Patrick Oconnell
When it comes to wine and cheese, there is no better gourmet gift. Pinot Grigio is a light, refreshing wine with subtle flavours and aromas that can be easily overpowered. It is a versatile wine, however, and can be paired with numerous foods, including cheese. But what is the best cheese to pair with this delicate wine?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese Type | Sweet, soft, and mild cheeses made from cow's or sheep's milk |
| Cheese Flavour | Subtle aromas and flavours |
| Cheese Texture | Creamy |
| Cheese Examples | Goat cheese, mozzarella, feta, pecorino |
| Dish Type | Light, fresh, mild |
| Dish Flavour | Delicate, simple, subtle |
| Dish Examples | Salads, seafood, chicken, pasta |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat's cheese, mozzarella and feta are fresh cheeses that can be paired with pinot grigio
- Avoid sharp cheddar and pungent stilton. Opt for mild, sweet and soft cheeses
- Salads with vinaigrettes and vegetables like tomatoes and basil are great pairings
- Seafood and shellfish are excellent choices, but avoid fishier options
- Meat like chicken and pork chops are good, but avoid heavy meats
Goat's cheese, mozzarella and feta are fresh cheeses that can be paired with pinot grigio
When it comes to cheese, Pinot Grigio is best paired with fresh cheeses like goat's cheese, mozzarella, and feta. These cheeses are young and white and generally go well with crisp, dry white wines. The high acidity and minerality of Pinot Grigio cut through the fat of these cheeses, creating a refreshing, palate-cleansing effect.
Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is a versatile cheese that pairs well with many wines, including Pinot Grigio. It is a classic pairing with Sauvignon Blanc, but the precise identity of either the wine or the cheese is not crucial. For example, you could pair a New Zealand cheese with a Sancerre, or a Crottin de Chavignol with a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc. Grilled goat's cheese also works well with a very light soft red or a Rosé d'Anjou. Fruitier wines may be a better match if the cheese is rolled in ash. However, it is recommended to avoid oaky wines as they show less of the acidity and minerality that work so well with goat's cheese.
Mozzarella is another fresh cheese that can be paired with Pinot Grigio. It is a soft, mild cheese made from cow's milk, which will bring out the sweet, mellow notes in the wine.
Feta is also a young, white cheese that pairs well with crisp, dry whites. It has a tangy flavour that works well with wines that have their own fresh acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
When pairing cheese with Pinot Grigio, it is important to remember that the wine has subtle flavours and aromas that can be easily overpowered by robust flavours. Therefore, it is best to avoid sharp Cheddars and pungent Stiltons, and instead choose sweet, soft, and mild cheeses.
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Avoid sharp cheddar and pungent stilton. Opt for mild, sweet and soft cheeses
When it comes to cheese pairings with Pinot Grigio, it's best to avoid sharp Cheddars and pungent Stiltons. These strong cheeses can overwhelm the subtle flavours and aromas of the wine. Instead, opt for mild, sweet and soft cheeses that complement the wine's delicate, neutral characteristics.
Younger, softer cow's milk cheeses, such as brie, camembert, gruyère and burrata, are excellent choices. These mild cheeses have subtle aromas that won't overpower the wine. They also pair well with the sweet, mellow notes in the Pinot Grigio, creating a delightful taste experience. Sheep's milk cheeses, such as Manchego, marinated feta and pecorino, are also wonderful options. The acidity in the wine cuts through the fat of these cheeses, providing a refreshing, palate-cleansing effect.
When creating a cheese plate to pair with Pinot Grigio, it's important to keep the selections light and fresh. Avoid heavy, strong-flavoured cheeses, as well as overly salty or sugary snacks. Instead, choose cheeses that will enhance the wine's delicate flavours. This might include a fresh goat cheese, mozzarella or feta, which can provide a nice contrast to the wine's acidity.
In general, Pinot Grigio is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of light, fresh meals. Salads, seafood and simply prepared pasta dishes are all excellent choices. The wine's bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes make it a perfect match for summery grilled vegetables and pan-seared white fish. Its delicate nature also makes it a great choice for crab cakes, oysters and grilled sea bass.
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Salads with vinaigrettes and vegetables like tomatoes and basil are great pairings
Salads with vinaigrettes are a great pairing with Pinot Grigio. The wine's citrus fruit flavours complement the vinaigrette, creating a harmonious dining experience. For example, a mixed green salad with arugula, spinach, and a light lemon juice vinaigrette pairs well with the lively edge of Pinot Grigio. The wine's acidity and fruit notes complement the salad's cool crispness. Serving the wine chilled further enhances this effect.
