W3 Wine School

Berkswell (UK)

Berkswell

Wine Pairing Berkswell

Our favorite wine pairing is Mature Rioja.

Another favorite is Italian Prosecco.


Bold Red Wines

Cheese, wine and bread in a sidewalk cafe in Paris, June 2015

Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.

The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.


Cabernet Sauvignon

A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of spice can provide a bold complement to Berkswell.

The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a delightful match for Berkswell. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's mellow sweetness without overwhelming it.

Côtes du Rhône

Côtes du Rhône wines, particularly those from the southern Rhône region, are rich and full-bodied red wines with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and spice. They pair well with aged cheeses like Berkswell, enhancing the cheese's savory and earthy notes.

Syrah/Shiraz

A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Berkswell.

The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel, particularly those with jammy fruit flavors and a hint of spice, can complement the richness and complexity of Berkswell. Look for Zinfandels with ripe berry flavors and a velvety texture for a satisfying pairing.

Barolo / Barbaresco

An excellent Italian Nebbiolo, particularly in the form of Barolo or Barbaresco, offers complex flavors of cherry, rose, and earth, along with firm tannins and high acidity that can stand up to the richness of Berkswell.

Rioja Reserva

A Rioja Reserva with its complexity and earthy undertones, pairs well with Berkswell. Look for a Rioja with flavors of red berries, leather, and vanilla, as this will complement the cheese's nutty flavors while adding depth to the pairing.


White Wines


Chardonnay

A buttery Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and oak can contrast the nuttiness of Berkswell while complementing its creamy texture.

Gewürztraminer

An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with Berkswell. Its floral and spicy notes can complement the cheese's pungency.

Pinot Gris

An off-dry Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, with flavors of ripe pear, stone fruits, and honey can pair nicely with Berkswell. The wine's slight sweetness can balance the cheese's tanginess, while its acidity can refresh the palate.

Sauternes

If you prefer sweeter whites, consider pairing Berkswell with Sauternes. Sauternes is a luxurious French dessert wine made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. The wine's honeyed sweetness and rich flavors of apricot and peach can complement the cheese's savory richness, creating a harmonious pairing.

Riesling Spätlese

A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of Berkswell.

Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.


Sparkling Wines


Champagne

A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Berkswell and elevate the tasting experience.

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Berkswell, making it a delightful pairing option.

Lambrusco

This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Berkswell while cleansing the palate.


Dessert Wines


Aged Port

Vintage Port, or a Tawny Port, can be a delightful pairing with Berkswell.

The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.

Sherry Amontillado

Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of Berkswell. Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.

Madeira

The rich and caramelized flavors of Madeira can complement the nutty and savory notes of aged cheeses, making it a great pairing option.

About Berkswell

Berkswell is a hard Sheep cheese.

It looks good with a golden-orange rind. The taste is very similar to Pecorino.

Berkswell is a village in the Metropolitan Borough of Solihull, in the county of West Midlands, England.

Personal Preferences

As always, personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Additionally, consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:

Wine and Cheese

Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!


Grows Together Goes Together

If it grows together it goes together.

Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:

France

Italy

Spain

Clara Peeters Still Life

Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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