Wine Pairing
Salers (France)

Salers is a semi-hard Cow cheese originating from Salers.

Salers is located in the volcanic Cantal mountains of the Massif Central.

Salers is typically aged for several months to develop a robust flavor and firm texture.

When selecting wines to pair with Salers, it is essential to consider its sharpness, nuttiness, and depth of flavor.

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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 Salers:

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Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can offer a versatile pairing option for Salers. The wine's bright acidity and red fruit flavors can complement the cheese's creamy texture and subtle sweetness without overpowering it.

Bordeaux (Merlot-based blends)

Bordeaux wines, particularly those made from Merlot-based blends, offer ripe fruit flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.

Look for a Bordeaux with a velvety texture and flavors of blackcurrant, plum, and cedar that can complement the richness of aged Cantal.

Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Châteauneuf-du-Pape wines from the Rhône Valley are rich and full-bodied, with flavors of ripe berries, herbs, and spices. The wine's intensity and complexity can complement the robust flavor of aged Cantal cheese, creating a harmonious pairing experience.

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.

Below are some excellent white wine options to complement Salers.

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Chardonnay

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

Grüner Veltliner

Grüner Veltliner is an Austrian white wine known for its peppery and citrusy flavors, as well as its high acidity. Its lively character can cut through the richness of Salers, making it an excellent pairing choice.

Gewürztraminer

The aromatic intensity and slight sweetness of Gewürztraminer can complement the nutty and creamy characteristics of Salers. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral aromas and tropical fruit notes for a vibrant and aromatic pairing.

Pinot Gris

An off-dry Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, with flavors of ripe pear, stone fruits, and honey, pairs nicely with Salers. The slight sweetness of the wine will balance the cheese's tanginess, while the acidity will refresh the palate.

Viognier

Viognier, with its aromatic floral notes, stone fruit flavors, and a hint of sweetness, is an excellent pairing choice for Salers.

The richness and viscosity of a Viognier, will complement the nutty and caramelized flavors of the cheese without overwhelming them.

Sauternes

If you prefer a sweet white wine, consider pairing Salers with Sauternes, 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.

Sparkling Wines

Champagne or Cremant

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

Prosecco

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

Lambrusco

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

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Dessert Wines

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Sauternes

If you prefer a sweet white wine, consider pairing Salers with Sauternes, 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.

Fortified Wines

Pairing fortified wines with semi-hard cheeses offers an interesting contrast between the slight firmness of the cheese and the sweet, sometimes rich profiles of the wine.

Here are some excellent choices for fortified wine pairings with Salers:

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Madeira

The rich, nutty and caramel-like flavors of Madeira can stand up well to the denser, often nuttier profiles of Salers. This wine's robust character complements cheeses that have a bit of age.

Sherry Amontillado

With its deep nutty and complex flavors, an Amontillado Sherry can enhance the taste of Salers, especially those with a slight earthiness or aged characteristics.

Sherry Oloroso

Slightly sweeter and richer than Amontillado, Oloroso Sherry works well with older or more flavorful Salers, as it complements the intensity and complex flavors.

Pedro Ximénez Sherry

Known for its profound sweetness and flavors of raisins and molasses, Pedro Ximénez is a bold choice that can beautifully offset the saltiness and firm texture of Salers.

Port

Port, especially Tawny or Vintage varieties, is a classic pairing with semi-hard cheeses like Salers. Its sweetness and rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and spices complement the cheese's caramelized notes, creating a delightful contrast.

Personal Preferences

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

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.

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Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

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Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

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Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.