Wine Pairing

Époisses has a powerful flavor with a funky odor, a mouth watering taste of sweet, salty and creamy milk. The rind is regularly washed in Grape Pomace to add complexity and taste.

Pomace is the remains of grapes, olives, or other fruit after being pressed for juice or oil. It contains the skins, pulp, seeds, and stems of the fruit.

Washed rind cheeses pair best with aromatic and rich white wines, or fruity and light red wines.

When choosing wines to pair with Époisses, it's essential to consider its bold flavors and creamy texture.

Sauternes

Consider pairing Époisses with Sauternes, 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.

Here are some other excellent wine options to complement Époisses:

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Aromatic White Wines

Aromatic white wines with floral and fruity notes can be excellent companions to washed-rind cheeses.

Gewürztraminer

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

Riesling Spätlese

A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of Époisses. Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.

Pinot Gris

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

Sylvaner

Sylvaner is a grape variety from Alsace that produces crisp, dry white wines with refreshing acidity. Its clean, citrusy flavors can complement Époisses without overpowering its taste.

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Light Bodied Red Wines

Beaujolais

A light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais, made from Gamay grapes, can complement the creamy texture of Époisses without overpowering its flavors.

Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can work well with Époisses. Its fruity and earthy notes can harmonize with the cheese without overwhelming it.

Merlot

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

Beer

While not a wine, beer can also be a great pairing with Époisses cheese. A Belgian-style beer like a saison or a Belgian dubbel can complement the cheese's bold flavors.

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Sparkling Wines

Champagne

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

Choose a dry or off-dry sparkling wine for a refreshing contrast.

Prosecco

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

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Dessert Wines

Washed rind cheeses are known for pungent aromas and complex flavors. They pair best with dessert wines that can complement their strong characteristics:

Sauternes

This sweet, full-bodied French wine from Bordeaux, with its notes of honey, apricot, and nuts, is a delightful match for the bold and earthy flavors of Époisses. The sweetness of Sauternes balances well the intense flavors of the cheese.

Tokaji Aszú

From Hungary, this rich, sweet wine is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of orange peel, dried fruits, and honey. It can cut through the richness and funkiness of Époisses, offering a refreshing contrast.

Late Harvest Riesling

The natural sweetness and bright acidity of a late harvest Riesling can cleanse the palate when paired with the strong flavors of washed rind cheeses. Its fruity undertones are an excellent complement to the savory notes of the cheese.

Recioto della Valpolicella

This sweet red wine from Italy, with its deep flavors of cherry and chocolate, offers a bold contrast to the earthy, intense flavors of washed rind cheeses, creating a luxurious and rich pairing experience.

Vin Jaune

This unique and slightly oxidized wine from the Jura region in France has nutty, spicy, and complex flavors that can stand up to the robust nature of Époisses. Its distinct character makes it a memorable pairing.

White Port

Lighter than red Ports, White Port offers a slightly exotic pairing for cheeses like Époisses. Its freshness and hints of sweetness can enhance the creaminess of the cheese, making it a refreshing and less conventional choice.

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.