W3 Wine School

Ragusano (Italy)

Ragusano

Ragusano is a PDO protected semi-hard Cow cheese from Sicily.

Wine Pairing Ragusano

Our favorite wine pairing is Etna Rosso.

Ragusano has a soft and pale yellow rind. It has a mild, sweet flavor with nutty undertones and a slightly crumbly texture. As the cheese ages, it takes on a piquant taste.

When selecting wines to pair with Ragusano, you will want to complement its nutty and slightly sweet characteristics while also balancing its texture.

Here are some wine options that could pair well with Ragusano:


Medium Bodied Red Wines

Semi-hard cheeses can stand up to the depth of medium bodied red wines. Select a fruity wine that can enhance the robust flavors of a semi-hard cheese without overwhelming it.

Here are some excellent red wine options to complement Ragusano:


Chianti Classico

Chianti Classico, made primarily from Sangiovese grapes in the Chianti region of Tuscany, offers bright acidity, red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones that can complement the nuttiness of Ragusano. Look for a Chianti Classico with moderate tannins and a long finish.

Etna Rosso

Etna Rosso is a red wine from Sicily, specifically from the Etna region, which is known for its unique volcanic terroir. It typically features flavors of red berries, earthiness, and minerality, often with vibrant acidity and moderate tannins. Because of its medium-bodied nature and nuanced flavor profile it pairs very well with Ragusano.

Nero d'Avola

Another Sicilian red wine, Nero d'Avola, with its ripe berry flavors and spicy notes, can stand up to the richness of Ragusano. Its moderate tannins and acidity provide a nice balance to the pairing.

Merlot

The soft tannins and fruity flavors of Merlot can provide a pleasant contrast to the richness of Ragusano. Look for a Merlot with flavors of plum, cherry, and a hint of spice to complement the cheese's nutty profile.


Rich 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.


Soave Classico

Soave Classico is a dry white wine from the Veneto region of Italy, made primarily from Garganega grapes.

Its crisp acidity, citrus flavors, and mineral notes provided a refreshing contrast to Ragusano, making it an excellent pairing option.

Chardonnay

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

Vermentino

This crisp and aromatic white wine from Italy often has flavors of citrus, green apple, and herbs, which can beautifully complement the creamy texture and slightly tangy flavor of Ragusano.

Greco di Tufo

A medium-bodied white wine with a mineral character and hints of pear and peach, Greco di Tufo pairs well with aged Ragusano, enhancing its nutty and savory notes.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Ragusano. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.


Sparkling Wines


Franciacorta

This Italian sparkling wine, made in the traditional method, offers crisp acidity and elegant bubbles, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing pairing for Ragusano.

Prosecco

With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Ragusano.

Lambrusco

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


Dessert Wines


Vin Santo

This traditional Italian dessert wine offers honeyed sweetness and flavors of dried fruits and nuts, which can complement the savory and salty notes of Ragusano, creating a harmonious pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily. It is known for its rich, caramelized flavors. Its sweetness and depth can complement the nutty and slightly sweet profile of Ragusano, creating a delightful contrast.

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:

Wine and Cheese

Enjoy your wine and cheese tasting with fruits nuts and bread!


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

Italy

Spain

Clara Peeters Still Life

Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615


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