When it comes to vegetables, grilled zucchini, charred eggplant, blistered tomatoes, and asparagus are all excellent choices to pair with Pinot Grigio. The wine's light body and crisp finish complement the smoky flavours from the grill, making each bite more delightful. Vegetable-based dishes, particularly those with tomatoes and basil, are great with Italian Pinot Grigio. The wine's zingy flavours intensify the inherent qualities of these ingredients. The wine's fruit characteristics harmonize with the tomatoes' natural sweetness.
Salads with fruits like ripe pear or apples can also find an excellent partner in Pinot Grigio. The wine's inherent green apple and pear notes create a unified taste experience. For example, a pear and walnut salad topped with goat cheese pairs wonderfully with Pinot Grigio, as the wine's acidity contrasts the cheese's richness and the pear's sweetness.
In general, salads and vinaigrettes are a great pairing with Pinot Grigio because they are light and fresh, which complements the wine's delicate and neutral characteristics. The wine's pleasant flavour makes it perfect for gatherings with friends and family, as it can enhance the flavours of the food without overwhelming them.
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Seafood and shellfish are excellent choices, but avoid fishier options
Seafood and shellfish are excellent choices to pair with a glass of Pinot Grigio. The wine's light, bright, and zippy acidity make it a killer match with a variety of seafood, from crab cakes to grilled sea bass. The key is to stick to more delicate foods and avoid anything too heavy or heavily spiced, as these will likely overshadow the wine.
Shellfish and scallops are excellent choices when pairing with Pinot Grigio, as anything with a soft and crisp consistency is a good bet. Crab cakes, oysters, and grilled sea bass are also delicious options. For a simple, classic pairing, consider shrimp. The natural sweetness of the shrimp will be enhanced by the wine's acidity.
If you're looking for a heartier option, consider a dish like chicken piccata. The wine's hints of citrus will lift the dish, adding to the lemon flavors already present. The acidity of the wine will also balance out the richness of the dish, creating a well-rounded and tasty meal.
When it comes to preparation, consider a light pan-sear for your seafood or shellfish. A knob of butter, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon juice will enhance the natural flavors of the dish and complement the wine perfectly. Keep in mind that Pinot Grigio has subtle flavors and aromas that can be easily overpowered by robust flavors, so simplicity is key when creating pairings.
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Meat like chicken and pork chops are good, but avoid heavy meats
When it comes to cheese, it's best to avoid sharp cheddars and pungent blues when pairing with Pinot Grigio. Instead, opt for sweet, soft, and mild cheeses made from cow's or sheep's milk. These include goat cheese, mozzarella, and feta. The acid in the wine cuts through the fat in the cheese, creating a refreshing, palate-cleansing effect.
As for meats, it's best to stick to lighter options such as chicken and pork chops. Chicken, especially when marinated in lemon or white wine, pairs superbly with Pinot Grigio. This is because the wine's bright acidity and refreshing citrus notes complement the mildness of the meat. Similarly, pork chops, when not prepared with heavy sauces, can be an excellent pairing with Pinot Grigio.
However, it's important to avoid heavy meats that can overpower the subtle flavors and aromas of the wine. While Pinot Grigio is versatile and can be paired with various dishes, its delicate flavor is best complemented by lighter fare. So, while a simple roast chicken can be a wonderful pairing, it's best to opt for lighter preparations during warmer seasons.
In addition to chicken and pork chops, other meat pairings to consider are Italian cured meats such as prosciutto, which is commonly paired with Ramato, a skin-contact Pinot Grigio from Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. This style of Pinot Grigio has a richer aroma and slightly more intense flavors, making it a good match for cured meats.
Overall, when pairing meats with Pinot Grigio, it's best to choose lighter options and avoid heavy, robust flavors that can overwhelm the wine's delicate characteristics.
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Frequently asked questions
Fresh, mild, and creamy cheeses with subtle aromas pair well with Pinot Grigio. This includes goat cheese, mozzarella, and feta. The wine's acidity contrasts the cheese's richness, providing a palate-cleansing effect.
Sharp Cheddars and pungent cheeses like Stiltons should be avoided when pairing with Pinot Grigio. These strong flavours can overpower the subtle notes of the wine.
Pinot Grigio is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including salads, seafood, and light meats. Its refreshing sharpness and fruit notes complement these dishes, providing a well-rounded dining experience.
