Randy Chandler
Wensleydale is a crumbly, creamy, and iconic cheese from the Yorkshire region of England. It is a staple in many British households and has a rich history, dating back to the 12th century when it was made with sheep's milk by French Cistercian monks. Over time, the recipe evolved and Wensleydale is now predominantly made with cow's milk in creameries across the United Kingdom. The cheese has a distinctive flavour and texture, ranging from nutty and buttermilky to fresh and crumbly. So, what goes well with Wensleydale cheese? The options are endless! From sweet to savoury, Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that pairs well with fresh fruit, fruit pies, crackers, chutney, cured meats, and more. It is also a popular choice for a Christmas cheeseboard, especially when paired with festive flavours like cranberries or apricots.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Firm, moist, flaky, crumbly, supple, open, creamy, sweet, mild, tart, nutty, buttermilky, fresh, honey, grassy, natural, wholesome, clean |
| Aroma | Honey, slightly citric, fresh grass |
| Taste | Wholesome milky sweetness, slightly sour, nutty, buttermilk, fresh, honey aftertaste |
| Colour | Rich ivory |
| Type of milk | Cow's milk |
| Food pairings | Sweet apples, cranberries, apricots, fruit cake, Christmas cake, fruit pies, crumbles, bitter beers, crisp whites, fruity reds, IPAs, fruit-infused beers, porters, dark winter beers, white wines (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Viognier, Chenin Blanc), reds (e.g. Pinot Noir, Beaujolais/Gamay Noir, Pinotage, Grenache, Zinfandel) |
What You'll Learn
Wensleydale with cranberries
Wensleydale is a classic English cheese, known for its creamy and crumbly texture and light, zesty flavours. It is a particularly good match for sweeter foods, such as sweet apples, and is often served with fruit cake or Christmas cake in Yorkshire and North East England.
Wensleydale and cranberries is a popular combination, blending the sweetness of cranberries with the zesty notes of traditional Wensleydale. The subtle honey undertones of the cheese enhance its creamy texture, making it a delightful experience. This variety is made by the Wensleydale Creamery, who have paired the cheese with various fruits to enhance its unique taste.
The Wensleydale Creamery is the only company in the world still making Wensleydale to the original recipe, which dates back to the 11th century when it was first made by monks in the north of England.
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Wensleydale and beer
If you're serving flavoured Wensleydale, different types of beer will complement the cheese. For example, the Wensleydale Creamery offers a festive cranberry Wensleydale during the holidays, which pairs well with porters and dark winter beers. Apricot Wensleydale is another popular variation that could be enjoyed with a refreshing beer.
When creating a cheeseboard, it's important to consider the different textures and flavours of the cheeses and how they will pair with your chosen beverage. Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a cheeseboard, and its unique flavour and texture make it a great choice to pair with a variety of beers.
In addition to beer, Wensleydale cheese is often enjoyed with fruit. In Yorkshire and North East England, the cheese is traditionally eaten with fruit cake or Christmas cake. The sweetness of the fruit complements the slight tanginess of the cheese. Wensleydale is also delicious when paired with fresh fruit, such as crisp apples, and fruit pies or crumbles.
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Wensleydale and wine
Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many types of wine. The cheese's mild, slightly sweet and nutty flavour, and crumbly, flaky texture make it a great match for both white and red wines.
When it comes to white wines, a crisp and dry Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Gewürztraminer can complement the cheese's sweetness without overwhelming its delicate flavour. For those who prefer something a little more full-bodied, a Chardonnay or Viognier will also work well. The crispness of these wines will cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
If you're more of a red wine drinker, a fruity Pinot Noir or Beaujolais/Gamay Noir is an excellent choice. The low tannin content and bright fruit notes in these wines will enhance the nuttiness of the Wensleydale without overpowering its more subtle flavours. For something a little bolder, a Grenache or Zinfandel will also pair nicely with the cheese, as their higher alcohol content can stand up to the richness of Wensleydale without overwhelming it.
When creating a cheese and wine pairing, it's important to consider the weight and flavour intensity of both the cheese and the wine. The key is to look for complementary or contrasting flavours that will enhance each other. In the case of Wensleydale, its mild and slightly sweet nature makes it a versatile pairing option, allowing you to choose a wine that suits your personal preference.
So, whether you opt for a crisp white or a fruity red, Wensleydale cheese is sure to be a delightful companion, offering a tasty glimpse into the historic cheesemaking traditions of northern England.
