Randy Chandler
Mulled wine is a comforting, spiced beverage typically made with red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, and often sweetened with sugar or honey. It is a popular drink during the colder months and is usually served warm in mugs or glasses. When it comes to pairing mulled wine with cheese, it is important to consider the flavours of the wine and choose a cheese that will complement or enhance its taste. Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton are excellent choices as their salty and creamy characteristics pair well with the warm spices in mulled wine. Other suggested pairings include aged cheddar, comté, Wensleydale, and camembert.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Blue cheese, Cheddar, Camembert, Comte, Wensleydale, Cashew-based cheese, Gruyere, Brie, Gorgonzola, Danablu, Stilton, Roquefort |
| Cheese texture | Creamy, salty, nutty, buttery, smooth, mild, earthy, robust, mature, soft, full-bodied |
| Wine base | Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, California Zinfandel, Tempranillo, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Chignin-Bergeron, Adobe Syrah Reserva, red wine |
| Wine spices | Cinnamon, clove, ginger, peppercorns, cardamom, nutmeg, allspice berries, star anise |
| Wine flavour | Sweet, fruity, spicy, bold, aromatic, refreshing, crisp, dry, smooth, acidic, bitter |
| Wine temperature | Warm, not too hot, comfortable to sip |
| Wine glassware | Glass mugs with handles, special mulled wine glasses, thicker, sturdier glasses, festive mugs |
| Wine garnish | Cinnamon sticks, orange slices, berries |
| Other pairings | Fruits, mac and cheese, roasted nuts, dark chocolate, pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, bruschetta, fondue, pickled fish, crackers, ginger biscuits |
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What You'll Learn
Salty and creamy cheeses
When it comes to salty and creamy cheeses to serve with mulled wine, there are several options to choose from. The key is to look for cheeses that will complement the warm, bold, and spicy flavours of mulled wine, which is typically made with red wine infused with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and other spices, and often sweetened with sugar or honey.
Blue cheeses are an excellent choice to pair with mulled wine. Options such as Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Danablu, and Stilton have the salty and creamy characteristics that work well with the wine's spices. The earthiness of Gorgonzola, for instance, pairs nicely with mulled wines that use apple and orange, while the smoother, milder flavour of Roquefort can complement sweeter mulled wines with notes of cherry.
Other blue cheeses to consider include those with notes of ocean brine and cave mustiness, which can beautifully complement the smoky, tobacco flavours of fuller-bodied red wines that are often used for mulling. These rustic-style blue cheeses can be a wonderful contrast to the intense aromas of mulled wine.
Beyond blue cheeses, salty and creamy cheeses such as aged cheddar, comté, Wensleydale, and camembert are also excellent choices. Comté, a semi-hard, slightly grainy cheese with nuttiness, is especially recommended for lighter-bodied mulled wines that use a Pinot Noir or Tempranillo base. Its silky, savoury finish enhances the lighter, peppery profile of these wines.
When serving salty and creamy cheeses with mulled wine, consider the wine's spice profile and sweetness. The saltiness of the cheese will contrast with and enhance the wine's spices, while the creaminess will provide a pleasing textural element to the pairing. Remember to serve the mulled wine warm, but not too hot, in heat-resistant glasses or mugs to avoid cracking.
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Blue cheeses
Blue cheese is an excellent companion to mulled wine. The salty, savoury notes of blue cheese are a great match for the warm, spicy notes of mulled wine. Blue cheese can even take on greater complexity when paired with an intensely fragrant spice mix, which is often found in mulled wine.
When choosing a blue cheese to pair with mulled wine, consider the wine's flavours and spices. For example, a sweeter mulled wine with notes of cherry may pair better with a milder, buttery blue cheese like Roquefort. On the other hand, a mulled wine with apple and orange might be better suited to a more robust, earthy blue cheese like Gorgonzola.
Other blue cheeses that pair well with mulled wine include Danablu, Stilton, and Bleu Cheese. When choosing a blue cheese, look for those with notes of ocean brine and cave mustiness, as these flavours complement the smoky, tobacco notes often found in heavier red wines used for mulling.
If you're looking for a vegan option, cashew-based cheeses are also a great pairing with mulled wine.
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Vegan cheese options
For vegans, there are still plenty of cheese options to serve with mulled wine. Firstly, it is important to note that not all wines are vegan, so be sure to choose a vegan wine to serve with your vegan cheese.
Vegan cheeses that go well with mulled wine include those with a cashew nut base or some strong-flavoured vegan cheeses. A sophisticated option is to serve fig and goat vegan cheese crostini, which blends sweet and savoury flavours that harmonise beautifully with the spiced undertones of mulled wine. The creamy vegan goat cheese pairs well with the natural sweetness of figs, and a drizzle of honey or balsamic reduction can add extra depth of flavour.
