W3 Wine School

Mahón (Spain)

Mahon Cheese

Mahón is a semi-hard cheese made from Cow milk.

It is named after the port of Mahón on the island of Menorca.

Wine Pairing Mahón

When selecting wines to pair with Mahón it is essential to consider the different salt and taste profiles:

Young Mahón (4 months) is semi-firm and has a mild, buttery flavor.
Aged Mahón (4-12 months) is saltier and have a more complex flavor.
Old Mahón (min 12 months) have a Parmesan type texture and a salty and intense taste.

Our best pairing suggestions are:

Rioja Crianza pairs best with young Mahón.

Rioja Reserva pairs best with aged Mahón.

All semi-hard or aged cheeses like a good sherry.

Young Mahón likes Fino Sherry.

Aged Mahón likes the smoked versions Amontillado or Oloroso.

Below are some excellent options to complement Mahón:


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.


Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a Spanish red wine that pairs well with many types of cheese Mahón, mountain cheeses, goat cheeses, Sheep cheeses, cow cheeses, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.

Look for a Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.

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

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 Mahón while complementing its nutty and slightly sweet taste.

Rioja Reserva

Rioja wines from Spain 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 Mahón, enhancing its rich and nutty character.

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 Mahón.

The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a delightful match for Mahón. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, complement the cheese's mellow sweetness without overwhelming it.

Syrah/Shiraz

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

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


White Wines


Rioja Blanco

Rioja Blanco, made primarily from Viura grapes, offers a combination of citrus, floral, and mineral flavors with a touch of oak aging.

Rioja Blanco's crisp acidity and complex aromatics complement the nutty and slightly tangy taste of Mahón.

Chardonnay

A buttery Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and oak can contrast the nuttiness of Mahón while complementing its creamy texture.


Sparkling Wines


Cava

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

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

Champagne

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

Prosecco

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


Dessert Wines


Sherry Amontillado

The nutty and slightly oxidized character of Sherry Amontillado complements the nuttiness of Mahón beautifully.

The wine's dryness and complexity enhances the cheese's flavor without overwhelming it.

Aged Port

Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Mahón.

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.

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:

Wine and Cheese

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

Italy

Spain

Clara Peeters Still Life

Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615


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