Ricotta (Italy)
Ricotta is a cottage cheese made from the left overs from the production of other cheesews.
"Ricotta" means "recooked". Milk sources can be Sheep, Cow, Goat, or Water Buffalo.
Wine Pairing Ricotta
Our favorite White pairing is Vermentino.
Our favorite Red pairing is Lambrusco.
Below are some excellent wine options to complement Ricotta:
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines are incredible with soft and creamy cheeses.
The bubbles and acidity cleanse the palate between the bites and prepars it for the next mouthful.
Prosecco
Prosecco is a fantastic pairing for Ricotta.
The wine's bubbles, bright acidity, light body, and fruity flavors make it a delightful palate cleanser, enhancing the overall tasting experience.
Champagne (Metodo Classico)
Metodo Classico is the Italian name for wines produced the same way as Champagne.
Champagne is a classic pairing for Ricotta. The crisp acidity, bubbles, and citrusy notes of Champagne cuts through the richness of the cheese and enhances its creamy texture.
Lambrusco
This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the Ricotta while cleansing the palate.
White Wines
In Italy, Ricotta pairs best with cool climate whites such as Alto Adige Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco. These wines have a good acidity and a soft, smoky character that matches perfectly with subtle food like soft cheeses. Additionally these white wines can be paired with light meat, salads, pasta, creamy sauces and dressing.
Pinot Grigio
A classic white wine pairing for Ricotta is Pinot Grigio. Look for a Pinot Grigio with bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a clean, crisp finish. The wine's freshness and subtle fruitiness complement the cheese's creamy texture without overwhelming its delicate flavor.
Pinot Bianco
Pinot Blianco has a good acidity, and a soft, smoky character that matches perfectly with Ricotta.
Cortese di Gavi
Cortese di Gavi is a dry white wine from the Piemonte region. Gavi wines are crisp, with vibrant acidity, citrus notes, and minerality. Their freshness and lightness make them an excellent pairing choice for Ricotta.
Arneis
Arneis is a white wine grape native to Piemonte, and its wines offer crisp acidity, floral aromas, and citrusy flavors. Arneis wines can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy texture of Ricotta while enhancing its delicate flavor.
Vermentino
A crisp and aromatic white wine like Vermentino pairs beautifully with Ricotta. Vermentino wines, particularly those from Sardinia, offer refreshing acidity, citrusy flavors, and herbal notes that complement the cheese's delicate taste and creamy texture.
Sauvignon Blanc
A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy and herbaceous flavors can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Ricotta. Look for Sauvignon Blancs with lively acidity and notes of lemon, lime, and green apple.
Rosé Wines
For a more versatile pairing, a dry Rosé can be a pleasant match with cottage cheese. Its balanced acidity and notes of red fruits make it a flexible pairing that can handle cottage cheese served in various ways, whether it is with fresh herbs, with honey, or topped with fresh berries.
Red Wines
Unfortunately, the tannins in red wines can overwhelm the light flavors of Ricotta.
Dolcetto
Dolcetto,, a red wine from Piemonte, can be a delightful match for Ricotta. Dolcetto wines are known for their soft tannins, fruity flavors, and gentle acidity, which can balance the cheese's creaminess and add a touch of sweetness.
Frappato
A light and fruity red wine like Frappato, native to Sicily, can pair nicely with Ricotta. Frappato wines offer red berry flavors, gentle tannins, and refreshing acidity that complement the cheese's mildness without overpowering it.
Etna Rosso
Etna Rosso is a dry, medium-bodied wine with a refreshing acidity. It has hints of wild strawberries and cherries, and a delightful mix of spices like cinnamon, anise, and vanilla. It is easy to turn Ricotta and a bottle of Etna Rosso into a simple and delicious meal.
Pinot Noir
A light-bodied Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity can be a nice match for Ricotta. The wine's fruity and earthy notes can complement the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.
Dessert Wines
Ricotta pairs well with white dessert wines like Port and Sherry.
Fino Sherry
Fino Sherry is a dry and crisp style of Sherry from the Jerez region of Spain. It can be a refreshing pairing with Ricotta. Its saline notes, nutty flavors, and crisp acidity will enhance the cheese's delicate taste.
White Port
White port, with its light and fruity profile, goes well with the tangy and salty flavors Ricotta. The creaminess of Ricotta pairs nicely with the nutty undertones of white port.
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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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
- 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.
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels- 1615