Vegan baked brie, wrapped in puff pastry and topped with fruit preserves, is another indulgent vegan option that pairs well with the spiced warmth of mulled wine. The combination of creamy vegan cheese, buttery pastry, and sweet preserves enhances the flavours in the mulled wine, creating a harmonious experience for your guests.
Finally, a simple platter of roasted, salted nuts is always a good vegan option to serve with mulled wine.
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Seasonal fruits
When it comes to serving seasonal fruits with mulled wine, apples, oranges, pears, and cranberries are all excellent choices. These fruits not only complement the flavours of mulled wine but also evoke the spirit of the winter season.
Apples, for instance, can be a wonderful pairing with certain blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, which has a robust, earthy flavour profile that stands up nicely to the fruit's sweetness. Similarly, oranges can be a delightful addition, especially when paired with a sweeter mulled wine that has notes of cherry. The acidity in oranges can help balance the sweetness of the wine, creating a harmonious combination.
Pears also fall into the category of fruits that pair well with blue cheeses, particularly those with a softer, creamier texture. The sweetness of ripe pears can be a delightful contrast to the saltiness of the cheese, creating a dynamic flavour experience.
Cranberries, either in their fresh or dried form, can be a wonderful way to enhance the fruity notes in mulled wine. They add a touch of tartness and a beautiful colour to the occasion. Additionally, cranberries can be incorporated into dishes served alongside the mulled wine, such as a cranberry and cheese platter or even incorporated into baked goods like muffins or bread served alongside a cheese fondue.
When creating a seasonal fruit platter to accompany mulled wine and cheese, consider the types of cheeses being served. For blue cheeses, which pair wonderfully with mulled wine, fruits that complement their salty, pungent flavours are ideal. Apples, pears, and cranberries can all be excellent choices, with their sweetness providing a nice contrast to the saltiness of the cheese.
For milder, creamier cheeses, such as Camembert or Brie, consider fruits that will enhance their earthy notes. Cranberries, with their tartness, can be a lovely choice, as can oranges, which contribute a refreshing acidity.
In conclusion, when serving seasonal fruits with mulled wine and cheese, apples, oranges, pears, and cranberries are all excellent choices that can enhance the flavours of both the wine and the cheese. Consider the types of cheeses being served and choose fruits that will create a delightful contrast in flavours and textures, adding to the festive atmosphere of the occasion.
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Savoury festive snacks
When it comes to savoury festive snacks to serve with mulled wine, there are plenty of options to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Cheese
Cheese is a classic pairing with wine, and the right variety can complement the warm, spicy flavours of mulled wine perfectly. Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Danablu, and Stilton are excellent choices, as their salty, creamy, and earthy flavours go well with the spices in mulled wine. Other blue cheeses to consider include those with notes of ocean brine and cave mustiness, which pair beautifully with the smoky, tobacco notes found in some mulled wines. If you're looking for a vegan option, cashew-based cheese is also a great choice.
Savoury Nibbles
Savoury festive nibbles like pigs in blankets, sausage rolls (including vegetarian options), and simple bruschetta can also be a great match for mulled wine. The wine's spices can cut through the richness of these foods, creating a satisfying contrast.
Pickled Fish
If you're looking for something a little different, consider serving pickled fish with crackers. This is a traditional Swedish dish that goes well with the spices and flavours of mulled wine, also known as "glogg" in Sweden.
Bread
A simple yet effective pairing, bread can be a great way to enjoy the flavours of mulled wine. Whether it's a crusty baguette or a soft brioche, the warmth of the mulled wine will complement the savoury notes of the bread.
Roasted Nuts
Roasted nuts, especially salt-roasted varieties, are a delicious savoury snack to serve with mulled wine. The salty, smoky flavour of the nuts adds depth to the wine's spices, creating a complex and satisfying combination.
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Frequently asked questions
Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Danablu, and Stilton are excellent companions to mulled wine. The saltier and creamier the cheese, the better it will complement the wine.
The wine selection for mulling will play a part in which cheese you choose. For example, a mulled wine with apple and orange might pair well with a more robust, earthy cheese like Gorgonzola. A sweeter mulled wine with notes of cherry might be better with a milder, buttery cheese like Roquefort.
Savory snacks like pigs in blankets, sausage rolls, and bruschetta can pair well with mulled wine. Dark chocolate is another good option, as the bitterness of the chocolate complements the sweetness and spiciness of the drink. Seasonal fruits like apples, oranges, pears, and cranberries can also complement the flavors of mulled wine.
