Bordeaux And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing For Wine Lovers

Wine and cheese is a classic combination, and Bordeaux is a particularly well-suited wine region to match with a variety of cheeses. The right pairing can elevate both the wine and the cheese, bringing out the most desirable qualities in each. Bordeaux produces some of the most expensive wines in the world, but it also produces bottles that are great for everyday drinking. The region produces 10 times more red wine than white, so you'll be spoiled for choice if you're looking for a red to pair with your cheese.

Blue cheese with Sauternes

Blue cheese is a strong, pungent cheese with a salty tang. Its mouldy notes and nutty flavours are complemented by the honeyed and floral notes of Sauternes. The sweetness of Sauternes cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of sweet, salty, creamy and sharp flavours. This combination is considered the holy grail of wine pairing and is a must-try for any wine and cheese lover.

Sauternes is a sweet, golden wine from the Bordeaux region of France. It is characterised by aromas of white flowers, dried figs and honey, with notes of baking spices, such as allspice and nutmeg. The wine is made from grapes affected by "noble rot" (Botrytis cinerea), which causes them to dehydrate and concentrate their sugars, resulting in a rich, sweet wine. The lengthy production process and rarity of Sauternes contribute to its high price tag, but it offers an unforgettable tasting experience.

When pairing blue cheese with Sauternes, consider the following tips:

• Choose a mature blue cheese with a strong flavour to stand up to the sweetness of the wine.
• Look for blue cheeses with flowery mould notes and nutty flavours that will complement the honeyed and floral notes of the wine.
• For a special occasion, try a Roquefort blue cheese, a well-known pairing that is loved by the French.
• If you want to add another element to the pairing, try a blue cheese with dates, or serve the cheese on a slice of warm, country bread.
• Experiment with different types of blue cheese and Sauternes to find your favourite combination.

Remember, the key to a successful wine and cheese pairing is ultimately personal preference, so feel free to experiment and find the combination that works best for your taste buds!

Cheddar with Bordeaux Blanc

Cheddar is a classic choice for any cheese platter and is a must-have at any gathering. When it comes to wine pairings, a sharp, semi-hard cheese like cheddar is best served with a dry white wine, such as Bordeaux Blanc. Bordeaux Blanc wines are known for their crisp and refreshing taste, thanks to the Sémillon and Sauvignon Blanc grapes used in their making. The bright acidity and minerality of Bordeaux Blanc wines, especially those from the Graves region, perfectly complement the sharpness of cheddar.

When creating a wine and cheese pairing, it is important to consider the intensity, structure, and flavour of both the cheese and the wine. The goal is to find a harmonious match where neither the cheese nor the wine dominates the other. Bordeaux Blanc wines, with their refreshing qualities, can provide a delightful contrast to the sharpness of cheddar.

The Graves region, known for its white wines with bright acidity and minerality, is an excellent choice for pairing with cheddar. These wines have the perfect balance of crispness and freshness, creating a delightful sensory experience. The acidity of the wine cuts through the sharpness of the cheese, resulting in a pleasant and well-rounded pairing.

In addition to the type of cheese and wine, other factors such as ripeness, temperature, and presentation also play a role in the overall enjoyment of the pairing. Allowing the cheese to come to room temperature before serving enhances its aroma and flavour nuances. Presenting the cheeses in order of style and strength can also improve the tasting experience, ensuring that the palate is not overwhelmed by intense cheeses.

When creating a wine and cheese pairing, personal preference is ultimately what matters the most. While suggestions and guidelines can provide a helpful starting point, the right pairing is one that elevates the experience for the individual enjoying it. Experimenting with different cheeses and wines can lead to magical combinations that surprise and delight.

Goat's cheese with Entre-Deux-Mers

Goats Cheese with Entre-Deux-Mers

Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is a classic pairing with Sauvignon Blanc. However, if you're looking for something different, a light and refreshing Bordeaux rosé would also work well.

