Bushra Griffith
Chilean Carménère is a medium to full-bodied red wine with abundant flavours of plum, cherry, and pepper. It is known to be a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide range of foods. When it comes to cheese, Carménère calls for bold flavours. A good option is cheddar with added black pepper or spice. Another option is to pair it with blue cheese, as part of a bacon-wrapped fig appetizer.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese pairings | Cheddar with added black pepper or spice, blue cheese |
| Cheese types | Bold flavours |
| Cheese dishes | Bacon-wrapped figs with blue cheese, charcuterie board with green olives and cheese |
Explore related products
$1.78
What You'll Learn
Cheddar with black pepper or spice
The wine's earthy, savoury, and meaty notes also make it a good match for cheddar with spice. Carménère's notes of smoke, earth, mocha, tar, and gaminess will be balanced by the spice in the cheese. The wine's fruity notes of black cherry and blackberry will shine through, creating a delightful contrast with the spiced cheddar.
When pairing Carménère with cheddar with black pepper or spice, consider the weight of the wine and choose foods with similarly intense flavours. Carménère is a medium-bodied wine, so it pairs best with dishes that are not too delicate or overly fatty. The wine's low tannin content makes it a good match for cheddar, as the cheese's fat content will not be overwhelmed.
In terms of specific cheeses, a mature or sharp cheddar with black pepper or spice would be a good choice. The bold flavours of the cheese will complement the wine's complex flavour profile. A cheddar with a hint of spice, such as cumin or coriander, could also be a interesting pairing, as these spices are found in many dishes that pair well with Carménère, such as Indian curries and Mexican mole sauce.
Overall, cheddar with black pepper or spice is a bold and intense pairing that will complement the fruity, spicy, and earthy notes of Carménère. The cheese's fat content and intense flavours will not be overwhelmed by the wine's moderate tannins and intense flavour profile. This pairing is a great way to enhance the tasting experience of both the wine and the cheese.
The Perfect Cheese Pairing for Riesling Wines
You may want to see also
Blue cheese with bacon-wrapped figs
Carménère is a medium to full-bodied red wine with a herbal edge, making it a versatile match for a wide range of foods. It has a good tannic structure, which pairs well with grilled meats. Its green, slightly herbaceous character makes it a surprisingly good match for fish and dishes flavoured with herbs.
To make this dish, preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the stems from the figs and cut a slit about halfway down. Crumble the blue cheese and stuff it into the slit in the fig, using about half a teaspoon. Wrap each fig with half a slice of bacon and secure it with a toothpick. Place the figs on a baking sheet with the seam side of the bacon facing down and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.
For added flavour, you can brush the figs with a bourbon glaze before broiling them for about four minutes. Sprinkle with coarse sea salt, if desired, and serve warm. You can also experiment with different types of blue cheese to find your preferred balance of flavours.
Cheese for the Perfect Queso Dip
You may want to see also
Charcuterie board with green olives and dried meats
A charcuterie board is a fun and easy way to entertain guests. The usual term "charcuterie board" refers to an assortment of meats paired with different cheeses, crackers, fruits, nuts, dips, and sauces.
When creating a charcuterie board with green olives and dried meats, consider the following:
Meats
Cured meats are the typical choice for a charcuterie board, and some examples include prosciutto, salami, chorizo, and summer sausage. If you want to offer a variety of textures, you can include both dry-cured meats like salami and wet-cured meats like ham.
Cheeses
Offer a variety of cheeses with different textures and flavours. Soft cheeses like brie, goat cheese, triple cream, and blue cheese are great options. Harder cheeses like old cheddars and gouda can also be included. Don't forget to provide cheese knives for your guests!
Olives
Green olives are a great choice for a charcuterie board and can be paired with other types of olives for variety. Consider using small bowls to hold the olives and placing them on the board first before layering in the rest of the ingredients.
Other Pairings
Nuts, such as almonds, pistachios, and candied pecans, can add a nice crunch to your board. Dried fruits like apricots, cherries, and figs can also be included to complement the salty flavours of the meats and cheeses. Consider adding some fresh fruits like grapes or berries for a refreshing element.
Presentation
There's no right or wrong way to display a charcuterie board, but it's important to fill up the board to make it look visually appealing. Layer the ingredients around the olive bowls, creating little piles of each element. Don't forget to include some crackers or bread, as well as small plates and napkins, and serving utensils for your guests.
