Paneer is a fresh cheese made from fat Cow or Buffalo milk.
It is made by curdling milk with a fruit derived acid, such as lemon juice.
Our favorite White pairing is Sauvignon Blanc.
Our favorite Red pairing is Pinot Noir.
Paneer is a fresh, non-aged cheese commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has a mild, slightly tangy flavor and a firm, crumbly texture. When selecting wines to pair with Paneer cheese, it is essential to consider its delicate taste profile and versatile culinary uses.
Here are some excellent wine options to complement Paneer cheese:
Below are some excellent wine options to complement Paneer:
Sparkling wines are incredible with Paneer.
The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between the bites and prepars it for the next mouthful.
A classic pairing for Paneer is Blanc de Blanc (Champagne or Crémant). The crisp acidity, bubbles, and citrusy notes of Blanc de Blanc cuts through the cheese's richness, refreshes the palate between bites, and enhances the cheese texture.
If Champagne is not available, consider pairing Paneer with a Crémant.
Crémant de Bourgogne is the closest you can get to Champagne: Same production method, same grapes, same terroir.
Prosecco is a fantastic pairing for Paneer.
In all senses, Prosecco is a wine pair. Every cheese is good with Prosecco. Its crisp flavours and delicate bubbles pair well with a whole variety of cheeses, appetizers, main dishes and desserts.
Also consider pairing Paneer with other dry sparkling wines like Cava or German Sekt.
Fresh cheeses pair best with young, crisp, and dry white wines.
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy and herbaceous flavors can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Paneer. Look for Sauvignon Blancs with lively acidity and notes of lemon, lime, and green apple.
Chenin Blanc offers a range of styles, from dry to sweet, making it a versatile option for pairing with Paneer. Look for a Chenin Blanc with flavors of ripe apple, honey, and citrus. Its acidity and subtle sweetness can balance the cheese's tanginess and enhance its creamy texture.
Pinot Grigio is light and crisp with flavors of lime, lemon, and green apple.
This pairs well with the simplicity of Paneer. It is particularly good if you are enjoying the cheese with vegetables or a light salad.
A light and fruity Rosé wine can be a versatile option for pairing with Paneer. 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.
A light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais, with fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, soft tannins and a refreshing acidity, can complement the creamy texture of Paneer without overpowering its flavors.
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity can be a nice match for Paneer. The wine's fruity and earthy notes can complement the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.
A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Paneer. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.
Paneer also pairs well with white dessert wines like Port and Sherry:
Fino Sherry is a dry and crisp style of Sherry from the Jerez region of Spain. It can be a refreshing pairing with Paneer. Its saline notes, nutty flavors, and crisp acidity will enhance the cheese's delicate taste.
White port, with its light and fruity profile, goes well with the tangy and salty flavors Paneer. The nuttiness of Paneer pairs nicely with the nutty undertones of white port.
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
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