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:

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Medium Bodied Red Wines

Semi-hard cheeses can stand up to the depth of medium bodied red wines. Select a fruity wine that can enhance the robust flavors of a semi-hard cheese without overwhelming it.

Here are some excellent red wine options to complement Fontina:

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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.

Etna Rosso

Etna Rosso is a red wine from Sicily, specifically from the Etna region, which is known for its unique volcanic terroir. It typically features flavors of red berries, earthiness, and minerality, often with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. Because of its medium-bodied nature and nuanced flavor profile it pairs very well with Fontina.

Nero d'Avola

Another Sicilian red wine, Nero d'Avola, with its ripe berry flavors and spicy notes, can stand up to the richness of Fontina. Its moderate tannins and acidity provide a nice balance to the pairing.

Merlot

The soft tannins and fruity flavors of Merlot can provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of Fontina. Look for a Merlot with flavors of plum, cherry, and a hint of spice to complement the cheese's nutty profile.

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Rich White Wines

To pair a semi-hard cheese with a white wine, you have to look for a white wine with the complexity and richness you will need to match the flavors of the cheese.

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Soave Classico

Soave Classico is a dry white wine from the Veneto region of Italy, made primarily from Garganega grapes.

Its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and mineral notes provided a refreshing contrast to Fontina, making it an excellent pairing option.

Chardonnay

A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can pair well with Fontina, especially those with slightly nutty or buttery flavors. The wine's creamy texture and oakiness will enhance the richness of the cheese.

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.

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.

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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 Fontina, creating a harmonious pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily. It is known for its rich, caramelized flavors. Its sweetness and depth can complement the nutty and slightly sweet profile of Fontina, creating a delightful contrast.

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.