Wine Pairing
Garrotxa (Spain)

Garrotxa is a traditional Catalan goat cheese that has become widespread in artisanal production.

Garrotxa is traditionally made from the milk of Murciana goats and aged in caves to enhance mold development and the resulting flavor.

Garrotxa is described as having a powdery gray or grayish-blue rind, a firm texture, an ivory-colored interior, and an earthy flavor.

Wine pairing include white wines such as a Catalan Priorat, Pinot Gris, Verdejo, or Chardonnay with "texture to complement the cheese's buttery sweetness, or Fino or dry Amontillado Sherry, to bring out the cheese's nuttiness.

Excellent Pairings

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Tempranillo

Spanish Tempranillo wines pair well with many types of cheese Garrotxa, mountain cheeses, goat cheeses, sheep cheeses, cow cheeses, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.

Look for a Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.

Rioja

Rioja wines from Spain offer complex flavors of red and dark fruits, vanilla, and spice, along with a smooth texture and firm tannins. A medium-aged Rioja can provide a satisfying contrast to the sharpness of Manchego, enhancing its rich and nutty character.

Ribera del Duero

These medium to full body wines, with red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones complements the nuttiness and enhance the savory character of Garrotxa.

Garnacha

Garnacha, another prominent Spanish red grape, offers ripe berry flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.

A fruity Garnacha can provide a delicious contrast to the saltiness of Garrotxa while complementing its nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Syrah/Shiraz

A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Garrotxa.

The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.

Sparkling Wines

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Cava

Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain made using the traditional method, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of Garrotxa.

Cava's crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and citrusy notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with this cheese.

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Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Garrotxa, making it a delightful pairing option.

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Champagne

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

Dessert Wines

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Pedro Ximénez (PX) Sherry

A dark, velvety, intense sherry with notes of raisins and figs that pairs beautifully with salty, aged sheep’s milk cheeses like Manchego and Roncal or sharp blue cheeses like Cabrales.

Oloroso Sherry

A savory, nuttier, oxidative style of sherry that stands up to the intense flavors of aged Mahón or 2-year-old Manchego.

Sherry Amontillado

Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of Garrotxa.

Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.

All aged cheeses like a good sherry. Richer cheeses like the smoked versions Amontillado or Oloroso.

Malaga (Moscatel de Alejandría)

Malaga dessert wines, made from sun-dried grapes, are aromatic and sweet, working well with robust goat or sheep cheeses.

For a truly authentic, "edgier" pairing, one might try a sweet Malaga or a Cream Sherry with aged cheeses.

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.

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
• Apple and Honey
• Sliced 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.

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Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

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Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

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Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.