Aged Cheddar (England)
Cheddar is a Cow cheese from the village of Cheddar in England.
WinePairing Aged Cheddar
Aged cheddar is rich, sharp, and often a bit nutty or crystalline, so you want to select a wine that either match its intensity or cut through its fat:
Bold red wines (Classic choice)
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Syrah / Shiraz
- Malbec
Fruity reds (Excellent contrast)
- Pinot Noir
- Zinfandel
White wines (Underrated but great)
- Oaked Chardonnay
- Viognier
Off-dry or sweet wines (Surprisingly good)
- Riesling (off-dry)
- Chenin Blanc
Extra tip
The older the cheddar, the more intense the wine should be. A very sharp 24+ month cheddar can even handle something like a full-bodied Amarone.Excellent Wine Pairings
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 aged Cheddar.
The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.
Malbec
Malbec wines from Argentina or other regions offer ripe plum and dark berry flavors, along with smooth tannins and a velvety texture.
A well-balanced Malbec can provide a satisfying contrast to the intensity of aged Cheddar, enhancing its flavors without overpowering them.
Shiraz
A bold and fruity Shiraz from Australia can be a delicious pairing with aged Cheddar.
The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.
Zinfandel
Zinfandel, with its ripe berry flavors, hints of spice, and moderate tannins, can be an excellent pairing choice for an aged Cheddar.
Look for a Zinfandel with a bold fruit profile and a touch of sweetness to complement the cheese's sharpness.
Oaked Chardonnay
A full-bodied oaked Chardonnay is a match made in heaven with an aged cheese like aged Cheddar. Its moderate acidity and citrus notes let the flavors of the cheese shine without becoming overpowering. The finish of aged Cheddar wraps it in a sweet balance with the oaky, buttery elements of an oaked Chardonnay.
Viognier
Viognier, with its aromatic floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a hint of sweetness, is an excellent pairing choice for aged cheeses.
The richness and viscosity of a Viognier, will complement the nutty and caramelized flavors of the cheese without overwhelming them.
Riesling Spätlese
A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of an aged Cheddar.
Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.
Off-Dry Chenin Blanc
Aged cheddar is salty and sharp. This white wine have a touch of sweetness, which softens that saltiness and makes the cheese taste smoother and more rounded. Chenin Blanc naturally has bright acidity, which acts like a squeeze of lemon—cleansing your palate so each bite doesn’t feel heavy.
Bold Red Wines
Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.
The fat in aged cheeses 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 aged Cheddar.
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 aged Cheddar. 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 aged Cheddar, enhancing the cheese's savory and earthy notes.
Syrah/Shiraz
A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with aged Cheddar.
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 aged Cheddar. 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 aged Cheddar.
Rioja Reserva
A Rioja Reserva with its complexity and earthy undertones, pairs well with aged Cheddar. 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 aged Cheddar while complementing its creamy texture.
Gewürztraminer
An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with aged Cheddar. 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 aged Cheddar. 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 aged Cheddar 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 aged Cheddar.
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 aged Cheddar and elevate the tasting experience.
Prosecco
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of aged Cheddar, 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 aged Cheddar while cleansing the palate.
Dessert Wines
Aged Port
Vintage Port, or a Tawny Port, can be a delightful pairing with aged Cheddar.
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 aged Cheddar. 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.
Sparkling Wines
Champagne (Blanc de Noir)
A dry full-body Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of aged Cheddar 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 aged Cheddar.Prosecco
With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of aged Cheddar.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 aged Cheddar 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
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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.