Cheese And Gavi: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Wine and cheese is a classic pairing, and Gavi is no exception when it comes to finding a suitable cheese to accompany it. Gavi is a white wine from the Piedmont region of Italy, known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities. When it comes to cheese, Gavi is a versatile choice and pairs well with a variety of options. From fresh cheeses like ricotta and mozzarella to creamy, bloomy-rind cheeses like Brie and Camembert, Gavi's crisp acidity and subtle notes complement a range of flavours and textures. For those who enjoy a sparkling Gavi, known as Gavi Spumante, the pairing options expand even further, as the bubbles help to cleanse the palate between bites of cheese. Whether you're planning a wine and cheese party or simply indulging in a post-dinner cheese course, Gavi is a wonderful choice to accompany a variety of cheeses.

Fresh cheeses and Gavi

Fresh cheeses are smooth, high in moisture, dense, and meant to be eaten soon after they are made. This category includes cheeses like ricotta, fresh Greek Mizithra, Fromage blanc, cream cheese, Neufchatel, and mozzarella.

When it comes to wine pairings, fresh cheeses typically go well with whites because they are not tannic, so the wine doesn't overpower the texture of the cheese. However, an intense cheese could overpower a delicate white wine. For fresh cheeses, you should opt for a crisp white, a dry rosé, or sparkling wines. If you choose a red wine, it should be low in tannins and light-bodied so it doesn't overwhelm the delicate fresh cheeses.

• Barbera
• Moscato d’Asti
• Arneis
• Still or sparkling Gavi
• Erbaluce di Caluso
• Favorita
• Nascetta

Now, let's talk about Gavi wine and its pairing with fresh cheeses. Gavi wine is produced in the Piedmont region of Italy and is known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing characteristics. It typically has notes of citrus, green apple, and mineral flavours. When pairing Gavi with fresh cheeses, you want to look for cheeses that will complement the wine's crisp and refreshing profile.

Some suggested pairings for Gavi wine with fresh cheeses include:

• Ricotta: The lightness and freshness of ricotta can complement the crispness of Gavi.
• Fresh Mozzarella: Mozzarella's mild and creamy flavour can be a nice match for Gavi's refreshing profile.
• Cream Cheese: The tanginess of cream cheese can provide a nice contrast to the crisp and dry characteristics of Gavi.
• Fromage Blanc: This fresh cheese is similar to a mild goat cheese and can pair well with the citrus and mineral notes found in Gavi.

Gavi with aged cheeses

Gavi is a white wine from the Piedmont region in Italy. It is known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities, with citrus and green apple notes. When it comes to pairing Gavi with aged cheeses, here are some suggestions to elevate your tasting experience:

Gavi with Hard, Aged Cheeses

Hard, aged cheeses are low in moisture and have strong, complex flavour profiles. The ageing process intensifies the flavours and gives them a nutty and savory character. Examples of such cheeses include aged Cheddar, aged Piave, Bra Duro, Parmigiano Reggiano, Pecorino, aged Gouda, and Comté. When paired with Gavi, the crisp and dry characteristics of the wine can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich and savoury notes of these cheeses. The acidity and fruitiness of Gavi can also help to balance the saltiness often found in aged cheeses.

Gavi Spumante with Washed Rind Cheeses

For creamy, decadent cheeses with a soft rind, such as Brie, Camembert, Robiola, Taleggio, or Morbier, a Gavi Spumante is an excellent choice. The light-bodied nature of Gavi Spumante ensures that its aromas don't compete with the strong flavours of these cheeses. The bubbles in the Spumante help cleanse the palate, making it a perfect match for the creamy and indulgent textures of washed rind cheeses.

Gavi with Semi-Soft and Medium-Aged Cheeses

Gavi's versatility also extends to semi-soft and medium-aged cheeses. This category includes cheeses like Havarti, Emmental, Gruyere, young Cheddar, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Edam, young Piave, Bra Tenero, and Fontina. The medium-bodied nature of Gavi allows it to complement the diverse flavours of these cheeses without overwhelming them. The fruity notes in Gavi can also enhance the tasting experience, creating a delightful harmony of flavours.

Gavi with Blue Cheeses

When it comes to pungent and salty blue cheeses, Gavi's acidity and freshness can provide a delightful contrast. Blue cheeses like Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Blu del Moncenisio, or Bleu d'Auvergne have intense flavours and a characteristic blue or green mould. The sweetness of Gavi can help balance the saltiness of these cheeses, while its crispness can refresh the palate after each savoury bite.

Gavi with blue cheeses

Gavi, a white wine from Piedmont, Italy, is known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities, with citrus and green apple notes. When it comes to pairing Gavi with blue cheeses, here are some suggestions to elevate your tasting experience:

Gavi and Blue Cheese Pairing

The key to pairing Gavi with blue cheese is to find a balance between the crisp acidity of the wine and the rich, pungent flavours of the cheese. Blue cheeses, such as Stilton, Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Bleu d'Auvergne, are known for their intense flavours and salty, pungent notes. These cheeses are created by injecting cultures like penicillium glaucum roqueforti or penicillium candidum, resulting in their characteristic blue or green moulds.

