Kamil Perry
Wine and cheese is a classic culinary pairing, and while there is some science behind why they work so well together, the French have been doing it for centuries. When it comes to cheddar, a popular variety of cheese, there are several wines that can be paired with it. The best wine to pair with cheddar depends on how mature the cheese is. A mild cheddar will be easier to match than an aged cheddar. In general, cheddar pairs well with wines that complement its tangy, nutty, and bold flavour profile.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Red wine, White wine, Rosé wine, Sparkling wine, Port, Sherry, Champagne |
| Wine body | Medium-bodied, Full-bodied, Light-bodied |
| Flavour | Dry, Sweet, Tart, Fruity, Nutty, Smoky, Spicy, Earthy |
| Cheese type | Mild, Medium, Mature, Aged, Vintage, Hard, Soft |
| Cheese flavour | Tangy, Bold, Sharp, Savoury, Salty, Nutty, Sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Cabernet Sauvignon and aged cheddar
Wine and cheese are a classic culinary pairing, and while there is some science behind why they work so well together, the French have been doing it for centuries. When it comes to wine and cheddar, the ideal pairing depends on the maturity of the cheese. A mild to medium block cheddar is easier to match than a sharp, well-matured cheddar. While a little sweetness can complement the sharpness of vintage cheddar, overly sweet or sugary fruits and jams can overpower its unique flavour.
Cabernet Sauvignon is America's go-to red wine for dinners, and it pairs well with a well-appointed cheese plate. It is a full-bodied red wine that needs a punchy cheese that can stand up to its bold nature, and that's why a good mature cheddar is recommended. The mouth-drying tannins in Cabernet Sauvignon match up wonderfully with the fattiness of an aged cheddar. Their bold flavours also match, instead of one flavour overpowering the other. The wine's tannins bind to the cheese's protein and fat, cleansing the palate.
When pairing wine and cheese, it is recommended that the cheese is taken out of the refrigerator 30-60 minutes beforehand, and the wine is served at 60 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also recommended to start by tasting the cheese first, then add the wine and allow the combination of flavours to mingle in the mouth before swallowing for the full effect.
While Cabernet Sauvignon and aged cheddar is a great pairing, there are other wines that can complement the tangy flavour of cheddar. A crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc high in acidity can allow the flavour of the cheddar to shine without smothering it. Chardonnay is also a great addition to cheddar—the fruitiness of the wine and the bold tanginess of the cheese bring out the best in each other.
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Sauvignon Blanc and mild cheddar
Wine and cheese are one of the most classic culinary pairings, and while there are some general guidelines, the best pairings ultimately depend on individual preferences.
When it comes to cheddar cheese, a mild to medium block cheddar is easier to match with wine than a sharp, well-matured cheddar. While red wines are often the first choice to pair with cheese, they can struggle with a sharp cheddar. However, a full-bodied red like a Cabernet Sauvignon can work well with a mature cheddar, as the bold flavours of both the wine and cheese will match without one overpowering the other.
For those who prefer white wine, a crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc with high acidity is an excellent choice to pair with cheddar. The acidity of the Sauvignon Blanc allows the flavour of the cheddar to shine without smothering it. Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile grape that pairs well with many artisanal cheeses, and its crisp acidity and herbaceous notes make it a great match for mild cheeses like mozzarella.
When pairing a Sauvignon Blanc with a mild cheddar, consider serving some sweet, tart, and juicy fruits on the side, such as blackberries, plums, figs, crisp apples, and pineapples. These flavours will complement the sharpness of the cheddar and provide a delightful contrast to the crispness of the wine.
While wine and cheese pairings are a fun way to explore different flavour combinations, don't be afraid to experiment and trust your palate to guide you. You may discover some unexpected but delightful pairings that become your new favourites.
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Chardonnay and mild cheddar
Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be either light-bodied or full-bodied, crisp or rich, and oaky or fruity. When paired with a mild cheddar, the wine's fruitiness complements the cheese's tanginess. Chardonnay also has high acidity, which allows it to blend beautifully with mild cheddar.
