Brillat-Savarin is a "triple-cream" cheese made from Cow Milk and Cow Cream.
The cheese is named after the French gastronome, statesman and writer Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.
Triple cream is triply delicious. Brillat-Savarin is one of France's most beloved cheeses. Rich and buttery, it envelops the mouth with it's creamy texture and thrills the senses with decadent milky flavor.
Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin is said to have said: "Un dessert sans fromage est une belle à qui il manque un œil": "A dessert without cheese is a beauty that lacks an eye."
Brillat-Savarin is often paired with Champagne, sparkling wines, or crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc from Sancerre. The acidity and flavors of these wines help to cut through the cheese's richness and create a balanced flavor.
Below is a list of excellent pairing options for Brillat-Savarin.
Sparkling wines are incredible with Brillat-Savarin. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese. Go for something light and dry:
Choose a light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity. These wines will not overpower the delicate flavors of a soft cheese, but provide a refreshing contrast.
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy and herbaceous flavors can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Brillat-Savarin. Look for Sauvignon Blancs with lively acidity and notes of lemon, lime, and green apple.
A light Chablis with flavors of lemon, apple, pear, and a touch minerals pairs beautifully with Brillat-Savarin.
A classic white wine pairing for Brillat-Savarin is Pinot Grigio. Look for a Pinot Grigio with bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a clean, crisp finish. The wine's freshness and subtle fruitiness complement the cheese's creamy texture without overwhelming its delicate flavor.
Soft cheeses like Brillat-Savarin, semi-hard cheeses, and salty feta cheeses are all perfect complements to Albariño.
Aromatic and slightly sweet Gewürztraminer can be a surprising but delicious pairing with Brillat-Savarin. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral and tropical fruit notes. The wine's sweetness balances the cheese's mild flavor, while its aromatic qualities enhance the overall tasting experience.
Chenin Blanc offers a range of styles, from dry to sweet, but its bright acidity and fruity character make it a versatile choice for pairing with soft and fresh cheese.
If you prefer sweeter wines, consider pairing Brillat-Savarin with a semi-sweet white wine with a bit of acidity. The sweetness of these wines can enhance the flavors of Brillat-Savarin without overwhelming it:
Dry rosé wines, particularly those with bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors, pairs well with Brillat-Savarin. The wine's crispness and fruitiness complement the cheese's creaminess, making for a refreshing and balanced pairing.
Zinfandel rosé is a special choice. It offers a balance that combines dryness and moderate sweetness. This balance makes it a great rosé for pairing with basically any cheese.
If you prefer red wine, go for light-bodied and low-tannin options that will not overwhelm the cheese. Light wines can offer fruity flavors and a soft texture that complements the creaminess of Brillat-Savarin.
Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity is a nice match for Brillat-Savarin. The wine's fruity and earthy notes complements the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.
Cabernet Franc is a light-bodied wine with and moderate tannins. It has notes of red fruits, herbs, and jalapeno. These flavors are delicious alongside creamy cheeses, and the good acidity contrasts the creaminess of Brillat-Savarin perfectly.
A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Brillat-Savarin. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, complements the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.
Soft Cheeses can also pair well with white dessert wines:
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.
Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!
Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.
Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.
French Sauternes with French Roquefort.
Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.
Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.
Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.
Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615
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