Cheese And Crackers: The Perfect Wine Companions

Wine and cheese are a classic pairing, but what about adding crackers to the mix? The right crackers can complement your cheese and wine choices, enhancing the experience for your guests. The type of cracker you choose will depend on the cheese and wine you plan to serve. For example, water crackers are a versatile choice that won't overpower delicate cheeses like Brie or fresh goat cheese. On the other hand, herbed crackers pair well with soft cheeses like Camembert, while seeded crackers provide a crunchy texture that goes well with hard and aged cheeses. When it comes to wine, the general rule is to match the intensity of the cheese with that of the wine. Young, fresh cheeses pair well with young wines like sparkling, crisp white, rosé, or fruity reds, while rich, aged cheeses are best paired with older, full-bodied reds.

Hard cheese with wine: Try a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon with Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, Comte, or cheddar

Hard cheeses, such as Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, Comte, and cheddar, are among the easiest to pair with wine. When it comes to wine, a Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon is a safe bet. These wines are typically red and medium-bodied, making them a good match for the salty, sharp, and nutty flavours of hard cheeses.

Rioja, a Spanish red wine, is known for its smooth, fruity flavours and aromas of oak and earth. Its medium body and well-rounded tannins make it a versatile choice for food pairings. Similarly, Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular red wine varietal known for its full body, robust flavours, and high tannins. Its characteristics make it a good match for the strong flavours of hard cheeses.

When pairing hard cheeses with Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon, consider the specific flavours and characteristics of each cheese. For example, Manchego, a sheep's milk cheese from Spain, has a nutty and salty flavour that pairs well with the smoothness of Rioja. Parmigiano Reggiano, a hard Italian cheese, is known for its complex, savoury flavour with nutty and fruity notes, which can stand up to the fuller body and higher tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Comte, a French cheese, has a slightly sweet and nutty flavour that can complement the fruity notes in Rioja or the complexity of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cheddar, a well-known English cheese, varies in flavour depending on its age, ranging from mild and creamy to sharp and tangy. A younger cheddar may pair well with the smoothness of Rioja, while an aged cheddar can stand up to the fuller body of Cabernet Sauvignon.

In addition to the type of cheese and wine, other factors can enhance the pairing experience. The texture of the cheese, whether creamy or hard, can influence the overall taste sensation. Serving the cheese at room temperature allows its full flavour to come through. The quality and freshness of the cheese and wine are also important, as higher-quality products will have more complex flavours that can enhance the pairing.

Soft cheese with wine: Beaujolais or Pinot Noir pairs well with Camembert or brie

Soft cheeses like Camembert and brie go well with red and fruity wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir. These wines are light-bodied and low in tannins, which creates a refreshing taste that pairs well with the soft and pale cheese. The acidity of these wines is also enough to cut through the richness of the creamy cheese.

Camembert is a very creamy, surface-ripened soft cheese made from cow's milk. It has a hardened but edible rind and a slightly nutty flavour and buttery texture. Brie is similarly mild, soft, and creamy, with a nutty and sweet flavour. The ripeness of these cheeses is an important factor when pairing them with wine. When they are young, they will have a firm and chalky core with simple flavours of white mushroom. As they age, the texture breaks down into a glossy custard and the flavours become more pronounced. If left too long, the cheese breaks down too much and the white moulds will reach the end of their life cycle, resulting in flavours and aromas of ammonia and bitterness.

Pinot Noir is a red wine that originates from the Burgundy region in France. It is best served at around 14-15 degrees Celsius and has a refreshing taste with fruit, especially strawberries, red cherries, and raspberries, as its main flavour profile. Beaujolais is also a French red wine with a fruity flavour.

Blue cheese and wine: Sweet wines like port or sweet sherry work well with blue cheese

Blue cheese is a strong, salty cheese with a unique flavour profile. The saltiness and strength of blue cheese are best balanced by a sweet wine, such as port or sweet sherry. The classic pairings of port with stilton and roquefort with Sauternes are well-known for a reason. However, there are other options to consider, such as sweet sherry or sloe gin. If you're feeling adventurous, you could even try blue cheese with stout.

