Wine Pairing Briscola

Briscola is medium intense, slightly spicy, with a pleasant fruity aftertaste. The aromas are reminiscent of cherries and pepper with a slight hint of buttermilk and hay, often reminiscent of alpine-style cheeses.

To pair a wine with Briscola, consider options that balance its richness and enhance its flavors. Here are some excellent options:

Barbera

The Briscola cheese has been aged 4 month in Barbera and Marc. Therefore Barbera is the first pairing choice.

Barbera is known for its acidity and fruit profile. It will cut through the texture of the cheese while complementing its depth.

Sauvignon Blanc

The crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors of Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of the Briscola. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous notes to enhance the pairing.

Craft Beer

Similar to wine, certain craft beers can also be fantastic pairings. Look for malty brown ales, hoppy IPAs, or Belgian-style ales with complex flavor profiles that can complement the richness of the cheese.

Dessert Wines

• Port (White or Ruby)
  The sweetness of Port contrasts beautifully with the savory, nutty profile of Briscola.

• Sauternes
  This sweet, honeyed wine creates a delightful balance with the cheese's rich, buttery texture.

Below are some other excellent options to complement Briscola:

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Medium Bodied Red Wines

Semi-hard cheeses can stand up to the depth of medium bodied red wines. Select a fruity wine that can enhance the robust flavors of a semi-hard cheese without overwhelming it.

Here are some excellent red wine options to complement Briscola:

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Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti region of Tuscany, offers bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones that can complement the nuttiness of Briscola. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and a long finish.

Etna Rosso

Etna Rosso is a red wine from Sicily, specifically from the Etna region, which is known for its unique volcanic terroir. It typically features flavors of red berries, earthiness, and minerality, often with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. Because of its medium-bodied nature and nuanced flavor profile it pairs very well with Briscola.

Nero d'Avola

Another Sicilian red wine, Nero d'Avola, with its ripe berry flavors and spicy notes, can stand up to the richness of Briscola. Its moderate tannins and acidity provide a nice balance to the pairing.

Merlot

The soft tannins and fruity flavors of Merlot can provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of Briscola. Look for a Merlot with flavors of plum, cherry, and a hint of spice to complement the cheese's nutty profile.

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Rich White Wines

To pair a semi-hard cheese with a white wine, you have to look for a white wine with the complexity and richness you will need to match the flavors of the cheese.

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Soave Classico

Soave Classico is a dry white wine from the Veneto region of Italy, made primarily from Garganega grapes.

Its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and mineral notes provided a refreshing contrast to Briscola, making it an excellent pairing option.

Chardonnay

A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can pair well with Briscola, especially those with slightly nutty or buttery flavors. The wine's creamy texture and oakiness will enhance the richness of the cheese.

Vermentino

This crisp and aromatic white wine from Italy often has flavors of citrus, green apple, and herbs, which can beautifully complement the creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor of Briscola.

Greco di Tufo

A medium-bodied white wine with a mineral character and hints of pear and peach, Greco di Tufo pairs well with aged Briscola, enhancing its nutty and savory notes.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Briscola. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.

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Sparkling Wines

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Franciacorta

This Italian sparkling wine, made in the traditional method, offers crisp acidity and elegant bubbles, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing pairing for Briscola.

Prosecco

With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Briscola.

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 Briscola while cleansing the palate.

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Dessert Wines

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Vin Santo

This traditional Italian dessert wine offers honeyed sweetness and flavors of dried fruits and nuts, which can complement the savory and salty notes of Briscola, creating a harmonious pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily. It is known for its rich, caramelized flavors. Its sweetness and depth can complement the nutty and slightly sweet profile of Briscola, creating a delightful contrast.

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:

• Crusty Bread and Crackers
• Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
• Grapes and Berries
• Olives and Garlic
• Figs and Rasins
• Slised Apple and Pear
• Dark Chocolate
• Rosemary and Thyme

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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

• Goat cheese from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.
• Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

Italy

• Strong Italian Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Italian Barolo.
• Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
• Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

Spain

• Spanish Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Spanish Rioja.