Frederic Melton
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in America and is known for its sharp and tangy flavour. It is a versatile cheese that can be used in all sorts of recipes, from grilled cheese sandwiches to mac and cheese. Cheddar can also be sliced, shredded, or grated and added to salads, sandwiches, and burgers. When it comes to wine pairings, the ideal match depends on the maturity of the cheddar. A mild to medium block cheddar will be easier to pair than an aged clothbound cheddar. In general, white wines pair better with cheddar than red wines, as they have less sugar and more acidity. Champagne or sparkling wine is a good choice for cheddar, as the bubbles function as a palate cleanser. For a red wine, a Chilean Cabernet Sauvignon can work well with cheddar, as the wine's high tannin content stands up to the cheese's intense flavour.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Syrah, Chardonnay, English sparkling wine, Montefalco Sagrantino, Grüner Veltliner, Riesling |
| Flavour notes | Dark fruits, tobacco, herbs, spices, oak, jammy black fruit, citrus, tropical fruits, peach blossom, stone fruit |
| Cheese type | Aged cheddar, smoked cheddar, charcoal cheddar |
| Cheese flavour notes | Savoury, nutty, salty, sharp, crumbly, tangy |
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What You'll Learn
Cabernet Sauvignon is a good match for aged cheddar
The best wine to pair with cheddar depends on how mature the cheese is. Aged cheddars tend to be saltier, sharper, and crumbly, and they pair well with wines that can stand up to their bold, savoury flavours. Cabernet Sauvignon is a good match for aged cheddars because of its bold, intense flavours and high tannin content. The wine's mouth-drying tannins and berry notes complement the fattiness and rich, nutty flavours of aged cheddars.
Aged cheddars have complex, concentrated flavours that require a wine that can lift and twist the cheese without being overwhelmed. Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold, full-bodied wine with high tannin content, making it a good match for aged cheddars. The wine's tannins bind to the cheese's protein and fat, creating a palate-cleansing effect.
When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to consider the intensity of flavours and how they will complement each other. Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its bold, intense flavours of dark fruit, tobacco, and leather. These flavours pair well with the savoury, nutty flavours of aged cheddars. The wine's high tannin content also stands up to the cheese's intense flavour.
While some sources suggest that red wines can struggle with sharp, well-matured cheddars, intensely fruity Chilean Cabernet Sauvignons are recommended as a successful pairing. The fruitiness of the wine complements the savoury, nutty flavours of the cheese, while the high tannin content of the wine matches the cheese's intensity. However, it is important to watch the tannins when pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with aged cheddars to ensure they do not overwhelm the palate.
In summary, Cabernet Sauvignon is a good match for aged cheddars because of its bold, intense flavours, high tannin content, and palate-cleansing effect. The wine's flavours and tannins complement the savoury, nutty, and fatty characteristics of aged cheddars, creating a well-balanced and indulgent pairing.
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Shiraz pairs well with smoked cheddar
Cheddar cheese is nutty and cold with a hint of sweetness. When aged, cheddar can get saltier, sharper, and crumbly, making it a perfect pairing for wine. The ideal wine to pair with cheddar depends on how mature it is. A mild to medium block cheddar will be much easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar that has been aged for 18 months or more.
Shiraz, also known as Syrah, is a red wine grape variety that originated in the Rhône Valley of France. It is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of foods, including appetizers, red meat, and desserts. Shiraz is characterized by its bold and robust flavors, blending dark fruits and spices. It has a good balance of acidity and mild tannins, making it a great choice for those looking to enhance their dining experience with a flavorful and robust wine.
When it comes to cheese, Shiraz pairs well with flavorful, rich, and bold cheeses. Aged cheddar is a classic pairing, as the sharpness of the cheese and the full-bodied nature of the wine complement each other perfectly. The savory flavors of aged cheddar cheese are quite concentrated, and Shiraz, with its intense and relatively dry flavors of herbs and dark fruits, can stand up to them. The smokiness of smoked cheddar will also complement the deep fruitiness of the Shiraz.
To elevate your Shiraz and smoked cheddar pairing, consider adding some cured meats, fig or pear slices, and shards of dark chocolate to your cheese board. If you're looking for a sweeter pairing, Shiraz also goes well with desserts that have a hint of spice, such as gingerbread or cinnamon rolls.
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Syrah is a good choice for charcoal cheddar
Cheddar cheese is nutty and cold with a hint of sweetness. When aged, cheddar can become saltier, sharper, and crumbly, making it a perfect pairing for wine. The best wine to pair with cheddar depends on how mature it is. A mild to medium block cheddar will be much easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar that has been aged for 18 months or more.
Charcoal cheddar is a unique variety of cheddar that contains edible charcoal, resulting in a black colour and a creamy texture. The addition of charcoal gives the cheese an earthy and smoky taste. This variety of cheddar is an ideal pairing for Syrah, also known as Shiraz. Syrah is a red wine with flavours of herbs and dark fruits. The intense and relatively dry characteristics of Syrah make it a perfect match for the earthy and smoky flavours of charcoal cheddar. The wine's dryness and dark fruit notes complement the savoury, concentrated flavours of aged cheddar.