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Wensleydale with fruit
Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that pairs well with various fruits, making it a delicious and refreshing option for a cheeseboard or dessert. Here are some ideas for combining Wensleydale with fruit for a delightful culinary experience:
Apples
A crisp apple is a classic pairing with Wensleydale, providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy, crumbly cheese. The sweetness of the apple complements the slight tanginess of the cheese, creating a harmonious flavour combination. It is said that eating apple pie without Wensleydale cheese is like "a kiss without a hug"!
Fruit Cake
In Yorkshire and North East England, Wensleydale is traditionally enjoyed with fruit cake or Christmas cake. The rich, moist cheese balances the sweetness of the cake, creating a delightful flavour combination. This pairing is especially popular during the festive season, adding a touch of indulgence to the holiday celebrations.
Cranberries
Cranberry Wensleydale is a popular variation of the cheese, combining the creamy, flaky texture of Wensleydale with the tangy sweetness of cranberries. This pairing is a festive favourite, often enjoyed during the holiday season. It pairs well with porters and dark winter beers, creating a cosy and indulgent treat.
Apricots
Apricot Wensleydale is another delightful variation, blending the sweetness of apricots with the creamy, nutty flavour of the cheese. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness with their cheese, and it makes for a beautiful presentation on a cheeseboard.
Autumn Fruits
For a seasonal twist, pair Wensleydale with autumn fruits such as pears, grapes, or dried fruits like figs. The natural sweetness of the fruit complements the mild, nutty flavour of the cheese, creating a delightful harmony of flavours. This combination is perfect for a cosy autumn evening, enjoyed in front of a crackling fireplace.
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Wensleydale with cured meat
Wensleydale is a style of cheese that was originally produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. It has a creamy, crumbly texture and a rich flavour. Its unique characteristics make it a perfect pairing with cured meats. Here are some suggestions and tips for combining Wensleydale with cured meat:
Wensleydale and Streaky Bacon
The salty, savoury flavour of streaky bacon makes it an ideal companion to Wensleydale cheese. Look for dry-cured streaky bacon, which ensures no shrinkage while frying and provides the crispiest texture. You can fry or bake the bacon, but baking it in the oven first and then sandwiching it between thick, buttered bread will create a delightful contrast of flavours and textures.
Wensleydale and Salami
Salami, a cured sausage, often made from beef or pork, offers a variety of flavours that can complement Wensleydale. Opt for a salami with a hint of sweetness or a mild variety to avoid overwhelming the cheese's delicate flavour. Salami's chewy texture also provides a nice contrast to the crumbly nature of Wensleydale.
Wensleydale and Prosciutto
Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham, is known for its delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and savoury flavour. When paired with Wensleydale, it creates a harmonious combination. The slight sweetness and nuttiness of the cheese balance the saltiness of the prosciutto. This pairing is best enjoyed as a simple charcuterie board or as part of a larger platter with fresh fruits and crackers.
Wensleydale and Cured Meats Charcuterie Board
Creating a charcuterie board with Wensleydale as the star attraction is a wonderful way to showcase its versatility. In addition to the cured meats mentioned above, consider adding some sliced dry-cured chorizo, pepperoni, or capicola to the board. Include some sweet elements, such as fresh or dried fruits, jams, or honey, to complement the slight sweetness of the cheese. A variety of crackers, breads, and nuts will also enhance the overall presentation and flavour profile.
Remember, when pairing Wensleydale with cured meats, look for those that will balance the cheese's creamy texture and rich, slightly sweet flavour. The savoury, salty nature of cured meats can provide a delightful contrast, creating a delicious and satisfying culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many foods and drinks. It is often consumed as a dessert cheese, especially when blended with fruits such as cranberries and apricots. It also goes well with cured meat, fruit pies, crumbles, bitter beers, crisp whites, and fruity reds.
IPAs, porters, and dark winter beers are great choices for Wensleydale, as the bitterness of these beers cuts through the creaminess and slight sweetness of the cheese.
White wines generally match best with Wensleydale, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Chenin Blanc. However, as Wensleydale is quite a mild cheese, most reds will also pair well, especially fruitier, lower-tannin options like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais/Gamay Noir, and Grenache.
Wensleydale is often enjoyed with fruitcake, apple pie, cured meat, berries, dried apricots, grapes, and pear slices. It can also be crumbled over a leafy salad or melted into pasta dishes.
Wensleydale is a popular English cheese with a distinctive, mildly tangy flavour and a dry, crumbly texture. Its versatility makes it a great choice for pairings, as it can be enjoyed with both sweet and savoury foods and drinks.
