Cheese And Crackers: The Perfect Red Wine Pairing

Red wine and cheese is generally not a good match, as the cheese can make the wine taste metallic and austere. However, there are some combinations that can work. For example, a light and elegant Pinot Noir or a Gamay from Beaujolais can be paired with a mixed cheese platter. Another option is to pair a red wine with specific types of cheese and crackers. For instance, a medium-bodied wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon goes well with Manchego cheese and crackers such as shortbread or rye. A full-bodied wine like Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Barolo can be paired with Parmigiano-Reggiano and plain crackers or breads.

Soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie go with red wines like Beaujolais and Pinot Noir

Soft cheeses like Camembert and Brie are best paired with red wines like Beaujolais and Pinot Noir. These wines are lighter and more elegant, and their fruity notes complement the creamy texture of the cheeses.

Camembert and Brie are both soft, creamy cheeses with a white rind and a mild flavour. They are perfect for spreading on crackers or bread. When paired with a fruity red wine like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir, the creaminess of the cheese is enhanced, and the acidity of the wine cuts through the richness. This creates a well-balanced combination that is both smooth and refreshing.

Beaujolais wines, made from Gamay grapes in the Beaujolais region of France, are known for their bright, fruity flavours and light body. They range from light and elegant to more full-bodied and complex. Pinot Noir, on the other hand, is a red grape variety grown in various regions around the world, producing wines that are typically light to medium-bodied, with red fruit flavours and a smooth texture.

When creating this pairing, it is important to consider the crackers or bread that will accompany the cheese. Plain, neutral crackers or slices of French baguette are ideal, as they won't interfere with the flavours of the cheese and wine. Rich, buttery crackers can also complement the crispness of lighter wines.

For a successful pairing of soft cheeses with red wines, it is recommended to start with mild cheeses and light, refreshing wines, gradually progressing to fuller-bodied options. This allows you to appreciate the subtleties of the flavours and prevents strong flavours from overwhelming your palate.

Hard cheeses like Cheddar and Comte' go with red wines like Rioja and Cabernet Sauvignon

Hard cheeses, such as Cheddar and Comte, are among the easiest types of cheese to pair with wine. When it comes to wine, a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon—both red, medium-bodied wines—are ideal matches for these cheeses.

Cheddar is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed at different stages of maturity. Young Cheddar is considered a semi-mature cheese, while aged Cheddar falls into the category of hard, aged cheese. The maturity of the cheese directly impacts its flavour, texture, and overall intensity. As cheese ages, moisture evaporates, resulting in a richer flavour. Aged cheeses, such as Cheddar, develop a sharper, more intense flavour that pairs well with older red wines like Rioja and Cabernet Sauvignon, which have more body and complexity in taste.

When pairing hard cheeses like Cheddar and Comte with red wines like Rioja and Cabernet Sauvignon, consider complementing or contrasting textures. For a complementary pairing, serve the creamy, rich texture of these hard cheeses with the full-bodied, robust flavours of the wine. To create a contrast, serve the hard, aged cheese with a sparkling wine to play with the textures.

In addition to the type of cheese and wine, the choice of crackers can also enhance the overall tasting experience. When serving hard cheeses with red wines, opt for crackers with a little complexity, such as whole grain versions or those with white sesame seeds. Avoid heavily flavoured crackers with herbs or seasonings as they may interfere with the flavours of the cheese and wine. Instead, choose plain breads and crackers, such as slices of French baguette or rich, buttery crackers, to let the flavours of the cheese and wine shine through.

Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola and Roquefort go with sweet wines like Port or Sauternes

Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton, are known to pair well with sweet wines. When serving blue cheese, it is recommended to opt for dessert wines, such as Port, Sauternes, or ice wine. Sweeter Rieslings can also complement these cheeses well. To best bring out the sweetness of the wine, it is recommended to pair blue cheeses with plain, unsalted crackers or breads. The saltiness of the cheese will be balanced by the sweetness of the wine, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

When creating a cheese platter, it is generally advised to offer a variety of cheeses, ranging from soft and fresh to semi-hard and hard, aged cheeses. For blue cheeses, it is recommended to serve them with softer options like Brie or Camembert, or even sweet foods like honey or fruit preserves. In terms of crackers, water crackers or French baguette slices are considered versatile choices that won't overpower the flavour of blue cheese.

