)
Swiss with Cabernet
Cheddar with Malbec (mild with mild)


Cheese and wine pairing parties are super easy and fun! Do this for your next Girls' Night Out or family get together.

Cheers!
Mrs. Vino