Grana Padano (Italy)
Grana Padano is an Italian Cow aged cheese from the Po River Valley.
Grana Padano is an aged hard cheese similar to Parmigiano (Parmesan).
Grana Padano is perfect with anything sweet: Honey, Apple, Pear, Dried Fruit, and Fig.
It also goes very well Cured Meat, Olives, and Nuts.
Wine Pairing
Grand Padano has a granular texture and a nutty, savory flavor with hints of fruit and spice.
When selecting wines to pair with Grana Padano cheese, it's essential to consider its robust flavor and crystalline texture.
Here are some excellent wine options to complement Grana Padano cheese:
Red Wines
Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.
The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.
Barolo
This robust red wine from the Piemonte region in Italy, has intense flavors of cherry, leather, and earthiness. Barolo wines are full-bodied with strong acidity and high tannins that complement the richness and sharpness Grana Padano.
Barbaresco
Made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Piemonte region, Barbaresco is a complex and structured red wine with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Its acidity and tannins can enhance the nutty and savory flavors of Grana Padano.
Brunello di Montalcino
Brunello di Montalcino is another excellent choice for Grana Padano. It is a bold and elegant red wine with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and earthiness. Its firm tannins and acidity complements the flavors of cheeses like Grana Padano.
Chianti Classico Riserva
Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced red wine with flavors of tart cherry, earth, and herbs. Its acidity and medium body make it a versatile pairing option for a variety of aged cheeses.
Amarone della Valpolicella
Amarone is a powerful and full-bodied red wine from the Veneto region. Its rich and complex flavors of dried fruits, chocolate, and spices can stand up to the intensity of Grana Padano, creating a harmonious pairing.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of spice can provide a bold complement to Grana Padano.
The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.
Syrah/Shiraz
A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Grana Padano.
The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.
White Wines
Soave Classico
This dry white wine from the Veneto region is made primarily from Garganega grapes. Its crisp acidity and floral notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Grana Padano.
Gewürztraminer
Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Grana Padano. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.
Oaked Chardonnay
A full-bodied oaked Chardonnay is a match made in heaven with an aged cheese like Grana Padano. Its moderate acidity and citrus notes let the flavors of the cheese shine without becoming overpowering. The finish of Grana Padano wraps it in a sweet balance with the oaky, buttery elements of an oaked Chardonnay.
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 Grana Padano.
Prosecco
With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Grana Padano.
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 Grana Padano while cleansing the palate.
Dessert Wines
Vin Santo
Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany, often made from dried grapes. Its honeyed flavors and nutty undertones can pair beautifully with Grana Padano, particularly when served as a dessert pairing.
Marsala
Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. Its sweetness and richness can complement the nuttiness of Grana Padano, making it a delightful pairing.
Aged Port
Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Grana Padano.
The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.
Sherry
Dry or sweet varieties of Sherry, such as Amontillado or Oloroso, can pair well with aged cheeses due to their complex nutty flavors and oxidative notes, which harmonize with the cheese's characteristics.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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Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!
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.
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615