Wine Pairing Emmental

Emmental is the original Swiss cheese. It is Switzerland's most famous contribution to the cheese world.

Emmentaler is known for its nutty and slightly sweet flavor, along with its characteristic holes or "eyes." When selecting wines to pair with Emmentaler, you will want to consider its nuttiness and mildness.

Our favorite wine pairing is Gentil.

Gentil is an Alsatian wine blend that includes Gewürztraminer and Sylvaner, among other white grape varieties. It has a refreshing acidity and floral aromas, which complement the nutty and slightly sweet flavors of an Emmentaler.

Below is a list of excellent pairing options for Emmental.

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White Wines

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Chardonnay

A lightly oaked Chardonnay can complement the buttery richness of Emmental while adding depth and complexity to the pairing. Look for a Chardonnay with flavors of ripe apple or pear for the best match.

Sauvignon Blanc

The crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors of Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of Emmental. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous notes to enhance the pairing.

Gewürztraminer

An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with Emmental. Its floral and spicy notes can complement the cheese's creaminess.

Riesling Spätlese

This off-dry Riesling can provide a touch of sweetness to complement the mild nuttiness of Emmental. The wine's vibrant acidity and floral aromas enhance the cheese's flavors while adding a refreshing contrast.

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Rosé Wines

A dry or slightly off-dry rosé can provide a versatile pairing option for Emmental. The crisp acidity and red fruit flavors of rosé wine can balance the cheese's creaminess while adding a refreshing touch to the pairing.

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Pinot Noir Rosé

A light Pinot Noir Rosé with red fruit flavors and a bright acidity can complement Emmental without overwhelming it.

Zinfandel Rosé

White Zinfandel balances dryness with a moderate sweetness. This makes it a great wine for pairing with basically any of your favourite soft cheeses.

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Sparkling Wines

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Blanc de Blanc

A dry Champagne or a dry Cremant with its toasty notes and lively bubbles will enhance the flavors of Emmental and elevate the tasting experience.

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco cleanses the palate between the bites of cheese, making it a delightful pairing option for Emmental.

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Red Wines

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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 the mildness of Emmental without overwhelming its subtle flavors.

Pinot Noir

A light Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity can be an excellent match for Emmental. The wine's fruity and earthy notes can complement the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Emmental. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.

Barbera

This Italian red wine, known for its bright acidity, fruity flavors, and soft tannins, pairs wonderfully with Emmental. Its acidity helps cut through the cheese's creaminess, while its fruity notes complement the cheese flavors.

Frappato

A light and fruity red wine like Frappato, native to Sicily, can pair nicely with Emmental. Frappato wines offer red berry flavors, gentle tannins, and refreshing acidity that complement the cheese's mildness without overpowering it.

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Dessert Wines

Pairing dessert wines with semi-soft cheeses can be a delightful culinary experience, as the right wine can complement the creamy texture and mild to pungent flavors of the cheese. Here are some top recommendations for dessert wine pairings with semi-soft cheeses:

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Sauternes

This sweet French wine from Bordeaux is excellent with Emmental, especially those that are a bit tangy or have a bloomy rind. The lush, sweet characteristics of Sauternes can balance the creaminess of the cheese.

Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)

A late harvest Riesling, known for its balanced acidity and sweetness, pairs beautifully with semi-soft cheeses that have a hint of sweetness or nuttiness.

Vin Santo

This Italian dessert wine has a nutty and caramel-like sweetness which pairs nicely with the slightly earthy flavors of semi-soft cheeses.

Muscat

A sweet Muscat offers floral aromatics and a lighter sweetness that can lift the flavors of a creamy semi-soft cheese without overwhelming it.

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Fortified Wines

Pairing fortified wines with semi-soft cheeses can create delightful contrasts and harmonies in flavor and texture.

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Port

A Tawny or Ruby Port has a rich sweetness with flavors of dried fruits and nuts, making it a great match for semi-soft cheeses. The intense flavors of the port complement the mild funkiness and buttery notes of the cheese.

Tawny Port

The oxidative aging process of Tawny Port imparts rich flavors of caramel, nuts, and dried fruits, which can complement the creamy, often buttery notes of semi-soft cheeses. Its sweetness can also balance any slight saltiness in the cheese.

Ruby Port

The fruity and vibrant profile of Ruby Port, with its hints of berry and chocolate, pairs well with the smooth textures and milder flavors of semi-soft cheeses, especially those with a subtle sweetness.

Amontillado Sherry

With its nuanced balance of nuttiness and dryness, Amontillado Sherry works beautifully with semi-soft cheeses. Its complex flavors can enhance the mild and creamy characteristics of the cheese without overwhelming them.

Madeira

Depending on the style, Madeira can range from dry to sweet. A medium-dry Madeira, like Verdelho, combines well with semi-soft cheeses by offering a balance of sweetness and acidity that can cut through the creamines.

Emmentaler AOC

Emmentaler is not a protected name. The cheese is produced in France, Germany and Switzerland:

• Emmentaler Switzerland AOC
• Emmentaler Switzerland AOP
• Emmentaler Switzerland Premier Cru
• Allgäuer Emmentaler PDO (Germany)
• Emmental de Savoie PGI (France)
• Emmental de Franche-Comté PGI (France)

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.