Kamil Perry
Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the town of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is made from whole cow's milk and is known for its buttery and nutty flavour. When it comes to pairing Gouda with wine, there are numerous options to choose from. Young, mild Gouda goes well with light-bodied wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and light reds like Grenache and Beaujolais. Aged, sharp Gouda, on the other hand, pairs well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. The key to pairing is to balance the flavours and textures of the cheese and wine, creating a harmonious combination.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese texture | Soft and creamy (young gouda) to firm and salty (aged gouda) |
| Cheese flavour | Buttery, nutty, salty, sweet, caramel-like |
| Wine flavour | Tropical fruits, green apple, citrus, mineral, stone fruit, blueberry, blackberry, tobacco, oak, leather |
| Wine type | Light-bodied, crisp white wines (e.g. Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay) or light-bodied reds (e.g. Grenache, Beaujolais) for young gouda; Full-bodied red wines (e.g. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Syrah) for aged gouda |
| Other pairings | Fruit: apples, grapes, pears, figs; Nuts: almonds, walnuts; Honey; Beer: light lager or wheat beer for young gouda, stout or porter for aged gouda |
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What You'll Learn
Aged gouda and full-bodied red wines
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the town of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is made from whole cow's milk and comes in different varieties, including young Gouda, aged Gouda, and fresh Gouda. The age of the cheese affects its texture and flavour, with younger cheeses being softer and milder, and older cheeses harder and more flavourful. Aged gouda is a hard cheese that has been aged for at least six months and sometimes up to a few years. It has a creamy texture and a nutty, buttery flavour that becomes more intense as it ages.
When pairing aged gouda with wine, it is recommended to choose a full-bodied red wine. The robustness of aged gouda can stand up to the stronger flavours of full-bodied reds, creating a harmonious pairing. One of the best options is Cabernet Sauvignon, a "king of red wine", which has high tannin content and complex flavours that can complement the intense, nutty flavours of aged gouda. The fatty, nutty flavours of the cheese pair well with the punchy blueberry, blackberry, and tobacco notes found in a Cabernet. Another option is Cabernet Franc, a powerful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon, which can also stand up to the robust flavours of aged gouda.
In addition to the wine, the right crackers or bread can enhance the aged gouda experience. A dark, hearty bread can complement the stronger flavour of aged gouda, while almonds and walnuts add a delightful crunch and earthiness, pairing well with the creamy texture of the cheese. Drizzling honey over aged gouda can also round out the flavour profile by adding a touch of sweetness.
While full-bodied reds are recommended for aged gouda, there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to wine and cheese pairings. Experimenting with different combinations can elevate the tasting experience and help you find what works best for your palate.
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Young gouda and light-bodied wines
Young gouda is a soft cheese that has been aged for only a few weeks. It is known for its creamy texture and mild flavour. When pairing young gouda with light-bodied wines, it is important to consider the flavours and textures of both to create a harmonious pairing. Light, fruity wines complement the mild flavour of young gouda, while light-bodied reds can also be a good match.
Pinot Grigio is a light-bodied white wine that is incredibly light and airy on the palate, making it a prime partner for young gouda. A few months of ageing in American oak add toasty undertones of smoke and honey, which can bring a new dimension to the pairing. Light-bodied, soft reds like Grenache can also work well with young gouda, accentuating its nuanced flavours. Beaujolais is another light-bodied red that can pair well with young gouda, as some bottles feature smoky undertones that add complexity to the cheese.
Riesling is a semi-sweet wine with powerful peach and citrus notes that pairs well with young gouda. The light body of this German varietal tastes effervescent alongside a young or medium-aged gouda. Chardonnay is another white wine that can complement young gouda, with its crisp, buttery, and oaky flavours.
When creating a cheese board with young gouda, pairing it with light, refreshing fruits like apples and grapes can bring out unexpected and delightful flavours. Seasonal pairings, such as fresh, floral notes in the spring or light, fruity wines in the summer, can enhance the taste and celebrate the essence of each season.
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Flavoured gouda and wine
When it comes to flavoured gouda and wine, the type of gouda and its flavour profile are key to finding the perfect wine match. Gouda is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the town of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is known for its buttery and nutty flavour, which intensifies as it ages. The age of the cheese affects its texture and flavour, with younger cheeses being softer and milder, while older cheeses are harder and more flavourful.
For a flavoured gouda with a lighter, milder flavour, a light-bodied wine is a good choice. A young or slightly aged gouda with subtle flavours will pair well with a light-bodied red wine like Grenache, which has moderate tannins and pleasant acidity. A Pinot Grigio, aged in American oak, can also be a great match for a lighter gouda, with its toasty undertones of smoke and honey adding depth to the cheese's flavour.
On the other hand, a full-bodied red wine is an excellent choice for a robust, aged gouda. The high tannin content and complex flavours of a Cabernet Sauvignon, for example, can stand up to the intensity of an aged gouda. The blueberry, blackberry, and tobacco notes in this wine complement the fatty, nutty flavours of the cheese.
For those who enjoy a little heat, the Chilikaas Gouda, a buttery and rich cheese balanced by fire-roasted Hatch Chiles, pairs well with a wine that won't overpower the spice. A Grüner Veltliner is an excellent choice, as it complements the flavours of the gouda while allowing the spice to shine through.
When it comes to flavoured goudas with herbal notes, such as the Hay There Raw Milk Gouda with Lavender and Thyme, a red wine like the 2019 D2 Delille Bordeaux Blend is a perfect match. This blend has a ton of flavour without being overpowering, with notes of blue fruits, red fruits, earth, and a hint of tobacco. The silky finish of this wine, with its soft tannins, creates a beautifully balanced pairing.
