Mató is a fresh Sheep or Goat cheese of Catalonia in Spain.
Cheeses from Ullastrell and Marganell near the Montserrat mountain are the most famous.
Our favorite pairings are Cava and Albariño.
Mató has a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture. When selecting wines to pair with Mató, it is essential to consider its delicate taste profile.
Here are some excellent wine options to complement Mató:
Sparkling wines are incredible With soft and creamy cheeses.
Cava, a sparkling wine from Catalonia, is an excellent choice to pair with Mató. Its crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and citrusy notes provide a refreshing contrast to the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its delicate flavor.
A classic pairing for Mató is Champagne. The crisp acidity, bubbles, and citrusy notes of Champagne can cut through the cheese's richness, refreshing the palate between bites and enhancing its creamy texture.
If Champagne is not available, consider pairing Mató with a French Crémant, Crémant de Bourgogne is the closest you can get to Champagne: Same production method, same grapes, same terroir.
Consider pairing Mató with other dry sparkling wines like Italian Prosecco. or German Sekt. The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between the bites of cheese, preparing it for the next mouthful.
Albariño, a crisp and aromatic Spanish white wine from Galicia, offers flavors of citrus, stone fruits, and a hint of minerality. Its bright acidity and refreshing character will complement the subtle tanginess of Mató, making it an excellent pairing choice.
Vinho Verde, a light and refreshing white wine from Portugal, also pairs well with Mató. Its zesty acidity, small bubbles, and flavors of green apple and citrus provides a lively contrast to the cheese's texture and mild flavor.
A light and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc from Spain or elsewhere can be a good match for Mató. Look for wines with vibrant citrus flavors, herbal notes, and a refreshing acidity to complement the cheese's mildness.
Moscatel de Alejandría is a sweet wine from the Andalusia region of Spain, known for its floral aromas and flavors of ripe stone fruits. Its sweetness complements the subtle tanginess of Mató, creating a delightful pairing.
A light and fruity Rosé wine can be a versatile option for pairing with Mató. Look for a dry Rosé with flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus, which can complement the cheese's mildness and add a touch of brightness to the pairing.
Gamay, the grape variety used to make Beaujolais wines, offers bright red fruit flavors, low tannins, and a refreshing acidity. A chilled Beaujolais can provide a light and fruity contrast to Mató, making it a suitable option for casual gatherings.
Soft Cheeses also pair well with white dessert wines like White Port (Portugal) and Fino Sherry (Spain):
Manzanilla Sherry is a dry and crisp style of Sherry from the Jerez region of Spain. It can be a refreshing pairing with Mató. Its saline notes, nutty flavors, and crisp acidity will enhance the cheese's delicate taste.
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:
Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615
Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.
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