The Perfect Pair: Red Wine And Cheese

Wine and cheese are a timeless pair, with endless combinations to explore. While red wine is the go-to for many, white wine is often a better match, especially when it comes to cheese. Red wine, especially full-bodied reds, can overpower most cheeses but there are some cheeses that pair well with red wine. In general, cheeses with high fat content and mild, nutty flavours pair well with tannic wines, while stinkier cheeses go well with sweeter wines. Here are some cheeses that go well with red wine:

Red wine and hard cheese

If you're looking for a Spanish pairing, try a Tempranillo with Idiazabal, a semi-hard, buttery, and smoky Spanish sheep's milk cheese. The full-bodied Tempranillo is a great combination with the harder texture of the Idiazabal, and the wine's tannins contrast with the cheese's buttery flavour. Another Spanish pairing is Rioja with Manchego. This classic combination is based on the adage "if it grows together, it goes together." The semi-hard Manchego pairs wonderfully with the quintessential Spanish wine, Rioja, which has booming tannins.

For a French option, try a Chianti Classico with Pecorino Toscano. The hard, aged texture of Pecorino Toscano pairs well with the booming tannins of a Chianti Classico. The wine's black fruit notes also stand up to the boldness of the cheese, while its savory secondary notes bring out a hidden herbal flavour in the cheese.

If you're looking for a lighter red, try a Pinot Noir with a medium-firm cheese like Gruyère. The red berry fruit notes in the wine are the perfect match for the nutty flavours in the cheese. Both have just the right amount of aroma and complexity without overpowering each other.

Red wine and soft cheese

However, some red wines can work well with soft cheeses. A soft, slightly sweet cheese like mozzarella, for example, pairs well with the zippy acidity of Pinot Grigio. Similarly, the delicate flavours and light to medium body of a Pinot Noir complement the soft-ripened cheese, Brie.

For younger, lighter, and fruitier soft cheeses, a light red wine like an old-world Pinot Noir, Schiava from Alto Adige, or Beaujolais is a good choice. Beaujolais, in particular, has light and bright, delicate red berry notes that are the perfect accompaniment to the brined Greek cheese Feta's sour twang and saltiness.

When it comes to pairing red wine and soft cheese, it's important to consider the weight and flavour profiles of both the wine and the cheese. A lighter, more delicate red wine will complement a softer, milder cheese, while a bolder, more full-bodied red wine might overpower it. Ultimately, there are no hard-and-fast rules when it comes to pairing red wine with soft cheese, and personal preference is key.

Red wine and blue cheese

When it comes to specific red wine and blue cheese combinations, there are a few famous pairings. Port and Stilton is a classic match. The bold, sweet character of Port is a good complement to the pungent and salty nature of Stilton. Another well-known pairing is Sauternes and Roquefort. The sweetness and acidity of Sauternes, one of the world's greatest dessert wines, contrast with the sharp and salty tang of Roquefort without being overwhelmed by it.

If you're looking for a more unconventional pairing, you can try a blue cheese and fresh fig salad with a smooth Italian white wine like a Gavi di Gavi. This wine would also work well with pasta or gnocchi with a blue cheese sauce. For a blue cheese-topped pizza, a southern Italian red like a Negroamaro or Nero d'Avola, or a Zinfandel would be a good choice.

If you're serving a burger or steak with blue cheese, a hearty red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec is a good option. However, it's important to note that medium-bodied red wines can be tricky with more pungent blue cheeses like Roquefort or Cabrales. They work better with more mellow varieties like Bleu d'Auvergne or Barkham Blue.

Red wine and sweet treats

Red wine and cheese is a classic combination, but it can be a little tricky to get right. The full-bodied nature of red wine means it can easily overpower most cheeses. However, when it comes to dessert, red wine can be a wonderful pairing with sweet treats, especially cheese.

Chocolate Fudge

Chocolate is a well-known pairing with red wine, and a chocolate cheese fudge is an indulgent twist on this classic. The rich, sweet, and indulgent notes of a Merlot, such as The Velvet Devil, are a perfect match for a chocolate cheese fudge. The wine's bold character and velvety texture complement the fudge's sweetness, creating a balanced and decadent experience.

Blue Cheese

Blue cheese is a strong and pungent cheese that demands a sweet wine to counterbalance its sharp and salty flavours. Port wine, known for its sweetness and bold character, is an ideal pairing. The thick, dessert-like quality of Port stands up to the intensity of the blue cheese, creating an interesting and unique flavour combination. For a lighter option, a sweet German or Austrian late-harvest wine can also be a good match.

Aged Gouda

Aged Gouda has a robust, nutty, and caramelized flavour that pairs well with a full-bodied red wine. A Cabernet Sauvignon is a great choice to stand up to the cheese's bold character. Its dark berry notes and tannic structure create a wonderful contrast to the cheese's sweetness, resulting in a harmonious and indulgent pairing.

Red Wine and Fruit

When creating a dessert cheese board, it's important to remember that fresh and dried fruits can also be a part of the equation. Dried fruits such as apricots and figs, as well as fresh apples, can be excellent accompaniments to both the cheese and the wine. These fruits can help cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the cheese and wine.

Ricotta Cheese

Ricotta cheese is sweet and spoonable, with a creamy texture. It pairs beautifully with a refreshing and fruity German Riesling. The wine's crisp fruit notes and acidity complement the cheese's sweetness, creating a delightful and unexpected combination.

Final Thoughts

While these suggestions provide a starting point, it's important to remember that personal preference is key. Experimentation is encouraged, as there are endless combinations to explore and discover.

Red wine and snacks

Red wine and cheese are a timeless pair, but it can be a little daunting to decide which wine to choose for which cheese. Red wine, especially full-bodied reds, can overpower all but the most robust of cheeses. So, when it comes to red wine and snacks, it's best to opt for semi-firm, firm, and aged hard cheeses. Here are some specific examples of red wine and cheese pairings:

Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar

The bold, mouth-drying tannins of a Cabernet Sauvignon stand up to the sharpness of aged cheddar, with its fatty mouthfeel.

Malbec and Aged Gouda

The velvety fruit and bold character of a Malbec complement the rich, nutty, caramelized flavours of aged Gouda.

Rioja and Manchego

This classic Spanish combination sees the booming tannins of the Rioja stand up to the hard, aged texture of the Manchego, while the wine's savoury secondary notes bring out a hidden herbal flavour in the cheese.

Pinot Noir and Gruyère

The red berry fruit notes of a Pinot Noir are the perfect match for the nutty flavours of a medium-firm cheese like Gruyère. Both have just the right amount of aroma and complexity without overpowering the other.

Beaujolais and Jarlsberg

The fruity, light, and bright Beaujolais pairs well with the salty, savoury notes of Jarlsberg.

In addition to these cheeses, other semi-firm, firm, and aged hard cheeses that can pair well with red wine include aged Manchego, aged Pecorino, and other similar cow, goat, or sheep milk cheeses.

When serving a cheeseboard with red wine, it is also common to include some dried fruit, nuts, bread, or crackers. These can help bridge any imperfections in the wine and cheese pairing.

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