Cheese & Wine Pairing
Washed-Rind Cheese
Wine Pairing Washed Rind Cheeses
Washed-rind cheeses are often characterized by their pungent aroma and rich, creamy texture.
When pairing wine with washed-rind cheese, you should consider the cheese's bold flavors and sometimes assertive aroma.
Washed Rind cheeses pair best with aromatic and rich white wines, or fruity and light reds:
Aromatic White Wines
Aromatic white wines with floral and fruity notes can be excellent companions to washed-rind cheeses.
Try varieties with an aromatic profile that can complement the cheese's pungent aroma and add complexity to the pairing:
- Dry Riesling Spätlese (Germany)
- Gewürztraminer (France)
- Pinot Gris (France)
- Marsanne (France)
- Roussanne (France)
- Sémillon (France)
- Viognier (France)
Bright White Wines
Look for white wines with bright acidity to cut through the richness of the cheese and complement its bold flavors.
These wines provide a refreshing contrast to the cheese's creamy texture and help balance its strong flavors:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Albariño (Spain)
- Grüner Veltliner (Austria)
- Arneis (Italy)
Red Wines
Washed-rind cheeses pair best light to medium-bodied red wines,
Consider wines with earthy or fruity characteristics, with enough complexity to stand up to the cheese without overpowering it:
- Beaujolais (France)
- Pinot Noir (France)
- Barbera (Italy)
- Garnacha (Spain)
- Lambrusco (Italy)
Rosé Wines
Dry rosé wines with good acidity can be a delightful pairing with semi-soft cheeses.
- Nebbiolo Rosato (Italy)
- Rioja Rosado (Spain)
- Zinfandel Rosé
Zinfandel rosé is a special choice. It offers a balance that combines dryness and moderate sweetness. This balance makes it a great rosé for pairing with basically any cheese.
Sparkling Wines
Sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava can be excellent choices for soft cheeses. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese.
Go for something light and dry:
- Blanc de Blanc
- Prosecco (Italy)
- Cava (Spain)
- Franciacorta (Italy)
- Trentodoc (Italy)
- Espumante (Portugal)
- Sekt (Germany)
Dessert Wines
- Sauternes (France)
- Tokaji (Hungary)
- White Port (Portugal)
- Recioto (Italy)
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
- 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!