Black Grapes And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Ideas

Grapes and cheese are a classic combination, but did you know that the type of grape matters? Black grapes, for example, are juicy with a sweet, grapey muscat flavour. When it comes to cheese, they pair perfectly with rich, strong-flavoured varieties. In particular, black grapes are often combined with blue cheese, as in this flatbread recipe from the New York Times, which also includes thyme, arugula, and prosciutto.

Blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or St. Agur

Blue cheese is a classic pairing with black grapes. The rich, strong flavour of blue cheese, such as Gorgonzola or St. Agur, is a perfect complement to the sweet, grapey flavour of black grapes. This combination is a popular choice for cheese plates and appetizers, as the sweetness of the grapes provides a nice contrast to the saltiness of the cheese.

When creating a cheese plate, it is important to consider the texture of the cheese as well as its flavour. Blue cheeses tend to have a rich, creamy texture that pairs well with the juicy nature of black grapes. The two flavours also work well together when incorporated into a recipe, such as a flatbread or a salad.

One recipe suggestion is a black grape, blue cheese, and thyme flatbread. This dish combines the sweetness of the grapes with the saltiness of the blue cheese and the savoury notes of thyme. The flatbread is first baked with a grape jam topping, and then the blue cheese is scattered on top so that it begins to melt. This creates a delicious blend of flavours and textures that is sure to impress.

Another option is to create a salad with black grapes, blue cheese, and prosciutto. The salty, savoury flavours of the prosciutto will complement the sweetness of the grapes and the richness of the blue cheese. This combination of flavours and textures is sure to be a hit, whether served as a side dish or a main course.

Whether enjoyed on a cheese plate, in a recipe, or simply on their own, black grapes and blue cheese are a classic pairing that is sure to delight the taste buds. The contrast of sweet and salty flavours, along with the creamy and juicy textures, creates a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.

Red or orange cheddar, like Hoop Cheddar or Red Fox

Red or orange cheddars, like Hoop Cheddar or Red Fox, are great choices to pair with black grapes. Hoop Cheddar, a traditional Southern cheese, is a mild, semi-soft cow's milk cheese that ranges in colour from off-white to deep orange. Its name comes from the hoop-shaped moulds used to drain and shape the curds during production. Today, it more closely resembles a mild cheddar cheese and can be found in small grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations across the American South. Hoop Cheddar is a great domestic option for a red or orange cheddar to pair with black grapes.

Red Fox, on the other hand, is an imported cheese from the UK. It is a type of Red Leicester, an English cheese similar to cheddar but with a crumbly texture. Red Leicester is typically aged for 6 to 12 months and has a reddish-orange rind with a powdery mould. It has a slightly sweet, mellow flavour that becomes stronger as it matures. The cheese gets its colour from the addition of annatto extract during manufacturing. Red Fox, as a variety of Red Leicester, is an excellent imported choice to pair with black grapes.

When pairing red or orange cheddars like Hoop Cheddar or Red Fox with black grapes, consider the overall flavour profile and intensity. Red or orange cheddars tend to have a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that can complement the sweetness of black grapes. The saltiness of the cheese can also balance the tartness of the grapes, creating a delightful sweet and savoury contrast.

Additionally, the texture of the cheese can play a role in the pairing. Hoop Cheddar, being semi-soft to semi-firm, can provide a creamy mouthfeel that contrasts nicely with the juicy burst of black grapes. Red Fox, with its crumbly texture, can add a different dimension to the pairing, offering a unique sensory experience.

In conclusion, red or orange cheddars, specifically Hoop Cheddar or Red Fox, are excellent choices to pair with black grapes. Their flavour profiles and textures complement each other, creating a harmonious sensory experience. So, the next time you're looking to create a cheese and grape platter, consider reaching for these varieties to elevate your tasting experience.

Green Hill Camembert, e.g. Sweet Grass Dairy or Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie

Green Hill Camembert, a popular cheese from Sweet Grass Dairy, is a pasteurised, soft-ripened, double-cream cow's milk cheese. It is crafted in a Camembert style, highlighting the grass-based milk from the dairy's cows. The cheese is individually handcrafted and ripened for two weeks before shipping. It has a buttery flavour and silky texture, with a thin bloomy rind. Green Hill is best enjoyed at room temperature to enhance its natural flavour and soften its paste. It pairs well with honey, French bread, jams, nuts, and crisp apples. For drinks, it goes well with white or sparkling wine, apple cider, or a Belgian Trippel ale.

Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie, on the other hand, is a soft, triple-cream cow's milk cheese from Normandy, France. It has a smooth, velvety texture and a high fat content of 75%, giving it a rich, dense, buttery, and tangy flavour. The cheese is pale ivory in colour and covered with a thin, edible, bloomy rind. Saint Andre is a young, fresh cheese that is not aged for long. It is an excellent match for fresh fruits, crusty bread, and sparkling wines.

Both Green Hill Camembert and Saint Andre Triple Cream Brie would pair well with black grapes. The sweetness of the grapes will complement the buttery and tangy flavours of the cheeses, creating a harmonious flavour profile. The smooth and creamy textures of the cheeses will also provide a nice contrast to the juicy, crisp texture of the grapes.

When creating a cheese platter with black grapes and these cheeses, consider adding some nuts, crackers, or bread for texture and variety. Additionally, you can offer a selection of drinks, such as sparkling wine or cider, to enhance the flavour experience.

Manchego

In Spain, Manchego is often served on a tapas plate in thinly sliced triangles. It is also commonly paired with quince or chutney, green olives, fresh figs, sundried tomatoes, chorizo, jamon iberico, honey and nuts, such as marcona almonds, hazelnuts or walnuts. For drinks, it is typically paired with crisp and fruity sparkling wines like Cava, Trento or Prosecco, or Spanish wines like Rioja, Tempranillo, and Verdejo.

When it comes to crackers, Manchego goes well with water crackers, multigrain crackers, olive oil crackers, rosemary crackers, and artisanal crackers. For fruits, besides black grapes, Manchego pairs well with fresh or dried figs, apples, oranges, tangerines, grapefruit, and pomegranate seeds.

Gruyere

When it comes to wine, Gruyere's mild nutty flavour and sweet fruity taste pair well with Champagne, Cava, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Chianti Classico. A slightly smoked Gruyere will complement a Grenache, Zinfandel, or Shiraz, which have spicy notes and fruity flavours. An aged Gruyere with a more complex nutty flavour is best enjoyed with a Chardonnay, Riesling, or Tawny Port wine.

As for whiskey, Gruyere's nutty and sweet flavour profile matches well with single malt scotch from Speyside, which tends to be sweet with notes of caramel. Aged Gruyere is best paired with an aged bourbon or rye whiskey, or a Highland scotch with more intense yet delicate flavours. Smoked Gruyere is a good match for a peated scotch or whiskey.

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