Shiraz And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a red wine made from the same grape variety but with distinct personalities depending on its origin. For instance, Syrah from the Northern Rhône tends to be savoury, while Shiraz from Australia is noticeably sweeter. When it comes to cheese pairings, a full-bodied Syrah goes well with harder cheeses or stinkier options like blue cheese. If you're looking for specific recommendations, consider Bleu cheeses like Gorgonzola or Stilton, or hard cheeses such as Parmesan or Asiago. Smoked Gouda is another excellent choice, as the smoke in the cheese pairs beautifully with the smoky notes often found in Syrah. On the other hand, a lighter Syrah can be complemented by softer cheeses.

Smokey blue cheese

When pairing cheese and wine, it's important to consider the intensity of both. Shiraz is a bold wine, so it's best to pair it with a cheese that can match its intensity. Smokey blue cheese is a good option, as it has a strong flavour that won't be overpowered by the wine.

Goat gouda

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, full-bodied red wines like Shiraz call for harder or stinkier cheeses. Gouda, named after the city of Gouda in the Netherlands, is a medium-hard cheese with a wax rind, traditionally made from cow's milk. However, goat gouda offers a delightful twist on this classic.

The process of making goat gouda involves washing the fresh curd with warm water, which raises the pH levels and enhances the sweet and caramelly flavours typical of gouda cheeses. This technique, combined with the use of goat's milk, imparts a tangy twist to the classic sweet and nutty flavours of regular gouda. The result is a cheese that is dynamic, complex, and sure to impress both cheese aficionados and those who prefer more familiar flavours.

When paired with Shiraz, goat gouda can elevate the tasting experience. The smokiness of Shiraz, with its notes of tobacco, complements the smokiness of smoked gouda variants. Moreover, the fruity and spice notes of Shiraz, such as mulberry, blueberry, and blackcurrant, find harmony in the tart apple and grass flavours of goat gouda.

Whether you're curling up with a book and a glass of Shiraz or entertaining guests, goat gouda is a versatile and delectable choice that will enhance your wine and cheese experience.

Sheep's milk cheese

Other sheep's milk cheeses that go well with Shiraz include Onetik Pilota, Vermont Shepherd, Trade Lake Cedar (made by Love Tree Farm), and Serra de Estrela from Portugal. These cheeses will have a similar flavour profile to Abbaye de Belloc, making them excellent choices to accompany a glass of Shiraz.

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, it's essential to consider the wine's characteristics. Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a full-bodied red wine with a high concentration of tannins. It is known for its dark colour and rich, fruity flavours, such as blackberry, black pepper, licorice, and mint. The grapes used for Shiraz can be grown in warm or moderate climates, resulting in either a rustic or softer wine.

When pairing sheep's milk cheese with Shiraz, look for cheeses that can complement the wine's intense flavours and complexity. Sheep's milk cheeses tend to have a mild and nutty flavour profile, making them an excellent choice to balance the boldness of the wine.

Additionally, consider the specific characteristics of your Shiraz. If it leans towards the fruity side, a blue cheese might be a good option, as the fruitiness of the wine will complement the tanginess of the blue cheese. On the other hand, if your Shiraz has more earthy notes, consider a cheese like Camembert, which has mushroomy and wet hay characteristics that will match the wine's earthy profile.

Cheddar

When choosing a cheddar to pair with Shiraz, consider a variety that is aged, such as Cabot's Clothbound Cheddar or a bandage-wrapped cheddar. These cheddars have a stronger flavour that can stand up to the boldness of the wine. The sharpness of the cheese also helps to balance the fruitiness of the wine, creating a harmonious pairing.

Additionally, the texture of the cheese is an important consideration. Cheddar typically has a firm texture, which provides a nice contrast to the smoothness of the wine. It is best enjoyed in small bite-sized pieces, perhaps served over grilled bread, to enhance the flavour experience.

For an optimal tasting experience, look for aged cheddars with a sharp and nutty flavour profile to complement the fruit-forward and lush characteristics of a Shiraz.

Finally, it is worth noting that Shiraz is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of cheeses, including blue cheese, goat gouda, and sheep's milk cheese. However, when it comes to cheddar, the sharpness and robustness of the cheese create a delightful contrast to the fruity and full-bodied nature of the wine, making it a recommended pairing.

Camembert

Despite the challenges of pairing Camembert with wine, some wine experts recommend specific reds and sparkling wines to go with this cheese. One suggestion is a splashy red with a sweeter shade of tannin, such as the 2007 Mingot Napa Red. This wine, a blend of Sangiovese, Cabernet, Merlot, and Syrah, is driven by dark cherry and raspberry flavours and velvety, elegant tannin. The Camembert would accentuate the finish and bring out a little more herbal complexity.

Another recommended pairing is an Australian Shiraz, specifically a rich, flavourful, blueberry-perfumed Shiraz from Barossa or Adelaide. This pairing works especially well during hot summer days if the wine is chilled to around 65°F (18.3°C). The fruit-forward profile of the wine helps to tamp down the heat of spicy food, and its smooth, velvety tannins work well with the rich, melty cheese.

A French Chardonnay is another wine that can complement Camembert, especially if the Chardonnay is crisp and the fruit flavours are not masked by oak. A Pouilly-Fuisse from the Burgundy region is a good choice, with its crisp green apple flavours and roundness that can hold up to richer foods like Camembert.

For a baked Camembert with hot honey, a big, bold Shiraz from Australia is a recommended pairing. The fruit-forward profile of the wine helps to counter the heat of the spicy food, and its smooth, velvety tannins work well with the rich, melty cheese. Other recommended red wine pairings for this dish include Zinfandel, Malbec, and Carménère.

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