For a more specific pairing, a fresh goat's curd with its simple, dairy flavours will not match up to a full-bodied, intense wine like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Instead, pair lighter cheeses with lighter-bodied wines, and bold and powerful cheeses with wines of a similar intensity.

A good example of this is the pairing of a young goat's cheese with a Bordeaux rosé, such as a Château Robin 2018. This vintage offers fine and round tannins that create a pleasant contrast with the creamy texture of the runny cheese. The red and juicy fruits in the wine make the fat of the cheese very delicate and tasty.

Another great option for a goat's cheese pairing is a white Bordeaux, or Bordeaux Blanc. These wines are particularly crisp and refreshing, with bright acidity and minerality, which cuts through the sharpness of the cheese. A good example of a white Bordeaux that pairs well with goat's cheese is the Château Martinon 2012.

If you're looking for a more unusual pairing, try a light and refreshing Bordeaux rosé. This will add a touch of elegance and character to the goat's cheese, enhancing its delicate flavours.

Finally, for a truly unique experience, consider pairing a young goat's cheese with a sparkling rosé, such as Bolney Wine Estate's Kew Gardens. The stone fruit and crème fraiche flavours in the cheese will beautifully complement the fruit flavours in the wine, while the bubbles will cut through the cheese's fatty paste.

Brie with red Bordeaux

The pairing of wine and cheese is a complex art that involves science, culture, and tradition, as well as personal preference. Brie, a creamy and mild cheese, is a popular choice for wine pairings. When it comes to red Bordeaux, a few factors come into play.

Firstly, red Bordeaux wines are typically blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot, with occasional additions of Malbec or Petit Verdot. Merlot often dominates these blends, resulting in softer, fruitier wines. These fruity notes complement the creamy texture of Brie, creating a harmonious pairing.

When selecting a red Bordeaux for Brie, consider the cheese's mild and creamy characteristics. Opt for a younger, less tannic Bordeaux with bright, fruity flavours. These characteristics will enhance the creaminess of the Brie without overwhelming its delicate flavour.

For a successful pairing, consider serving a mild, creamy Brie with a glass of young, fruity red Bordeaux. The wine's acidity and fruit-forward notes will beautifully complement the cheese's texture and flavour. Additionally, the Brie's creaminess will mellow out the wine's tannins, creating a well-rounded sensory experience.

To elevate the pairing, consider serving the Brie at room temperature or slightly warmed, as this will enhance its creamy texture and flavour. Accompany the cheese with fresh bread or crackers to provide a neutral base for the flavours of the wine and cheese to shine.

For a truly indulgent experience, try baking the Brie with garlic and red pepper, creating a savoury and slightly sweet topping. The garlic and pepper flavours will infuse the Brie, adding a new dimension to the pairing. Serve it warm with a crisp white Bordeaux, and you'll have a match made in heaven.

Comte with young red Bordeaux

Comte is a hard cow's milk cheese with a distinct flavour. Young red Bordeaux wines are fruit-forward and lip-smacking, with lots of character, brightness, and tannins. This makes them a perfect match for Comte cheese.

Bordeaux is the largest wine-producing region in France, with a cool, marine coastal climate. The region is known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot grape varieties. Bordeaux reds tend to be lower in alcohol and slightly lighter in body. They exhibit nuanced flavours and less upfront fruit. These sophisticated and elegant wines pair well with Comte cheese, as well as game meats, roast lamb, or hearty beef stews.

When serving wine and cheese, it is important to offer distinct wine varietals with cheeses that are particularly well-suited to each. Focusing on one specific wine region, such as Bordeaux, can help to narrow down the options and create a focused selection.

For a simple yet impressive buffet, try offering an assortment of cheeses, fresh baguettes, fruits, and nuts. Put out wines that pair best with each cheese, such as Comte with a young red Bordeaux.

When it comes to wine and cheese, personal preference is essential. Elevating both the wine and the cheese can create a magical coupling, but it can also be complicated. The right pairing depends on the aromas, flavours, and textures of both the wine and the cheese.

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