Wine Pairing
Idiazábal (Spain)
Idiazábal is a Sheep cheese made from unpasteurized milk.
It is named from the town Idiazabal in the Goierri region region of Gipuzkoa in the Basque Country. Idiazábal has a somewhat smokey flavor, but is usually un-smoked.
Red Wines
Idiazábal pairs best with bold red wines.
Spanish Tempranillo wines pair well with many types of cheese, mountain cheeses, goat cheeses, sheep cheeses, cow cheeses, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.
Look for a Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.
Rioja Reserva
Spanish Rioja wines offer complex flavors of red and dark fruits, vanilla, and spice, along with a smooth texture and firm tannins. A well-aged Rioja Reserva can provide a satisfying contrast to the sharpness of an aged Idiazábal, 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 Idiazábal.
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 Idiazábal while complementing its nutty and slightly sweet taste.
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 Idiazábal.
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 Idiazábal.
The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.
Sparkling Wines
Cava
Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain made using the traditional method, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of Idiazábal.Cava's crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and citrusy notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with this cheese.
Prosecco
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Idiazábal, making it a delightful pairing option.
Champagne
A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Idiazábaland elevate the tasting experience.Dessert Wines
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 Idiazábal.
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
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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:
- 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
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615
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.
Italy
Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.
Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.
Spain
Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.
Alpine
Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.