Comté (France)

Comté is a cheese from the Franche-Comté region of eastern France. The cheese (aka Gruyère de Comté) is made from unpasteurized Cow milk.

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.

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Pair by Age

• Young (4–8 months)

  Creamy, fruity flavors pair best with Crémant du Jura or a light Beaujolais.

• Mature (12–18 months)

  Hazelnut and caramel notes pair best with Vin Jaune, Arbois Blanc, or oaked Chardonnay.

• Aged (24+ months)

  Pair with Vin Jaune or even Vin de Paille.

Excellent Wine Pairings

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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.

Jura wines mirror Comté’s toasted, hazelnut, and savory notes almost exactly.

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 the Comté cheese, creating a harmonious pairing experience.

Arbois Blanc

Arbois Blanc is a white wine from the Jura region of France (AOC Arbois) made primarily from Chardonnay and Savagnin grapes. The wines are known for being golden-colored, crisp, and rich, often featuring nutty and fruity notes with a long finish.

Common styles range from fresh Chardonnay to oxidative Savagnin, sometimes aged sous voile (under a veil of yeast).

Chardonnay

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

Viognier

Viognier, with its aromatic floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a hint of sweetness, is an excellent pairing choice for Comté.

The richness and viscosity of a Viognier, will complement the nutty and caramelized flavors of the cheese without overwhelming them.

Pinot Gris

An off-dry Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, with flavors of ripe pear, stone fruits, and honey, pairs nicely with Comté. The slight sweetness of the wine will balance the cheese's tanginess, while the acidity will refresh the palate.

Gewürztraminer

The aromatic intensity and slight sweetness of Gewürztraminer can complement the nutty and creamy characteristics of Comté. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral aromas and tropical fruit notes for a vibrant and aromatic pairing.

Beaujolais

Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of red berries and a soft, approachable character. Its low tannins and vibrant fruitiness can complement a younger Comté without overwhelming its flavors.

Sparkling Wines

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Champagne (Blanc de Noir)

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

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Crémant

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

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Prosecco

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

Dessert Wines

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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.

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Monbazillac (Southwest France)

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

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Muscat de Beaumes de Venise (Rhône Valley)

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

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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

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

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.

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Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

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Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

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Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.