Wine Pairing

For Mild Monterey Jack, our favorite wine pairing is Pinot Noir.

For Aged Monterey Jack, our favorite wine pairing is Zinfandel.

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White Wines

To pair a semi-hard cheese with a white wine, you have to look for a white wine with the complexity and richness you will need to match the flavors of the cheese.

Below are some excellent white wine options to complement Monterey Jack.

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Chardonnay

A full-bodied, oaked Chardonnay can pair well with Monterey Jack, especially those with slightly nutty or buttery flavors. The wine's creamy texture and oakiness will enhance the richness of the cheese.

Grüner Veltliner

Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian white wine known for its peppery and citrusy flavors, as well as its high acidity. Its lively character can cut through the richness of Monterey Jack, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Gewürztraminer

The aromatic intensity and slight sweetness of Gewürztraminer can complement the nutty and creamy characteristics of Monterey Jack. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral aromas and tropical fruit notes for a vibrant and aromatic pairing.

Pinot Gris

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

Viognier

Viognier, with its aromatic floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a hint of sweetness, is an excellent pairing choice for Monterey Jack.

The richness and viscosity of a Viognier, will complement the nutty and caramelized flavors of the cheese without overwhelming them.

Sauternes

If you prefer a sweet white wine, consider pairing Monterey Jack with Sauternes, a luxurious French dessert wine made from Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc and Muscadelle grapes. The wine's honeyed sweetness and rich flavors of apricot and peach can complement the cheese's savory richness, creating a harmonious pairing.

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Sparkling Wines

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Champagne or Cremant

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

Prosecco

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

Lambrusco

This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna in Italy, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Monterey Jack while cleansing the palate.

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Red Wines

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Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can offer a versatile pairing option for Monterey Jack. The wine's bright acidity and red fruit flavors can complement the cheese's creamy texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering it.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Monterey Jack. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.

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Fortified Wines

Pairing fortified wines with semi-hard cheeses offers an interesting contrast between the slight firmness of the cheese and the sweet, sometimes rich profiles of the wine.

Here are some excellent choices for fortified wine pairings with Monterey Jack:

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Madeira

The rich, nutty and caramel-like flavors of Madeira can stand up well to the denser, often nuttier profiles of Monterey Jack. This wine's robust character complements cheeses that have a bit of age.

Vin Santo

This sweet and amber Italian wine, with its dried fruit and nut notes, pairs beautifully with semi-hard cheeses that possess a hint of sweetness or a nutty flavor.

Sherry Amontillado

With its deep nutty and complex flavors, an Amontillado Sherry can enhance the taste of Monterey Jack, especially those with a slight earthiness or aged characteristics.

Sherry Oloroso

Slightly sweeter and richer than Amontillado, Oloroso Sherry works well with older or more flavorful Monterey Jack, as it complements the intensity and complex flavors.

Pedro Ximénez Sherry

Known for its profound sweetness and flavors of raisins and molasses, Pedro Ximénez is a bold choice that can beautifully offset the saltiness and firm texture of Monterey Jack.

Port

Port, especially Tawny or Vintage varieties, is a classic pairing with semi-hard cheeses like Monterey Jack. Its sweetness and rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices complement the cheese's caramelized notes, creating a delightful contrast.

Marsala

Marsala, a fortified wine from Sicily, with its deep, sweet, and slightly spicy profile, pairs nicely with semi-hard cheeses that have a bit of a bite or a tangy finish.

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.