Kamil Perry
Swiss cheese is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed with a variety of wines. When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, a few guiding principles can help elevate the experience. Firstly, wines and cheeses from the same region often complement each other well. Another tip is to look for textural contrasts: lighter, fresher cheeses tend to pair nicely with crisp, lighter wines, while heavier, denser cheeses are better suited to bigger and bolder wines. With these principles in mind, Swiss cheese, a softer variety, goes well with lighter wines such as Merlot, Beaujolais, and white wines like Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Pinot Grigio. For those who enjoy rosé, a young Swiss cheese is a good match. Sparkling wines, such as Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco, are also versatile options that can cut through the richness of Swiss cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé |
| Wine properties | Buttery, light and crisp, sweet, acidic, refreshing |
| Cheese properties | Creamy, soft, nutty, pungent |
| General rules | Wines and cheeses from the same region usually go well together. Look for textural contrasts between cheese and wine. Aged cheeses and hard cheeses tend to go well with heavier, robust wines. |
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What You'll Learn
Swiss cheese and Merlot
Swiss cheese is a mild, nutty variety that pairs well with Merlot. Merlot is a plush, silky red wine with lush red fruit flavours. Its boldness and sharpness complement Swiss cheese's nutty notes. The wine's soft tannins also make it a good match for pungent, creamy cheeses like Taleggio.
When pairing wine and cheese, it is generally recommended to taste the wine before the cheese for the optimum effect. It is also worth noting that wines and cheeses from the same region usually pair well together. For example, a French Champagne or a French wine like Sancerre will go well with French cheeses.
There is also a specific cheese called Merlot BellaVitano, which is a pasteurized cow's milk cheese soaked in Merlot wine. This cheese has a rich union of flavours, with fruity notes of plum and berry mixed with creamy richness. It has a crunchy feel from the naturally occurring calcium crystals that form during the aging process.
While Merlot is a good match for Swiss cheese, there are several other wines that could also be considered. Chardonnay, for example, is often paired with cheddar, as is Merlot. Beaujolais is another option, as it goes well with Jarlsberg, a Norwegian cheese similar to Swiss cheese. A Provence Rosé, with its crisp red fruit and mellow flavour, would also complement Swiss cheese gracefully without overpowering it.
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Swiss cheese and Riesling
Swiss cheese, a semi-hard variety, is best paired with medium-strength wines. Riesling, a semi-sweet German wine, is an excellent choice for this. Known as an all-rounder for food pairings, Riesling is naturally sweet, palate-cleansing, and light-bodied. The key to pairing Riesling with Swiss cheese is to match the relative strengths of the wine and cheese.
When it comes to specific types of Swiss cheese, raclette, a semi-hard variety, is an excellent pairing with Riesling. Each sip of Riesling cleanses the palate of the melted, nutty flavour of raclette, while each bite of cheese imparts a sweetness that blends perfectly with the sweet tones of the wine. Emmental, another semi-hard Swiss cheese, also pairs well with Riesling. It is an all-rounder – not too strong, with no overpowering flavours, but with enough fat and tempered saltiness to act as the perfect cheese course. The medium strength of Riesling makes it an obvious choice for Emmental, pleasing many palates.
Gouda, a Dutch cheese, also pairs well with Riesling, especially drier varieties. The nutty, caramelized flavours of aged Gouda beautifully complement the wine's sweetness. In general, full-bodied, aged cheeses go well with full-bodied wines, and old cheeses pair nicely with old wines. Remember, there are endless possibilities when it comes to wine and cheese pairings, so don't be afraid to experiment and find your favourite combinations!
When pairing sweet Riesling with cheese, it is recommended to match the weight and intensity of both. For example, a young Gruyère pairs well with a lighter Riesling like Dr. Loosen 2014 Mosel Graacher Himmelreich, while a heavier, aged Comté AOP is better suited to a fuller-bodied Riesling like Fritz Haag 2014 Mosel Brauneberger Juffer Sonnenuhr.
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Swiss cheese and Chardonnay
Swiss cheese is a versatile treat that can be served melted or grilled, and goes well with vegetables, salami, and potatoes. When it comes to wine, Swiss cheese pairs exceptionally well with Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is a popular white wine that is known for its fuller body, good acidity, and discernible fruit notes. It is made from a grape that is neutral in flavour, and its final taste profile depends on how it is harvested and produced. There are two main types of Chardonnay: unoaked and oaked. The unoaked variety is fermented in stainless steel tanks, resulting in a lighter wine with high acidity and fresh, citrusy aromas. On the other hand, the oaked variety is aged in oak barrels, giving it a bolder flavour, texture, and body. Oaked Chardonnays often have spicy, apple, or vanilla notes.
When pairing Swiss cheese with Chardonnay, consider the characteristics of both the cheese and the wine. Swiss cheese, such as raclette, is typically made with cow's milk and has a full-fat content, making it melt-in-your-mouth delicious. To complement this, look for a medium-bodied Chardonnay with balanced fruit, mineral notes, and little to no oak influence. The high acidity and crispness of the wine will cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast. Additionally, the oaked variety of Chardonnay will add a spicy or vanilla note to the pairing, enhancing the experience.