The salt in blue cheese can help to round out the flavours in a vinaigrette, making it a surprisingly good choice for a salad. A frisée salad topped with crumbled roquefort and a crisp, medium-bodied white wine is an excellent combination. A floral Portuguese Vinho Verde or a minerally Viognier are also good wine choices to accompany a blue cheese salad.

Blue cheese is also a popular topping for steak. When serving blue cheese-topped steak, a full-bodied red wine is the best choice. A Rhône wine or a California Cabernet are excellent options to accompany the strong flavours of the blue cheese.

When it comes to crackers, blue cheese pairs well with rye crispbreads and seeded crackers. The tanginess and crunch of these crackers complement the creaminess of the blue cheese.

Crackers: Water crackers are versatile and won't overpower delicate cheeses like brie or goat cheese

When it comes to serving cheese and crackers with wine, there are endless possibilities. However, the crackers you choose can play a significant role in the overall taste experience. Water crackers, such as Carr's water crackers or Jacob's cream crackers, are an excellent choice for those who don't want to overpower the flavours of delicate cheeses. These plain and neutral crackers provide a versatile base that complements rather than competes with creamy and mild cheeses like Brie or fresh goat cheese.

Water crackers are also available in a variety of flavours, such as plain, sesame, and black pepper, adding just enough flavour to enhance the cheese without being too overwhelming. They are mild and won't overwhelm the cheese, providing the perfect balance of textures and flavours. This combination of water crackers with Brie or goat cheese creates a harmonious pairing that showcases the delicate characteristics of these cheeses.

When selecting crackers to serve with wine and cheese, it's important to consider the flavour and texture profiles of both the crackers and the cheese. Water crackers, with their subtle taste, allow the distinct flavours of Brie and goat cheese to shine through. Brie, a soft and creamy cheese with a mild flavour, pairs beautifully with the neutrality of water crackers. Similarly, goat cheese, known for its tangy and earthy notes, is delicately accented by the understated taste of water crackers.

In addition to their versatility, water crackers are widely available, making them a convenient choice for any occasion. They are a classic option that won't detract from the star of the show – the cheese. Whether you opt for plain or flavoured water crackers, they provide a neutral foundation that lets the unique characteristics of Brie and goat cheese take centre stage. This pairing showcases how the right cracker can elevate the cheese-and-cracker experience, creating a delightful harmony of flavours and textures.

Charcuterie: Pinot Noir goes well with soft, ripe cheeses like Camembert or semi-hard cheeses like Gouda

Charcuterie is a delightful way to explore the intricacies of flavour combinations, especially when it comes to wine and cheese pairings. For those who appreciate a glass of Pinot Noir, the choice of cheese can either complement or elevate the experience. Here are some suggestions to create a delightful charcuterie spread centred around Pinot Noir and cheese:

Camembert, a soft French cheese, is an excellent choice to pair with Pinot Noir. Known for its buttery, soft texture and strong aroma, Camembert has a fruity, mild, and slightly earthy flavour. This cheese adds a deeper, more intense taste to the fruity notes of the wine without overwhelming it. Its creamy colour and texture ensure that your sip of Pinot Noir is enhanced rather than overpowered.

If you're looking for a softer cheese with a milder, creamier taste, Brie is a classic choice. This famous French cheese has a fruity, nutty flavour and a seamless, smooth texture. When paired with Pinot Noir, the wine's fruity notes are beautifully accentuated without being overtaken by the cheesy taste.

For those who prefer a semi-hard cheese, Gouda is a delightful option. This Dutch cheese is one of the world's most popular varieties, with an estimated 50 to 60% of global cheese consumption attributed to this nutty delight. Gouda has a rich flavour and a smooth texture, similar to Gruyere but with a fuller, slightly sweeter taste. When selecting Gouda to pair with Pinot Noir, opt for a medium-aged variety, as it has more flavour than younger versions and works harmoniously with the wine.

When creating your charcuterie board, remember to include a variety of textures and flavours. Accompany your cheese with crackers that complement the flavours without interfering with them. For instance, whole-wheat crackers or seed crackers can enhance the subtle flavours of mild Gouda, while sharper varieties like rosemary or rye crackers balance the intensity of mature Gouda. Don't forget to add some accompaniments like grapes, honey, or nuts to create a well-rounded, delectable spread.

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