When pairing wine and cheese, it is essential to consider the intensity and texture of both elements. Young, fresh cheeses with high water content pair well with young wines like sparkling, crisp white, rosé, or fruity red wines. On the other hand, rich, aged cheeses are better complemented by older red wines with more body and complexity. Additionally, sweet wines pair well with salty cheeses, while dry wines complement smoky or spicy varieties.

By following these guidelines, you can create delicious and harmonious pairings of blue cheese, crackers, and sweet wines like Port or Sauternes, enhancing your tasting experience and impressing your guests.

Aged cheeses like Parmigiano Reggiano go with full-bodied red wines like Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon

Aged cheeses, such as Parmigiano Reggiano, Grana Padano, and Pecorino, have strong flavours that pair well with full-bodied red wines. When creating a cheese platter, it is best to match the intensity of the cheese with the intensity of the wine. Aged cheeses, with their rich, complex flavours, are best served with full-bodied red wines that can stand up to their robust taste.

Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard, aged cheese, pairs exceptionally well with Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Barolo. These wines possess the body and depth of flavour necessary to complement the strong, salty characteristics of Parmigiano Reggiano. The cheese's sharp, nutty notes are beautifully accentuated by the wine's bold fruit and spice elements.

When serving Parmigiano Reggiano with Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon, the wine selection can be further enhanced by choosing the appropriate crackers. For a simple option that won't detract from the wine and cheese pairing, opt for plain crackers or breads. Alternatively, crackers with strong rye or caraway flavours can add an interesting dimension to the tasting experience.

In addition to Parmigiano Reggiano, other aged cheeses such as aged cheddar, aged Gruyere, Pecorino, and Asiago also pair well with full-bodied red wines. The intensity and complexity of these wines create a harmonious balance with the rich, savoury flavours of the aged cheeses.

When creating a cheese and wine pairing, it is essential to consider the progression of flavours throughout the evening. It is recommended to start with lighter options, such as mild cheeses and refreshing wines, and gradually move towards full-bodied choices. This approach ensures that strong flavours do not overwhelm the palate early on. Ending the evening with a sparkling or dessert wine can provide a delightful conclusion to the tasting journey.

Goat's cheese goes with Sauvignon Blanc

When it comes to wine, cheese, and crackers, there are endless combinations to try. While red wines typically pair well with red meat, and white wines with white meat, there are some cheeses and crackers that can complement your glass of red wine.

Now, let's focus on why goats cheese goes with Sauvignon Blanc.

Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is a perfect match for Sauvignon Blanc. The acidity in the wine complements the fat and richness of goat's cheese. Both the wine and the cheese share grassy notes, and pairing similar flavours enhances the tasting experience. Sauvignon Blanc is a medium-bodied wine, often described as crisp, refreshing, and fruity, which pairs well with the creamy texture of goat's cheese.

If you're looking to elevate your wine and cheese experience, try pairing goat's cheese with herbed crackers or something fruity, like crackers with figs or apricots. The tangy, earthy flavours of goat's cheese are complemented by the sweetness of these crackers.

While some may turn their noses up at goat's cheese, it offers a unique taste experience, with nuances of dense creaminess, slight nuttiness, saltiness, fruitiness, and tanginess. Similarly, Sauvignon Blanc is often described as having grassy, herbal notes, which some may find off-putting. However, these flavours can also be described as "gooseberry" or "boxwood", and they add complexity to the wine.

So, if you're feeling adventurous, give goat's cheese and Sauvignon Blanc a try. You might just discover a new favourite combination!

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