Andy Montoya
Chardonnay and cheese are a classic combination, but with so many varieties of both, it can be challenging to find the perfect pairing. Chardonnay's flavour profile ranges from full-bodied and creamy with tropical fruit tones to lighter wines with salty, herbal notes. The cheese you choose will depend on the type of Chardonnay you have. For example, a young and lively unoaked Chardonnay will go well with young and soft cheeses, whereas an oaky Chardonnay will be better suited to a semi-hard cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Brie, Camembert, Fontina D’Aosta, Blue Cheese, Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, Humboldt Fog, Mt. Tam, Clothbound Cheddar, Triple-crème, Brie, Goat Cheese, Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, Bellwether Farms San Andreas, Cowgirl Creamery Red Hawk, Point Reyes Farmstead Original Blue |
| Wine type | Oaked Chardonnay, Unoaked Chardonnay, Unoaked Chablis, Unoaked wines, California Chardonnay, Unoaked California Chardonnay |
| Flavour | Fruity, citrusy, oaky, buttery, nutty, sweet, salty, creamy, tropical, vanilla, toasty, coconut, balanced, acidic, tangy, earthy, sharp, mild, semi-hard, full-bodied, light, crisp, bold, mineral, fatty, savoury, spicy, toasty, green apple, apple, crisp, malolactic, fresh, mineral, sweet, oak, heavy, dense, lively, tropical, vanilla, spirited, full, rich, bold, crisp, natural, fermented, creamy, light, smooth, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, 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mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow, mellow |
What You'll Learn
Oaked Chardonnay and mild cheese
When pairing oaked Chardonnay with mild cheese, it is important to consider the balance of flavours and textures. The oakiness of the Chardonnay can enhance the creaminess of the cheese, while the acidity of the wine can cut through the fat. This creates a pleasant contrast that highlights the flavours of both the wine and the cheese.
When choosing a mild cheese to pair with oaked Chardonnay, look for options such as Brie or Camembert. These cheeses have a creamy texture that will complement the buttery notes of the wine. The mild flavour of the cheese will also allow the nuances of the Chardonnay to shine through.
In addition to classic options like Brie and Camembert, there are other mild cheeses that can pair well with oaked Chardonnay. Fresh goat cheese, for example, has a high acidity that can balance the oakiness of the wine. Sheep's milk cheese is another good option, as it is naturally oily and fatty, which can tame the sweetness and bitterness of the oak.
When creating a cheese plate to pair with oaked Chardonnay, consider adding some crackers or a loaf of fresh French bread. Figs are also a delicious addition, as they pair well with both the wine and a variety of cheeses. An artichoke spread can provide a savoury and citrusy touch, while olive oil is a natural pairing for bread dipping.
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Unoaked Chardonnay and mild cheddar cheese
Mild cheddar cheese has a softer texture and a less sharp taste than aged cheddar. When paired with an unoaked Chardonnay, the sweetness of the wine balances out the sharpness of the cheddar, allowing the subtle flavours of the cheese to come through. This pairing works well on its own or with fresh fruit, such as apples or pears, as the wine's sweetness complements the tanginess of the fruit.
To elevate this pairing, consider adding extra ingredients to your cheese plate. Chives and walnuts are a great addition to cheddar cheese, while fresh fruit such as apples or pears will complement the wine's sweetness.
When serving, remember that cheese should be served at room temperature (around 68°F), while the wine should be chilled to between 50°F and 55°F.
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Unoaked Chardonnay and sharp cheddar cheese
Chardonnay is one of the most versatile white wines when it comes to food pairings. Its flavour profiles range from full-bodied, creamy wines with tropical fruit tones to lighter wines with salty, herbal notes.
When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to match the texture and weight of the cheese and wine. Heavy cheeses typically call for a dense wine. Unoaked Chardonnays tend to be crisp and light-bodied with fruit-forward notes. Therefore, an unoaked Chardonnay pairs well with a lighter cheese such as a mild cheddar.
