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.

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

Here are some excellent wine choices to pair with Fontina:

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White Wines

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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.

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Red Wines

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Barbera

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

Chianti Classico

A classic Italian red wine made primarily from Sangiovese grapes, Chianti Classico offers a balance of acidity, fruitiness, and earthiness that pairs well with Fontina. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and bright cherry fruit flavors.

Nebbiolo

Another excellent Italian red wine, Nebbiolo, particularly in the form of Barolo or Barbaresco, offers complex flavors of cherry, rose, and earth, along with firm tannins and high acidity that can stand up to the richness of Fontina.

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir, with its vibrant red fruit flavors, silky texture, and moderate acidity, can complement the characteristics of Fontina without overpowering them.

Beer

While not a wine, beer can also be a great pairing with Fontina 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

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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.

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 Fontina while cleansing the palate.

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Dessert Wines

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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 aged Fontina, creating a harmonious pairing.

Washed cheeses also pair well with other dessert wines:

• White Port (Portugal)
• Sherry Oroloso (Spain)
• Eiswein (Germany)

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.