Coulommiers is a Cow cheese from Coulommiers in the Seine-et-Marne department of France.
Coulommiers is a soft cheese much like Camembert, with a white mold on the outside (Penicillium Candidum), and a soft mass inside with a rich, buttery flavor and a slightly tangy finish.
When selecting wines to pair with Coulommiers, it is essential to consider the cheese's creamy texture and subtle tanginess.
Our favourite pairing is Blanc de Blanc.
Pairing wine with soft cheeses requires finding a balance between the creamy texture and often delicate flavors of the cheese. Here are some excellent options to complement Coulommiers:
Sparkling wines are incredible with Coulommiers. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese. Go for something light and dry:
Choose a light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity. These wines will not overpower the delicate flavors of a soft cheese, but provide a refreshing contrast.
A light Chablis with flavors of lemon, apple, pear, and a touch minerals pairs beautifully with Coulommiers.
A classic white wine pairing for Coulommiers is Pinot Grigio. Look for a Pinot Grigio with bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a clean, crisp finish. The wine's freshness and subtle fruitiness complement the cheese's creamy texture without overwhelming its delicate flavor.
Soft cheeses like Coulommiers, semi-hard cheeses, and salty feta cheeses are all perfect complements to Albariño.
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy and herbaceous flavors can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Coulommiers. Look for Sauvignon Blancs with lively acidity and notes of lemon, lime, and green apple.
Aromatic and slightly sweet Gewürztraminer can be a surprising but delicious pairing with Coulommiers. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral and tropical fruit notes. The wine's sweetness balances the cheese's mild flavor, while its aromatic qualities enhance the overall tasting experience.
Chenin Blanc offers a range of styles, from dry to sweet, but its bright acidity and fruity character make it a versatile choice for pairing with soft and fresh cheese.
If you prefer sweeter wines, consider pairing Coulommiers with a semi-sweet white wine. Some soft cheeses pair well with sweet wines, especially those with a bit of acidity. The sweetness of these wines can enhance the flavors of Coulommiers without overwhelming it:
Dry rosé wines, particularly those with bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors, pairs well with Coulommiers. The wine's crispness and fruitiness complement the cheese's creaminess, making for a refreshing and balanced pairing.
Zinfandel rosé is a special choice. It offers a balance that combines dryness and moderate sweetness. This balance makes it a great rosé for pairing with basically any cheese.
If you prefer red wine, go for light-bodied and low-tannin options that will not overwhelm the cheese. Light wines can offer fruity flavors and a soft texture that complements the creaminess of Coulommiers.
Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity is a nice match for Coulommiers. The wine's fruity and earthy notes complements the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.
Cabernet Franc is a light-bodied wine with and moderate tannins. It has notes of red fruits, herbs, and jalapeno. These flavors are delicious alongside creamy cheeses, and the good acidity contrasts the creaminess of Coulommiers perfectly.
A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Coulommiers. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, complements the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.
Soft Cheeses also pair well with white dessert wines:
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:
Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615
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