Fontina (Italy)

Fontina is a Cow cheese from the Aosta Valley in Italy.

The best cheese is made in the summer when the cows are moved to an high altitude and fed with fresh mountain grass to ensure enough creaminess in the cheese.

Wine Pairing

Fontina, originating from the Aosta Valley in Italy, is a semi-soft cheese with a nutty flavor and a creamy texture.

When choosing wines to pair with Fontina, you'll want to select options that complement its rich and slightly sweet and nutty taste while also balancing its creamy texture.

Here are some excellent wine choices to pair with Fontina:

White Wines

Vermentino

This crisp and aromatic white wine from Italy often has flavors of citrus, green apple, and herbs, which can beautifully complement the creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor of Fontina.

Greco di Tufo

A medium-bodied white wine with a mineral character and hints of pear and peach, Greco di Tufo pairs well with aged Fontina, enhancing its nutty and savory notes.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is known for its zesty acidity and herbaceous notes, which can provide a refreshing contrast to the mild sweetness of Fontina. Its citrus flavors can also complement the cheese's creamy texture.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Fontina. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.

Riesling Spätlese

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

Rosé and Red Wines

Rosé

A dry Italian Rosé can provide a versatile pairing option for Fontina. The wine's crisp acidity and red fruit flavors can balance the cheese's creaminess while adding a refreshing touch to the pairing.

Barbera

Barbera is another Italian red wine known for its bright acidity and flavors of red cherries, plums, and spices. Its acidity can cut through the creaminess of Fontina, while its fruitiness can enhance the cheese's tangy notes.

Dolcetto

Dolcetto is an Italian red wine from the Piemonte region. It is known for its fruit-forward character and soft tannins. Its medium-bodied nature and its fruity, sometimes slightly bitter, flavor profile matches most semi-soft cheeses.

Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti region of Tuscany, offers bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones that can complement the nuttiness of Fontina. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and a long finish.

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can offer a versatile pairing option for Fontina. The wine's bright acidity and red fruit flavors can complement the cheese's creamy texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering it.

Frappato

Frappato is a light and fruity red wine from Sicily. It can offer a versatile pairing option for Fontina. The wine's vibrant red fruit flavors and soft tannins can complement the cheese's profile.

Sparkling Wines

Franciacorta

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

Prosecco

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

Moscato d'Asti

Moscato d'Asti, a light and bubbly sweet wine with floral aromas and flavors of ripe peaches and apricots, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of Fontina, making it an excellent choice for a cheese course or dessert pairing.

Dessert Wines

Vin Santo

This traditional Italian dessert wine offers honeyed sweetness and flavors of dried fruits and nuts, which can complement the savory and salty notes of Fontina, creating a harmonious pairing.

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.

Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!

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

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.

Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.

Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615