Mild cheddars tend to be easier to match with wine than aged cheddars, which have more complex flavours. Aged cheddars pair well with bold, full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon, while a mild cheddar may be overpowered by such a wine. A mild cheddar is also likely to be overpowered by a sweet dessert wine, which tends to complement stronger, saltier cheeses.
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, it is often recommended to pair wines with cheeses of similar intensity and complexity. A full-bodied, complex wine could easily overpower a delicate cheese. However, this is not a hard-and-fast rule, and many people enjoy pairing red wine with cheese. Red wines tend to have more tannins than white wines, which creates more interplay between the wine and the cheese.
In addition to Chardonnay, a mild cheddar would pair well with a crisp, light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, which would complement the cheese without overwhelming its flavour. A sparkling wine or Champagne would also make a good pairing, as the bubbles function as a palate cleanser.
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Rosé wine and young cheddar
Rosé wine is not just a refreshing aperitif before a meal or a summer drink. It pairs well with young cheeses like feta, mozzarella, baby Swiss, and young cheddar. Young cheddars are usually mild to medium-block cheddars, which are easier to match with wine. Young cheddars are nutty and cold with a hint of sweetness. They can get saltier, sharper, and crumbly as they age, making them a perfect pairing for wine.
Rosé wine has a refreshing and crisp taste that can cut through the richness of many cheeses. Young cheddars are also tangy, and wines with high acidity complement their tangy flavour. A crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc, for example, allows the flavour of the cheddar to shine without smothering it.
Young cheddars are also great with white wines, which offer a crisp, refreshing accompaniment to cheese. White wines have fewer tannins than reds, resulting in less interplay between the wine and the cheese. However, the more acidic the wine, the more it cuts through the fattiness of the food. The saltier the cheese, the more it enhances the body of the wine and decreases bitterness and acidity.
When pairing wine and young cheddar, it is also important to consider the wine's body. Young cheddars go well with medium-bodied reds, the safest option when it comes to red wines. A full-bodied red might be too much for a young cheddar.
While red wine and cheese are one of the all-time classic culinary pairings, it is important to remember that not all red wines go well with young cheddars. A lighter red like Beaujolais, for example, works well with creamier soft cheeses like Brie, Swiss cheeses, Camembert, and Cheshire.
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Port and aged cheddar
When selecting a port to pair with aged cheddar, consider a bottle of Taylor's Late Bottled Vintage Port. Its depth of flavour and hint of sweetness make it an ideal match for the sharp, tangy notes of the cheese. The result is a sensory experience where neither the wine nor the cheese is overwhelmed, with each element enhancing the other.
Aged cheddars, with their complex flavours, are particularly well-suited to being enjoyed alongside port. The ageing process imparts a sharper, more pronounced taste to the cheese, which can stand up to the boldness of port. This is in contrast to milder cheddars, which may be overwhelmed by the robust flavour of port.
When creating a cheese platter featuring aged cheddar and port, consider including some dried fruits and nuts. The natural sweetness of these foods will further enhance the pairing, providing a delightful contrast to the sharpness of the cheddar. French or Italian bread is also an excellent choice, offering a textural contrast to the creamy cheese and providing a base for the flavours of the port to shine through.
For those who enjoy experimenting with different flavour combinations, there are numerous other wines that can be paired with aged cheddar. Full-bodied red wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Shiraz, are excellent choices as their boldness matches the intensity of aged cheddar. Alternatively, a crisp and light-bodied Sauvignon Blanc can allow the flavour of the cheddar to take centre stage, while a Chardonnay can bring out the fruitiness of the wine and the tanginess of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many wines that can be paired with cheddar cheese. A few popular options include:
- Chardonnay
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Port
- Champagne
A mild to medium block cheddar is easier to pair with wine than an aged cheddar. A Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc would be a good choice to bring out the fruitiness of the wine and the tanginess of the cheese.
Aged cheddars are saltier, sharper, and crumbly, and pair well with a bold, full-bodied red wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz.
A sharp cheddar, like a Vermont sharp cheddar, can be paired with a wine with earthy notes like a Pinot Noir.
Foods such as pepper jelly, spicy pickles, or curried foods can smother the flavour of the cheddar. Sweet wines generally don't pair well with cheddar.