For an extra special touch, try to find a Swiss cheese and Chardonnay that are from the same region. This can elevate the pairing, as wines and cheeses from the same area often have complementary flavours and characteristics. When in doubt, a safe bet is to choose a Swiss cheese, such as Challerhocker, and a medium-bodied, high-acid Chardonnay with balanced fruit and mineral notes. This combination will showcase the versatility and indulgent nature of Swiss cheese, while the Chardonnay's acidity and fruit notes provide a refreshing contrast.
In summary, Swiss cheese and Chardonnay are a delightful pairing that can be elevated by considering the specific characteristics of both the cheese and the wine. By choosing a medium-bodied, high-acid Chardonnay with balanced fruit and mineral notes, and optionally pairing them with products from the same region, you can create a delicious and harmonious tasting experience.
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Swiss cheese and Rosé
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, there are endless delightful possibilities. While red wine is commonly thought of as the best choice to pair with cheese, white wine actually pairs better with cheese than red wine, and rosé, made from red grapes, is an excellent choice. Rosé is light, fruity, and slightly acidic, and its astringent and drying properties act as a great palate cleanser when paired with cheese.
Lighter-coloured rosés tend to have a lighter flavour, more like a crisp white wine, while those with a deeper pink hue will be fruitier and have more body. However, colour is not indicative of sugar content, so darker rosés will not necessarily be sugary sweet. If colour is the only thing to go on, lighter rosés should be paired with milder, less intense, fresh cheeses, and vice versa for darker rosés.
Rosé wines with citrusy, mineral, or herbaceous notes best complement the savoury richness of cheese. Some dry rosés pair well with creamy, soft-ripened goat cheeses, while other dry rosés with very little sugar may still taste "sweet" due to the fruit coming through, and can be paired with subtle aged cheeses and mild, creamy blues. Sparkling rosé, with its bubbles, is a perfect match for soft, creamy cheeses, as well as dense, rich aged cheeses.
When it comes to Swiss cheese and rosé, a Grenache Rosé is a good choice to pair with young Swiss cheese. A lighter rosé will also complement Swiss cheese well, as Swiss cheese is a mild, semi-soft cheese. A sparkling rosé will also go well with Swiss cheese, as it is a creamy cheese.
Some other tips for wine and cheese pairings include: wines and cheeses from the same region usually go well together; look for textural contrasts between the cheese and wine, such as fresh, lighter cheeses with crisp, lighter wines, and heavier, dense cheeses with bigger and bolder wines; always taste the wine before the cheese for the optimum effect; and many wines and cheeses taste better at room temperature instead of super cold.
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Swiss cheese and sparkling wines
When it comes to wine and cheese, it is a popular belief that wines and cheeses from the same region pair well together. Another tip is to look for textural contrasts between the cheese and wine: lighter cheeses go well with lighter wines, while heavier, denser cheeses pair better with bigger and bolder wines.
Swiss cheese is often described as having a mild nutty flavour, and it is a semi-hard cheese. A good wine pairing for Swiss cheese should therefore complement its nutty notes and work with its creamy texture. Sparkling wines are an excellent choice to pair with Swiss cheese. The bubbles in sparkling wine cut through the creaminess of the cheese, scrubbing your palate clean for more. The high acidity and toasty, nutty flavours of sparkling wines also complement Swiss cheese's nutty notes.
When it comes to specific recommendations, Prosecco is a great choice to pair with Swiss cheese. Prosecco is known for its coarser bubbles and fruit-forwardness, which make it a good companion for Swiss cheese. While Prosecco is available in varying levels of sweetness, it is recommended to go for a drier option when pairing it with cheese. Other Italian sparkling wines, such as Franciacorta or Lambrusco, can also be good pairings.
If you are looking for a French sparkling wine, Champagne is an excellent choice to pair with Swiss cheese. The golden toastiness of Champagne works well with the nutty flavours of Swiss cheese. Other French sparkling wines, such as Crémant, can also be a good option. Crémant d'Alsace, for example, offers fresh red fruit and creamy bubbles that can offset the cheese's earthy finish.
In addition to Prosecco and Champagne, there are several other sparkling wines that can pair well with Swiss cheese. Cava from Spain and domestic sparkling wines from the US are good options to consider. When it comes to pairing sparkling wines with Swiss cheese, it is important to look for drier options that can cut through the creaminess of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Swiss cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that pairs well with lighter wines such as a Beaujolais or a Merlot. If you're a fan of rosé, you could try a Provence Rosé or a Pinot Noir Rosé.
Beaujolais is a light red wine that is crisp and fruity.
Merlot is a red wine known for its plush, silky texture and lush red fruit flavours.
Swiss cheese is often served with other Alpine-style cheeses such as Gruyère, Comte, and Gouda.
