Herve (Belgium)

Herve is a washed rind Cow cheese from Herve in Limburg.

The cheese is especially known for its strong smell.

The aging takes place in ripening cellars of the Herve countryside, sometimes cut into its chalky rock.

Wine Pairing Herve

Pairing wine with Herve can be a bit of a challenge due to the cheese's strong aroma and pungent flavor. Washed rind cheeses pair best with aromatic and rich white wines, or fruity and light red wines.

Aromatic White Wines

Aromatic white wines with floral and fruity notes can be excellent companions to washed-rind cheeses.

Riesling Spätlese

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

Gewürztraminer

An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with Herve. Its floral and spicy notes can complement the cheese's pungency.

Pinot Gris

An off-dry Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, with flavors of ripe pear, stone fruits, and honey can pair nicely with Herve. The wine's slight sweetness can balance the cheese's tanginess, while its acidity can refresh the palate.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava can be excellent choices for soft cheeses. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese.

Champagne

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

Choose a dry or off-dry sparkling wine for a refreshing contrast.

Prosecco

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

Dessert Wines

Washed rind cheeses are known for pungent aromas and complex flavors. They pair best with dessert wines that can complement their strong characteristics:

Sauternes

This sweet, full-bodied French wine from Bordeaux, with its notes of honey, apricot, and nuts, is a delightful match for the bold and earthy flavors of Herve. The sweetness of Sauternes balances well the intense flavors of the cheese.

Tokaji Aszú

From Hungary, this rich, sweet wine is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of orange peel, dried fruits, and honey. It can cut through the richness and funkiness of Herve, offering a refreshing contrast.

Light Red Wines

If you want red wine: choose a light wine. Low tannin is important. Too much tannin clashes badly with washed-rind cheeses.

Beaujolais

A light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais, made from Gamay grapes, can complement the creamy texture of Herve without overpowering its flavors.

Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.

Pinot Noir

A light bodied Pinot Noir can work well with Herve. Its fruity and earthy notes can harmonize with the cheese without overwhelming it.

Personal Preferences

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

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: