Cantal Vieux (France)

Cantal Vieux is a hard Cow Cheese from the Cantal region in France.

Wine Pairing Cantal Vieux

Cantal Vieux is typically aged for several months to develop a robust flavor and firm texture.

There are three types of Cantal cheese:

Cantal Jeune
Young semi-soft cheese, aged for 1 to 2 months
Cantal Entre-deux
A semi-hard cheese, aged for at least 3 months
Cantal Vieux
A well aged hard cheese

When selecting wines to pair with Cantal Vieux, it is essential to consider its sharpness, nuttiness, and depth of flavor.

Excellent Wine Pairings

Bordeaux (Merlot-based blends)

Bordeaux wines, particularly those made from Merlot-based blends, offer ripe fruit flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.

Look for a Bordeaux with a velvety texture and flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar that can complement the richness of a Cantal Vieux.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines from the Rhône Valley are rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe berries, herbs, and spices.

The wine's intensity and complexity will complement the robust flavor of an aged Cantal cheese, creating a harmonious pairing experience.

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 a Chantal Vieux.

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

Syrah

A bold and fruity Syrah can be a delicious pairing with a Cantal Vieux.

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

Regional Match

For an authentic experience, try to pair it with a Cahors Malbec from the same region in France.

Sparkling Wines

Champagne (Blanc de Noir)

A dry full-body Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Cantal Vieux and elevate the tasting experience.

Crémant

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

Prosecco

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

Dessert Wines

Sauternes

A Frenchman would traditionally drink a Sauternes (a luscious, sweet wine from Bordeaux) to pair with aged, salty cheese.

This pairing is considered one of the ultimate French sweet-and-salty combinations, where the intense honey, apricot, and high acidity of the Sauternes balances the pungent, salty funk of aged cheeses.

Monbazillac (Southwest France)

Similar to Sauternes, it is often paired with strong cheeses, especially those washed in local walnut liqueur.

Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (Rhône Valley)

A sweet, aromatic fortified wine that works well with aged Cantal Vieux and other hard, nutty cheeses.

Sweet Riesling (Spatlese or Auslese)

Best with "Swiss-style" cheeses like Comté, Beaufort, and Hoch Ybrig. The wine's high acidity cuts through the cheese's fatty texture, while its honeyed sweetness complements the cheese's natural sweetness.

Personal Preferences

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

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.

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
Apple and Honey
Sliced Pear
Dark Chocolate
Rosemary and Thyme

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

If it Grows Together

If it grows together it goes together.

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

France

Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.

Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

French Sauternes with French Roquefort.

Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.