A sharp cheddar cheese has a strong flavour that can be balanced by the fruity notes of an unoaked Chardonnay. The wine will also soften the sharpness of the cheese, creating a complex pairing. This pairing is perfect for meat and cheese boards or as an appetizer before dinner. Enjoy it with crackers, crisp bread, or fruit.
For a classic combination, a light and crisp Chardonnay can be paired with a soft cheddar cheese. The sweetness of the Chardonnay will balance out the sharpness of the cheddar, allowing all the subtleties of flavour to come through. This pairing is delicious with fresh fruit such as apples or pears, as the wine's sweetness will complement the fruit's tang.
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Oaked Chardonnay and blue cheese
When pairing blue cheese with Chardonnay, it is important to consider the strength of the cheese. A strong and/or salty blue cheese can overpower a white wine, no matter how rich and full-bodied the wine is. Therefore, a mild blue cheese such as Gorgonzola or a strong blue cheese like Roquefort is a good choice for pairing with oaked Chardonnay.
To elevate the pairing, consider adding more ingredients to your cheese plate. Blue cheese can be enjoyed with fresh basil and pine nuts. You could also add some figs or grapes to complement the wine.
Additionally, it is important to serve the cheese and wine at the right temperatures. Cheese should be served at room temperature (around 68˚F), while the wine should be served at 50˚F – 55˚F.
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Oaked Chardonnay and nutty cheese
Oaked Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially nutty cheeses. Here are some tips and suggestions for creating delicious pairings with oaked Chardonnay and nutty cheese:
Understanding Oaked Chardonnay and Nutty Cheese Pairing
Oaked Chardonnays are aged in oak barrels, which impart notes of butter, toast, and vanilla to the wine. The oak ageing process adds body, sweetness, and a creamy texture to the Chardonnay. When pairing oaked Chardonnay with cheese, it is important to consider the intensity of flavours and textures. Nutty cheeses, such as aged Gouda or Gruyere, have a profile that can amplify the notes of oaked Chardonnay. The wine will soften and balance the nutty flavours while still allowing them to shine through.
Specific Cheese Recommendations
When pairing oaked Chardonnay with nutty cheese, here are some specific recommendations:
- Aged Gouda: Gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a rich and nutty flavour. When paired with oaked Chardonnay, the wine will soften the nuttiness of the cheese while still allowing its flavours to come through.
- Gruyere: Gruyere is a classic pairing for oaked Chardonnay. It is a Swiss cheese with a creamy texture and nutty, slightly smoky flavours. The buttery notes of the oaked Chardonnay complement the creaminess of Gruyere, while the cheese adds depth and complexity to the pairing.
- Parmigiano-Reggiano: This hard cheese has a nutty flavour and a dense texture. When paired with oaked Chardonnay, the citrusy notes of the wine will complement the cheese's nuttiness, adding a bright and tart element to the pairing.
Enhancing the Pairing
To enhance your oaked Chardonnay and nutty cheese pairing, consider adding some complementary ingredients to your cheese plate. Walnuts, for example, will accentuate the nutty flavours of the cheese and add a crunchy texture. Fresh or dried fruits, such as figs or apples, can also be a delicious addition, providing a sweet contrast to the savoury cheese and wine.
Experimentation
Remember that wine and cheese pairing is a subjective and personal experience. While these guidelines can help create delicious pairings, don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that appeal to your taste preferences. You can even create a tasting party with different types of oaked Chardonnays and nutty cheeses to discover your favourite pairings.
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Frequently asked questions
Some good cheeses to pair with Chardonnay include Fontina D'Aosta, brie, blue cheese, mild sheep's milk cheese, and mild, creamy blue cheese.
Fuller-bodied, oaked Chardonnays pair well with harder cheeses like aged cheddar or Gruyere.
Unoaked Chardonnays are more versatile and can be paired with softer cheeses like brie or mild cheddar.
When pairing cheese with Chardonnay, consider the weight and flavour intensity of both the cheese and the wine. Look for textural similarities and try to match the acidity levels.
Avoid pairing heavily oaked wines with creamy cheeses. The high fat content of creamy cheeses can be overwhelming and clash with the oakiness of the wine.
