Wine Pairing Red Leicester

Red Leicester is known for its orange color and mellow, slightly sweet flavor. It has a firm texture and a creamy, buttery finish. The deep orange color comes from a pigment called "Annatto". It is extracted from the seeds of the Achiote tree in South America, and used as body paint, dye, lipstick as well as spice in food.

The taste changes with ageing, from slightly sweet when young, to savory and nutty when mature. One reason is the loss of moisture and concentration of salt.

When selecting wines to pair with Leicester, it's essential to consider its mild yet slightly nutty taste and firm texture.

Below are some excellent wine options:

Ruby Port

Ruby Port is the ideal partner for a cheeseboard with full flavoured cheeses such as farmhouse Cheddar and Red Leicester. Ruby Port's rich and nutty flavors with hints of caramel and dried fruit can be a delicious pairing. The wine's sweetness and complexity complements the cheese's creamy texture and mellow sweetness.

Zinfandel

Being a hard cheese, Red Leicester matches best full-bodied red wines with the same intensity.

Zinfandel, with its bold fruitiness and hints of spice, can be an excellent pairing choice. Look for a Zinfandel with ripe berry flavors and a medium to full-bodied structure to complement the cheese's nutty undertones.

English Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine from England, particularly those made using the traditional method, can be an excellent choice for pairing with a Red Leicester.

Look for English sparkling wines with crisp acidity and citrusy notes to refresh the palate and enhance the cheese's flavors.

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Bold Red Wines

Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.

The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.

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Cabernet Sauvignon

A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of spice can provide a bold complement to a Red Leicester.

The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a delightful match for a Red Leicester. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's mellow sweetness without overwhelming it.

Côtes du Rhône

Côtes du Rhône wines, particularly those from the southern Rhône region, are rich and full-bodied red wines with flavors of dark berries, herbs, and spice. They pair well with aged cheeses like a Red Leicester, enhancing the cheese's savory and earthy notes.

Syrah/Shiraz

A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with a Red Leicester.

The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.

Zinfandel

Zinfandel, particularly those with jammy fruit flavors and a hint of spice, can complement the richness and complexity of a Red Leicester. Look for Zinfandels with ripe berry flavors and a velvety texture for a satisfying pairing.

Barolo / Barbaresco

An excellent Italian Nebbiolo, particularly in the form of Barolo or Barbaresco, offers complex flavors of cherry, rose, and earth, along with firm tannins and high acidity that can stand up to the richness of a Red Leicester.

Rioja Reserva

A Rioja Reserva with its complexity and earthy undertones, pairs well with a Red Leicester. Look for a Rioja with flavors of red berries, leather, and vanilla, as this will complement the cheese's nutty flavors while adding depth to the pairing.

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White Wines

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Chardonnay

A buttery Chardonnay with notes of vanilla and oak can contrast the nuttiness of a Red Leicester while complementing its creamy texture.

Gewürztraminer

An aromatic white wine like Gewürztraminer from Alsace can pair nicely with a Red Leicester. Its floral and spicy notes can complement the cheese's pungency.

Pinot Gris

An off-dry Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, with flavors of ripe pear, stone fruits, and honey can pair nicely with a Red Leicester. The wine's slight sweetness can balance the cheese's tanginess, while its acidity can refresh the palate.

Sauternes

If you prefer sweeter whites, consider pairing a Red Leicester with Sauternes. Sauternes is 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.

Riesling Spätlese

A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of a Red Leicester.

Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.

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Sparkling Wines

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Champagne

A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of a Red Leicester and elevate the tasting experience.

Prosecco

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

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 a Red Leicester while cleansing the palate.

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Dessert Wines

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Aged Port

Vintage Port, or a Tawny Port, can be a delightful pairing with a Red Leicester.

The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.

Sherry Amontillado

Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of a Red Leicester. Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.

Madeira

The rich and caramelized flavors of Madeira can complement the nutty and savory notes of aged cheeses, making it a great pairing option.

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.