When pairing Gavi with blue cheeses, consider the following:

• Sweet and Salty: Blue cheeses often have a salty characteristic, and Gavi's crisp dryness can help balance and complement this saltiness. Look for slightly sweeter styles of Gavi that can contrast and refresh the palate after each bite of the salty blue cheese.
• Acidity and Intensity: Gavi is known for its high acidity, which can help cut through the richness and intensity of blue cheeses. The wine's crispness and freshness will prevent the cheese's strong flavours from overwhelming the wine.
• Bubbles for Balance: If you're looking for a more adventurous pairing, consider a Gavi Spumante, which is a sparkling version of Gavi. The bubbles in a sparkling wine can help cleanse the palate, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, salty, and intense flavours of blue cheese.
• Aging and Complexity: When pairing Gavi with aged blue cheeses, consider the complexity that aging brings to both the wine and the cheese. Aged blue cheeses tend to have more intense flavours, so look for an older vintage of Gavi that has also developed complex characteristics over time.
• Regional Pairing: Opt for blue cheeses that originate from the Piedmont region, as Gavi is a Piedmontese wine. This regional pairing can create a harmonious combination, as the flavours and aromas of the wine and cheese will likely share similar terroir influences.

In summary, when pairing Gavi with blue cheeses, look for a balance between the crisp acidity of the wine and the rich, salty, and intense flavours of the cheese. Consider slightly sweeter styles of Gavi to contrast with the saltiness of the cheese, and don't be afraid to explore sparkling Gavi or older vintages for added complexity. Remember, the key to successful wine and cheese pairings is to find a balance between complementary and contrasting elements that elevate the tasting experience.

Gavi with soft rind cheeses

Gavi is a white wine from Piedmont, Italy, that is known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities. When it comes to pairing Gavi with soft rind cheeses, the key is to look for cheeses that complement the wine's characteristics while also offering some contrast to create a well-rounded and enjoyable tasting experience.

Soft rind cheeses, also known as bloomy or washed rind cheeses, are known for their creamy texture and decadent flavour. Examples of these cheeses include Brie, Camembert, Robiola, Taleggio, and Morbier. When pairing Gavi with these cheeses, it is important to choose a wine that will not overpower their delicate flavours.

The ideal Gavi for pairing with soft rind cheeses is a still or sparkling Gavi, known as Gavi Spumante. This wine has a light body and a crisp, dry profile that will complement the creaminess of the cheese without overwhelming it. The bubbles in the sparkling variety also help to cleanse the palate, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese.

When serving Gavi with soft rind cheeses, it is recommended to choose cheeses that are fresh and of high quality. Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving to fully appreciate its flavour and texture. Accompany the cheese with some fresh fruit, crackers, or bread to enhance the tasting experience and provide a neutral base for the flavours of the wine and cheese to shine through.

In terms of specific pairings, Brie or Camembert with Gavi Spumante is a classic combination that showcases the best of both the wine and the cheese. The light, crisp Gavi cuts through the rich, creamy cheese, while the bubbles provide a refreshing contrast. For a more adventurous pairing, try a Robiola, Taleggio, or Morbier cheese with Gavi Spumante, as the wine's acidity will balance the slightly stronger flavours of these cheeses.

Gavi with semi-soft cheeses

Gavi is a white wine from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is known for its crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities, with citrus and green apple notes. When it comes to pairing Gavi with semi-soft cheeses, there are several options to consider.

Semi-soft cheeses include a wide range of varieties such as Havarti, Emmental, Gruyere, young Cheddar, Manchego, Monterey Jack, Edam, young Piave, Bra tenero, and Fontina. These cheeses have a firmer texture and more pronounced flavour compared to fresh, young cheeses, but they are not as intense as hard-aged cheeses.

When pairing Gavi with semi-soft cheeses, it is recommended to choose medium-bodied white wines or fruity red wines. The broad category of semi-soft cheeses allows for a diverse range of wine pairings. For white wine options, Arneis and Nascetta are two varieties that will complement the cheeses well. Arneis, a white wine from the Piedmont region, is known for its crisp, dry, and slightly fruity characteristics, making it a good match for the mild flavours of semi-soft cheeses. Nascetta, another Piedmontese white wine, offers a more full-bodied and aromatic profile that can stand up to the stronger flavours of some semi-soft cheeses.

If you prefer a red wine pairing, Ruché is an excellent choice for milder semi-soft cheeses. Its light and fruity characteristics will not overwhelm the cheeses' flavours. For herbed or smoked semi-soft cheeses, Dolcetto is a perfect match. This red wine from Piedmont has bright fruit flavours and a hint of spice that will enhance the cheeses' savoury notes.

In addition to Arneis, Nascetta, Ruché, and Dolcetto, there are a few other wine options that can pair well with semi-soft cheeses. Barbera, Freisa, and Asti Spumante are all worth considering. These wines offer a range of flavours and characteristics that can complement the diverse profiles of semi-soft cheeses.

When in doubt, remember that a sparkling white wine, such as Gavi Spumante, pairs well with almost any cheese. The acidity and nutty notes of sparkling wines make them versatile enough to match both fresh and aged cheeses, providing a refreshing contrast to the richness of semi-soft varieties.

Frequently asked questions