Wine Pairing
If you're looking to pair a wine with your charcuterie board, a medium to full-bodied red wine like Carménère can be a great choice. With its notes of green bell pepper and herbs, Carménère pairs well with cured meats and cheeses. It is also lower in acidity and tannin, making it a good match for the low-fat meats and cheeses typically found on a charcuterie board.
Cheeses to Relieve GERD: Best Types and Tips
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$1.84
Goat cheese
Flavour and Intensity:
Texture:
The texture of the goat cheese also plays a role in the pairing. Carmenère has a smooth and velvety mouthfeel due to its tannins. Look for a goat cheese that has a similar creamy texture, such as a soft and spreadable chèvre. This will create a harmonious sensory experience, with the creaminess of the cheese complementing the smoothness of the wine.
Accompaniments:
Consider the accompaniments you will serve with the goat cheese. Carmenère pairs well with herbs, especially those with herbaceous notes like basil, parsley, oregano, and coriander. You could incorporate these herbs into a cheese dish, such as a goat cheese and herb spread or a warm goat cheese salad with a herb-based dressing. The herbal notes will accentuate the herbal nuances in the wine.
Flavoured Goat Cheese:
Experiment with flavoured goat cheeses to find complementary flavours with Carmenère. For example, a goat cheese infused with black pepper or spice can be an intriguing match for the wine's smoky and peppery characteristics. The warmth of black pepper and the subtle heat of spices can highlight similar notes in the wine, creating a cohesive tasting experience.
Other Considerations:
While goat cheese can be a delightful pairing with Carmenère, it is important to remember that this wine also excels with certain meat dishes. If you plan to serve goat cheese as part of a larger meal that includes meat, ensure the meat is lean and not overly fatty. Grilled meats, such as lamb or beef, can be excellent choices, as the smoky flavours from the grill will mirror the smoky notes in the wine.
Red Wine and Cheese: Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Any bold, spicy cheese
Carménère is a medium-bodied red wine with herbal, smoky, earthy, and savoury notes. It is relatively light in tannins for a red wine, so it can still be paired with some white fish or shellfish, like tuna or salmon steak. However, it is best paired with meaty and not overly fatty dishes, like lamb, beef, or pork. It also goes well with grilled vegetables, especially eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
When it comes to cheese, Carménère calls for bold, spicy flavours. Here are some suggestions for bold, spicy cheeses to pair with Carménère:
- Black pepper cheddar: The spiciness of the cheese will complement the wine's smoky and black pepper undertones.
- Blue cheese: Try wrapping figs in bacon and combining them with blue cheese for a delicious pairing. Blue cheese can also be included in a charcuterie board, along with meats, olives, and other cheeses.
- Spicy gouda: Gouda already has a strong, distinctive flavour, but a spicy variety will really sing alongside a glass of Carménère.
- Pepper jack: This semi-soft cheese is similar to Monterey Jack but with spicy peppers added, making it a great match for Carménère's spice notes.
Remember, when pairing wine and cheese, it's essential to consider the weight and flavour intensity of both the wine and the cheese. Carménère, being medium-bodied, pairs best with cheeses that have similar flavour intensity. Also, consider the other foods you may be enjoying with the wine and cheese, as you want the flavours to complement each other.
Cheese and Soup: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Carmenère is a medium-bodied red wine with herbal, smoky, and earthy flavours. It pairs best with bold, spicy, and meaty dishes. Therefore, when it comes to cheese, opt for bold-flavoured cheeses such as cheddar with added black pepper or spice, or blue cheese.
Some other food pairings with Carmenère include:
- Lamb with herbs and mushrooms
- Grilled meats such as sirloin steak, beef skewers, and chicken
- Tuna steak
- Grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers
- Spicy lentil curries
- Mexican dishes like tacos, burritos, and mole sauce
- Chilean dishes like beef empanadas and pastel de choclo
Carmenère is a red wine that is lower in acidity and tannin compared to other red wines. It is known for its fruitiness, with notes of plum, black cherry, and blackberry, balanced by savoury herbal, mocha, tar, and earthy flavours. It is often consumed young, but oaked versions can age up to 10 years.
