W3 Wine School

Soumaintrain (France)

Soumaintrain

Soumaintrain is a soft washed-rind Cow cheese from the Bourgogne region.

Wine Pairing Soumaintrain

Soumaintrain has a mild, white paste with a close and fine texture. With ageing, the flavours become more rich and creamy. When selecting a wine to pair, it is essential to consider its creamy texture and complex flavors.

Alogoté

A Bourgogne white wine made from the Aligoté grape is a perfect match for this type of fresh. Opt for a young wine with lively fruit. The acidity of the white wine will bring out the sharpness of the cheese, making a harmonious combination. The crispness of the wine will also serve to cut through the cheese’s rich creaminess.

Crémant de Bourgogne

The bubbles and acidity of Crémant de Bourgogne can provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of Soumaintrain. Look for dry or brut Blanc de Blanc with crisp acidity and citrus notes.

Savoie White Wine (Jacquère or Altesse)

Soumaintrain pairs beautifully with wines from the Savoie region of France, particularly whites made from Jacquère or Altesse grapes. These wines offer crisp acidity, minerality, and delicate fruit flavors that complement the cheese's nuttiness and creaminess.

Washed rind cheeses also pairs well with white wines, or fruity and light red wines. Here are some other excellent wine options to complement Soumaintrain:



Aromatic White Wines

Aromatic white wines with floral and fruity notes can be excellent companions to washed-rind cheeses.

Gewürztraminer

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

Riesling Spätlese

A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of Soumaintrain. Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.

Pinot Gris

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

Sylvaner

Sylvaner is a grape variety from Alsace that produces crisp, dry white wines with refreshing acidity. Its clean, citrusy flavors can complement Soumaintrain without overpowering its taste.


Light Bodied Red Wines

Beaujolais

A light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais, made from Gamay grapes, can complement the creamy texture of Soumaintrain without overpowering its flavors.

Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.

Pinot Noir

A light to medium-bodied Pinot Noir can work well with Soumaintrain. Its fruity and earthy notes can harmonize with the cheese without overwhelming it.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Soumaintrain. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, can complement the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.

Beer

While not a wine, beer can also be a great pairing with Soumaintrain cheese. A Belgian-style beer like a saison or a Belgian dubbel can complement the cheese's bold flavors.


Sparkling Wines

Champagne

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

Choose a dry or off-dry sparkling wine for a refreshing contrast.

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Soumaintrain, 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 Soumaintrain while cleansing the palate.


Dessert Wines

Washed rind cheeses are known for pungent aromas and complex flavors. They pair best with dessert wines that can complement their strong characteristics:

Sauternes

This sweet, full-bodied French wine from Bordeaux, with its notes of honey, apricot, and nuts, is a delightful match for the bold and earthy flavors of Soumaintrain. The sweetness of Sauternes balances well the intense flavors of the cheese.

Tokaji Aszú

From Hungary, this rich, sweet wine is known for its vibrant acidity and flavors of orange peel, dried fruits, and honey. It can cut through the richness and funkiness of Soumaintrain, offering a refreshing contrast.

Late Harvest Riesling

The natural sweetness and bright acidity of a late harvest Riesling can cleanse the palate when paired with the strong flavors of washed rind cheeses. Its fruity undertones are an excellent complement to the savory notes of the cheese.

Recioto della Valpolicella

This sweet red wine from Italy, with its deep flavors of cherry and chocolate, offers a bold contrast to the earthy, intense flavors of washed rind cheeses, creating a luxurious and rich pairing experience.

Vin Jaune

This unique and slightly oxidized wine from the Jura region in France has nutty, spicy, and complex flavors that can stand up to the robust nature of Soumaintrain. Its distinct character makes it a memorable pairing.

White Port

Lighter than red Ports, White Port offers a slightly exotic pairing for cheeses like Soumaintrain. Its freshness and hints of sweetness can enhance the creaminess of the cheese, making it a refreshing and less conventional choice.

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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