Wine Pairing

Manchego has a firm texture and a rich, nutty flavor with hints of sweetness and tanginess.

When selecting wines to pair with Manchego, it's essential to consider its robust and slightly salty taste profile. Here are some excellent options to complement Manchego:

Rioja Reserva

Rioja Reserva 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 Manchego, enhancing its rich and nutty character.

Priorat

Priorat is a bold and full-bodied red wine from Catalonia, Spain, known for its intense flavors of dark fruit, spice, and mineral notes.

The wine's robust character can stand up to the richness of Manchego cheese and provide a satisfying pairing experience.

Sherry

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

Below are some other good options to complement Manchego:

Below are some excellent options to complement Manchego:

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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.

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Tempranillo

Tempranillo is a Spanish red wine that pairs well with many types of cheese Manchego, 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 Manchego.

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 Manchego 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 Manchego, 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 Manchego.

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 Manchego. 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 Manchego.

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

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White Wines

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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 Manchego.

Chardonnay

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

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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 Manchego.

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 Manchego and elevate the tasting experience.

Prosecco

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

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Dessert Wines

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Sherry Amontillado

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

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:

• 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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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.