Syrah is an intriguing grape variety that pairs well with cheeses that have enough flavour and complexity, such as robust cheddars. The fruit-forward character of Syrah, with its ripe berry notes, creates a delightful contrast to the earthy and smoky flavours of charcoal cheddar. The wine's meaty qualities can further enhance this pairing. Additionally, the mushroomy and wet hay characteristics of Camembert also match the earthy notes in Syrah, providing another excellent cheese option to consider.
When choosing a wine and cheese pairing, it is essential to consider the intensity of flavours and how they will complement each other. Charcoal cheddar, with its distinct smoky and earthy notes, calls for a wine that can stand up to its bold flavour profile. Syrah, with its dryness, herbal notes, and dark fruit flavours, fits the bill perfectly. The result is a sensory experience where each element accentuates the other, creating a harmonious and flavourful combination.
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Chardonnay is a great addition to a cheddar cheeseboard
Cheddar is one of the most popular cheeses in America, and for good reason. Its sharp and tangy flavour can elevate even the most basic of dishes to new heights. Its versatility means it can be served in many fun and creative ways, from classic cheese and crackers to mini grilled cheese bites.
When it comes to wine pairings, Chardonnay is a great addition to a cheddar cheeseboard. Chardonnay is a white wine known for its full body and complex flavour profile. Its oaky, spicy notes and hints of tobacco can stand up to the boldness of cheddar, creating a beautiful harmony of flavours. The dryness and acidity of Chardonnay also help to balance out the fattiness of aged cheddar, making it a perfect match.
While red wine is often the go-to choice for cheese, it can struggle with the sharpness and intensity of well-matured cheddars. White wines, on the other hand, tend to pair better with a wider variety of foods due to their lower sugar content and higher acidity. Chardonnay, in particular, has the depth of flavour and complexity needed to complement the nutty, salty, and sweet notes that develop in aged cheddars.
For those who enjoy a bubbly option, an English sparkling wine or Champagne is also a wonderful choice to pair with cheddar. The bubbles act as a palate cleanser, and the apple and citrus flavours of these wines can complement the close-textured sharpness of cheddar.
When creating a cheeseboard, it's important to consider the maturity and intensity of your cheddar to ensure the best wine pairing. A mild to medium block cheddar will be easier to match, while an aged, sharp cheddar will require a bolder wine to stand up to its intense flavour. So, the next time you're planning a cocktail party or a simple picnic, remember that Chardonnay is an excellent choice to elevate your cheddar cheeseboard and create a delightful sensory experience.
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English sparkling wine is a good choice for young cheddar
When it comes to wine and cheese, there's a rich history of this combination creating exciting and fuller sensory experiences. Cheddar, a popular cheese variety, is no exception. While the wine to pair with cheddar depends on its maturity, English sparkling wine is a good choice for young cheddar.
Young cheddars are known for their melting qualities, which is why they are commonly used in dishes like mac 'n' cheese, grilled sandwiches, and fondue. This gooey, creamy texture calls for a sparkling wine, preferably English sparkling wine, to pay homage to the cheese's English origins. The crisp, bubbly texture of sparkling wine acts as a palate cleanser, cutting through the fat of the cheese.
English sparkling wines tend to have fruity notes that bring out the delicate fruit aromas in the cheese. The acidity in the wine also helps to balance the creaminess of the young cheddar, creating a delightful sensory experience. The bubbles in sparkling wine also enhance the experience, adding a playful fizz that complements the texture of the cheese.
While young cheddars are milder in flavour, they still retain the characteristic nuttiness of cheddar, which develops as the cheese ages. This nuttiness suggests both sweetness and salt, which can be beautifully complemented by the fruity and acidic notes of English sparkling wine. The wine's crispness and acidity prevent it from being overwhelmed by the cheese, ensuring a harmonious pairing.
In summary, English sparkling wine is an excellent choice to accompany young cheddar. The wine's crispness, acidity, and bubbles enhance the cheese's texture and flavour, while its fruity notes complement the nuttiness of the cheddar. This pairing showcases how the right combination of wine and cheese can elevate each component, creating a delightful culinary experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wine to pair with cheddar depends on the cheese's maturity. A mild to medium block cheddar will be easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar. For a younger cheddar, try an English sparkling wine, or a Chilean or Australian Cabernet Sauvignon. For an aged cheddar, try a Montefalco Sagrantino, a Shiraz, or a Syrah.
Riesling is a good choice for a wine and cheese board because it pairs well with a wide range of cheeses. Its well-balanced sweetness, acidity, mineral notes, and tropical fruits can complement the stimulating qualities of a powerful cheese like cheddar.
Beer and cider are classic drink pairings for cheddar cheese. A Belgian dubbel or a malty brown ale can balance out the tanginess of the cheese, while a hoppy IPA or a sour beer can provide a contrasting taste experience.
Cheddar cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many recipes. It can be melted into dishes like mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, and casseroles. It can also be grated, sliced, or shredded and added to salads, sandwiches, and burgers. For a snack, cheddar can be served with crackers, fruit, or vegetables.