Lastly, for a flavoured gouda with a salty and sweet profile, like the Vintage Lot 8 Gouda, a wine with high acidity is ideal to cut through the creaminess of the cheese. The M.A.N. Chenin Blanc, with its notes of tropical fruits and green apple balanced by fresh acidity and minerality, is a perfect choice to complement the salty and caramelised flavours of the cheese.
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Smoked gouda and wine
Smoked gouda is a semi-hard cheese with a salty, nutty flavour that originated in the Netherlands. When paired with wine, smoked gouda can enhance the flavour profile of the wine, and vice versa. The age of the cheese affects its texture and flavour, with younger cheeses being softer and milder, while older cheeses are harder and more flavourful.
When pairing smoked gouda with wine, it is important to consider the age and flavour intensity of the cheese. Younger gouda cheeses with milder flavours pair well with light-bodied wines, while older gouda cheeses with more intense flavours pair well with full-bodied wines.
For example, a young and mild smoked gouda could be paired with a light-bodied, delicate red wine like a Pinot Noir. The moderate acidity and silky tannins in Pinot Noir provide a smooth cheese and wine experience, and the vibrant dark fruit notes of the wine complement the salty, nutty layers of the cheese. Beaujolais, a classic French varietal with powerful notes of strawberry and cranberry, is another light-bodied red wine that can amplify the nutty flavours of smoked gouda. Some bottles of Beaujolais even have smoky undertones, adding complexity to the pairing.
On the other hand, an older and sharper smoked gouda would pair well with a full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon. The high-tannin content and complex flavours of Cabernet Sauvignon stand up well to the intense flavour of aged gouda. The punchy blueberry, blackberry, and tobacco notes in the wine complement the fatty, nutty flavours of the cheese. For a powerful alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon, consider Cabernet Franc, which is often found in Bordeaux blends.
In addition to red wines, smoked gouda can also be paired with white wines. A semi-sweet wine like Riesling, with its powerful peach and citrus notes, provides a delightful contrast to the saltiness of smoked gouda while accentuating its caramel-like sweetness.
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Gouda, wine and seasonal pairings
Gouda cheese is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the town of Gouda in the Netherlands. It is known for its buttery and nutty flavour, which grows in intensity as it ages. Gouda's texture also changes with age, ranging from soft and creamy in young cheeses to firm and salty in aged varieties.
When pairing Gouda with wine, it is important to consider the type of Gouda and its flavour and texture. Young, mild Gouda pairs well with light, fruity wines, while aged, robust Gouda is better suited to full-bodied reds. Here are some specific wine and Gouda pairings to try:
Spring
Young, soft Gouda with its creamy texture and mild flavour is perfect for spring. Pair it with a light, refreshing wine and some fresh, floral notes. A sparkling white wine or a light-bodied, soft red like Grenache can accentuate the nuanced flavours of young Gouda. A Pinot Grigio, aged in American oak, adds toasty undertones of smoke and honey to the Gouda experience.
Summer
In the warmer months, opt for a light, refreshing wine with your Gouda. A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red can be a great choice. A Sauvignon Blanc, with its citrus, mineral, and stone fruit notes, can cut through the creamy texture of young Gouda.
Autumn
As the weather cools down, add some nuts and heartier wines to your Gouda plate. A Chardonnay can be a good choice to pair with Gouda, offering a crisp and refreshing option. For a red, a Merlot is a medium-bodied wine with softer tannins and smooth, plummy notes that can complement the nuttier flavours of a more mature Gouda.
Winter
Winter is the time to indulge in aged Gouda with stronger spirits. A full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic pairing, with its high tannin content standing up to the intense flavour of aged Gouda. The fatty, nutty flavours of the cheese are a perfect match for the punchy blueberry, blackberry, and tobacco notes in a Cabernet. For something a little different, try a peppery, jammy Syrah with smoked Gouda – the oak and blackberry notes in the wine will complement the smoky flavours of the cheese.
While wine and Gouda can be a delightful pairing, don't forget that Gouda is also excellent with beer and spirits. A light lager or wheat beer can complement young Gouda, while a stout or porter harmonises with the rich, caramel notes of aged varieties.
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Frequently asked questions
Young Gouda is a soft cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. It pairs well with light-bodied wines such as a crisp white or a light-bodied red. Light, fruity wines complement its mild flavour, while a Pinot Grigio will add toasty undertones of smoke and honey. Young Gouda also goes well with light lager or wheat beer.
Aged Gouda is a hard cheese with a firm texture and a deep, nutty, caramel-like flavour. It pairs well with full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. Aged Gouda also goes well with stout or porter beer.
Pesto Gouda has a rich basil flavour with an umami factor. It pairs well with an acidic wine that can cut through the savoury cheese. A good choice is Hess Sauvignon Blanc, with its grapefruit, lemon and lime notes.
This Gouda has floral, herbal, earthy, creamy, and slightly sweet flavours. It pairs well with a red wine such as the 2019 D2 Delille Bordeaux Blend, which has notes of blue fruits, red fruits, earth, and slight tobacco.
Vintage Lot 8 Gouda is a salty and sweet, firm but smooth aged Gouda. It pairs well with a wine that has high acidity to cut through the creaminess of the cheese. M.A.N. Chenin Blanc is a good choice, with its notes of tropical fruits and green apple balanced by fresh acidity and minerality.
