Murcia al Vino (Spain)
Murcia Wine Cheese
Murcia al Vino PDO is a fat cheese from Murcia in south-east Spain. It is made from unpasteurized Goat milk from registered Murcian herds.
The term al vino refers to the washing of the rind with red wine during maturation.
Serving Tip
Bring the cheese out of the fridge at least an hour before serving to let it come to room temperature.
Pair it alongside some Marcona almonds, fig cakes, or a drizzle of orange blossom honey for an authentic Spanish tapas experience.
Murcia has a mild, slightly tangy flavor with a creamy texture. When selecting wines to pair with Murcia, it is essential to consider its delicate taste profile.
Here are some excellent wine options to complement Mató:
Wine Pairing Murcia al Vino
Murcia al Vino (the "Drunken Goat" cheese) pairs best with medium-bodied, fruit-forward reds, crisp dry whites, or sparkling wines.
The cheese's creaminess and wine-bathed rind shine best when echoed by complementary fruity and acidic profiles.
Regional Pairing
For a harmonious pairing, stick to wines from the same region in southeastern Spain.
Monastrell (Mourvèdre)
The cheese is traditionally soaked in local Doble Pasta wine, often made from the Monastrell grape. Pairing it with a Jumilla DO Monastrell provides a seamless match of deep, dark fruit notes without overwhelming the palate.
Tempranillo
A vibrant, medium-bodied Tempranillo brings out the gentle fruitiness infused in the cheese's rind.
White Wines & Sparkiling
If you prefer refreshing, acid-driven profiles, these options cut through the rich goat milk creaminess.
Cava
A dry, bubbly Spanish Cava cleanses the palate and highlights the cheese's sweet, nutty elements.
Albariño or Verdejo
These bright, crisp, citrus-driven whites highlight the fresh, lactic notes of the goat's milk.
Garnacha Rosado
A dry, fruity rosé (such as a Garnacha Rosado) perfectly balances the sharpness of the cheese while echoing the berry and floral aromas from the rind.
White Wines
Chardonnay
A lightly oaked Chardonnay can complement the buttery richness of Murcia al Vino while adding depth and complexity to the pairing. Look for a Chardonnay with flavors of ripe apple or pear for the best match.
Sauvignon Blanc
The crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors of Sauvignon Blanc can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of Murcia al Vino. Look for a Sauvignon Blanc with herbaceous notes to enhance the pairing.
Gewürztraminer
An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with Murcia al Vino. Its floral and spicy notes can complement the cheese's creaminess.
Rosé Wines
A dry or slightly off-dry rosé can provide a versatile pairing option for Murcia al Vino. The crisp acidity and red fruit flavors of rosé wine can balance the cheese's creaminess while adding a refreshing touch to the pairing.
Pinot Noir Rosé
A light Pinot Noir Rosé with red fruit flavors and a bright acidity can complement Murcia al Vino without overwhelming it.
Zinfandel Rosé
White Zinfandel balances dryness with a moderate sweetness. This makes it a great wine for pairing with basically any of your favourite soft cheeses.
Red Wines
Tempranillo
Beaujolais
Beaujolais is a light-bodied red wine with fruity flavors of red berries and a soft, approachable character. Its low tannins and vibrant fruitiness can complement the mildness of Murcia al Vino without overwhelming its subtle flavors.
Pinot Noir
A light Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity can be an excellent match for Murcia al Vino. The wine's fruity and earthy notes can complement the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.
Merlot
A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Murcia al Vino. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.
Sparkling Wines
Blanc de Blanc
A dry Champagne or a dry Cremant with its toasty notes and lively bubbles will enhance the flavors of Murcia al Vino and elevate the tasting experience.
Prosecco
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco cleanses the palate between the bites of cheese, making it a delightful pairing option for Murcia al Vino.
Dessert Wines
Pairing dessert wines with semi-soft cheeses can be a delightful culinary experience, as the right wine can complement the creamy texture and mild to pungent flavors of the cheese. Here are some top recommendations for dessert wine pairings with semi-soft cheeses:
Sauternes
This sweet French wine from Bordeaux is excellent with Murcia al Vino, especially those that are a bit tangy or have a bloomy rind. The lush, sweet characteristics of Sauternes can balance the creaminess of the cheese.
Riesling Spätlese (Late Harvest)
A late harvest Riesling, known for its balanced acidity and sweetness, pairs beautifully with semi-soft cheeses that have a hint of sweetness or nuttiness.
Muscat
A sweet Muscat offers floral aromatics and a lighter sweetness that can lift the flavors of a creamy semi-soft cheese without overwhelming it.
Fortified Wines
Pairing fortified wines with semi-soft cheeses can create delightful contrasts and harmonies in flavor and texture.
Amontillado Sherry
With its nuanced balance of nuttiness and dryness, Amontillado Sherry works beautifully with semi-soft cheeses. Its complex flavors can enhance the mild and creamy characteristics of the cheese without overwhelming them.
Madeira
Depending on the style, Madeira can range from dry to sweet. A medium-dry Madeira, like Verdelho, combines well with semi-soft cheeses by offering a balance of sweetness and acidity that can cut through the creamines.
Port
A Tawny or Ruby Port has a rich sweetness with flavors of dried fruits and nuts, making it a great match for semi-soft cheeses. The intense flavors of the port complement the mild funkiness and buttery notes of the cheese.
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.