Cheese And White Zinfandel: Perfect Pairing Recommendations

Zinfandel has come a long way since its association with overly sweet, mass-produced wines. In fact, it's now a versatile food-friendly wine that pairs well with cheese. White zinfandel, in particular, is one of the best-selling wines on the market and is a great match for spicy, homemade pimiento cheese. But that's not all—zinfandel comes in a rainbow of styles, from bone-dry rosés to port-style dessert wines, so there's a zinfandel for every cheese. For instance, a lighter zinfandel goes well with milder cheeses, while a full-bodied zinfandel complements stronger cheeses.

White Zinfandel and ricotta salata

White Zinfandel is a versatile wine that pairs well with various cheeses, from mild to sharp and from soft to firm. Its fruity and approachable style makes it a perfect match for milder cheeses, while its spicy notes can stand up to sharper, more robust varieties.

Now, let's talk about Ricotta Salata. This cheese is an Italian variety made from sheep's milk whey, specifically from the leftover whey after making other cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Parmesan. The whey is heated, forming curds that are then pressed, salted, and left to age. This process results in a firm, aged cheese with a crumbly texture and a slightly salty and tangy flavour.

So, how do White Zinfandel and Ricotta Salata work together? The wine's fruity and crisp characteristics complement the cheese's mild, nutty, and slightly salty notes. The saltiness of the cheese also helps to bring out the wine's fruity flavours. Additionally, the crispness of the wine creates a nice contrast with the creaminess of the cheese.

When pairing White Zinfandel with Ricotta Salata, consider serving the cheese in a way that showcases its texture and flavour. Ricotta Salata is often grated or crumbled over salads, pasta dishes, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Its versatility also allows it to be served as a table cheese or as part of an antipasto platter.

For a specific dish suggestion, try pairing White Zinfandel with Garganelli pasta with eggplant, basil, and Ricotta Salata. The freshness of the summery pasta dish complements the crispness of the wine, creating a delightful culinary experience.

White Zinfandel and goat's cheese

White Zinfandel is one of the best-selling wines on the market, and its light, fruity, refreshing style is a perfect match for a spicy, homemade pimiento cheese. White Zinfandel is also a great choice for a brunch-time crock of spicy, homemade pimiento cheese.

When it comes to goat's cheese, a lighter, bone-dry rosé zinfandel can be a great match for herbed goat's cheeses. A good example of this pairing is Coach Farm Herb Disc with Renwood Amador County Rosé.

For a more adventurous pairing, try a goat's cheese that has been cold-smoked in a maple leaf, such as the Up in Smoke cheese from Rivers Edge Chevre, Oregon. This pairs excellently with a glass of Turley Kirschenmann Vineyard 2018 from Lodi, California.

For a classic pairing, a mild, young goat's cheese will work well with a lighter zinfandel, such as a Lodi Zinfandel, which offers fresh, fruity flavours and an easy-drinking style.

White Zinfandel and blue cheese

White Zinfandel is one of the best-selling wines on the market, and it is a perfect match with spicy, homemade pimiento cheese. If you're looking for a blue cheese to pair with White Zinfandel, try Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese Bay Blue with Dashe 2013 Dry Creek Valley Late-Harvest Zinfandel. Late-harvest zinfandels are dark and velvety and can stand in for port, which is a classic match for blue cheese.

Zinfandel is a versatile wine that has redefined itself from its past association with soda-sweet pink wine. Today, it comes in a variety of styles, from bone-dry rosés to spicy, high-octane reds and port-style dessert wines. This means there is a zinfandel for every cheese, whether it's a mild, soft and creamy cheese or a firm, salty cheese.

When pairing blue cheese with Zinfandel, look for a wine that will complement the saltiness and creaminess of the cheese. A Zinfandel with sweet and fruity notes, such as aromas of cocoa, candied red fruit, and sweet spice, can create an illustrious balance with the blue cheese.

If you're looking for a lighter Zinfandel to pair with blue cheese, consider a sparkling brut rosé. Polvanera Sparkling Brut Rose from Puglia, Italy, is a great option, with its exhilarating red berry notes. This bubbly won't overpower the cheese but will instead create a harmonious pairing.

Remember, when pairing cheese and wine, it's all about finding balance. Play around with different combinations, tasting the cheese and wine together and separately, to discover the perfect match for your palate.

White Zinfandel and cheddar

White Zinfandel is a sweet rosé wine with a typical pink colour and aromas of bright red fruits, strawberries, raspberries, cherries, and rich citrus. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including spicy foods like chicken and Indian cuisine, as well as crab cakes. It is also an excellent choice for a cheese board.

When it comes to cheddar and White Zinfandel, the combination can be quite delightful. Cheddar, particularly a sharp cheddar, is a rich and bold cheese that can stand up to the sweetness of the wine. The sharpness of the cheddar provides a nice contrast to the fruity and floral notes of the White Zinfandel. Additionally, the high acidity of the wine can help cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.

When selecting a cheddar to pair with White Zinfandel, consider the different types available. Mild, sharp, and smoked cheddars can all complement the wine in unique ways. A mild cheddar will have a more subtle flavour that won't overpower the delicate sweetness of the wine. On the other hand, a sharp cheddar will provide a stronger, more pungent flavour that can enhance the wine's fruity notes. Smoked cheddar adds a layer of complexity with its smoky aroma and flavour, creating an intriguing contrast to the bright, crisp wine.

The texture of the cheddar is also an important consideration. A cheddar with a slightly firmer texture can provide a nice contrast to the smoothness of the wine, offering a more interesting sensory experience. Additionally, the saltiness of cheddar, especially when paired with a crisp, dry White Zinfandel, can enhance the wine's refreshing quality.

When creating a cheese board featuring White Zinfandel and cheddar, consider including other complementary cheeses and accompaniments. For example, Gouda, Gruyere, and Brie are all excellent choices to pair with this wine. Fresh or dried fruits, such as apples, pears, and grapes, can also enhance the flavour profile of the wine. Nuts, crackers, and honey can provide additional texture and flavour to the pairing, creating a well-rounded and indulgent experience.

White Zinfandel and charcuterie

When it comes to white Zinfandel, a lighter style of Zinfandel, it is best to pair it with milder cheeses and charcuterie. Opt for a young Asiago, which pairs beautifully with a fruity, off-dry Prosecco or Moscato d'Asti. You could also try a goat cheese from the Loire Valley, which tends to be firmer and chalkier than American goat cheeses, and develops a spiciness with age that pairs well with a Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.

For charcuterie, lighter-bodied reds are excellent with milder meats, while big, bold reds like a Mendocino Zinfandel will stand up to stronger, fattier meats such as pepperoni, salami, and prosciutto.

If you're feeling creative, try a medium-bodied or spicy Zinfandel, such as a Sierra Foothills, with smoky charcuterie and sharp-flavored cheeses. Smoked gouda or mimolete are excellent choices, as they complement the spicy notes of the wine.

When creating your charcuterie board, don't forget to include a variety of accompaniments such as bread, crackers, fruits, olives, nuts, jams, mustards, and honey. These additions will enhance the flavors of both the wine and the cheese and provide a well-rounded tasting experience.

Remember, there are no rules when it comes to Zinfandel and charcuterie. So, experiment with different combinations, trust your taste buds, and most importantly, have fun!

Frequently asked questions