Wine Pairing Comté

Comté has a firm texture and a complex flavor profile that evolves as it ages, ranging from nutty and buttery to fruity and slightly sweet.

When selecting wines to pair with Comté, it is essential to consider its rich and nuanced taste profile. The secret of a perfect match, is to calibrate the texture of both the cheese and the wine. Look for berries and firm tannins in red wines, and nutty and creamy flavours in white wines.

Below are some local Jura region wines to pair with Comté:

Jura Red Wine (Trousseau or Poulsard)

Red wines from the Jura region, particularly those made from Trousseau or Poulsard grapes, can provide an interesting contrast to Comté cheese.

These wines typically offer light body, bright acidity, and flavors of red berries, which can complement the cheese's nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Savagnin

Savagnin is a traditional white wine grape grown in the Jura region of France, where Comté cheese is produced. Its nutty and oxidative qualities can complement the cheese's flavor profile, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Vin Jaune

Vin Jaune is a unique wine from the Jura region, known for its oxidative style and nutty flavors. Its complexity and intensity can complement the rich and nutty taste of Comté cheese, creating a harmonious pairing experience.

Below are other excellent wine options to complement Comté:

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Bold Red Wines

Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.

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

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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 Comté.

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 Comté. 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 Comté, enhancing the cheese's savory and earthy notes.

Syrah/Shiraz

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

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 Comté. 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 Comté.

Rioja Reserva

A Rioja Reserva with its complexity and earthy undertones, pairs well with Comté. 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.

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White Wines

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Chardonnay

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

Gewürztraminer

An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with Comté. 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 Comté. 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 Comté 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 Comté.

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

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Sparkling Wines

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Champagne

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

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Comté, 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 Comté while cleansing the palate.

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Dessert Wines

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Aged Port

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

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 Comté. 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.

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.