Mac And Cheese: The Perfect Wine Pairing

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. The type of wine that goes well with macaroni and cheese depends on the recipe and the type of cheese used. Generally, white wines are preferred, with Chardonnay being a popular choice, especially when paired with a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese. Unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays are recommended to balance the richness of the dish. For more extravagant recipes with strong cheeses or added ingredients like lobster, a white Burgundy or a white Rioja is suggested. Other white wine options include Albariño, Chenin Blanc, and dry Riesling. For those who prefer red wines, a fruity Pinot Noir or a Gamay is recommended, especially if the macaroni and cheese includes meat.

Unoaked Chardonnay

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines, including Chardonnay, a white wine that is produced in many regions with different styles. When it comes to selecting the perfect wine to complement macaroni and cheese, an unoaked (or lightly oaked) Chardonnay is an excellent choice. Here's why:

The Rich Flavour of Unoaked Chardonnay

When serving a simple, classic macaroni and cheese dish, an unoaked Chardonnay is the perfect companion. Its crisp, dry, and fruity notes complement the creamy texture of the pasta without overwhelming the dish. The vibrant acidity of an unoaked Chardonnay pairs exceptionally well with the indulgent, savoury flavours of a traditional macaroni and cheese recipe.

Chardonnay's Versatility with Different Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Chardonnay's versatility shines when exploring different macaroni and cheese recipes. For instance, if you're indulging in a heartier macaroni and cheese dish with crab, lobster, or truffles, a Chardonnay with a bit more oak influence and depth can stand up to the robust flavours of these ingredients. The oak influence in the wine adds a layer of complexity that complements the richness of these luxurious macaroni and cheese variations.

Specific Recommendations for Unoaked Chardonnay

When selecting an unoaked Chardonnay to pair with macaroni and cheese, there are a few excellent options to consider. The 2019 Pacificana Chardonnay, with its apple, pear, and tropical fruit flavours, is a fantastic choice that retails at an average price of US$17. Another option is the Good Harbor Unoaked Chardonnay from Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula, which offers juicy apple and lemon zest aromas and ripe apple, grapefruit, and herbal notes on the palate. This wine typically costs around $17.

Dry white wine

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines, including dry white wines. Here are some reasons why dry white wine is a great choice for this classic comfort food:

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, opposites often attract. The tangy, tart finish of a dry white wine can beautifully balance the fatty, creamy, and carby elements of macaroni and cheese. This contrast enhances the sensory experience and prevents the dish from feeling too heavy or dense. The crisp, dry nature of these wines prevents them from clashing with the rich flavours of the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.

Chardonnay, a versatile grape variety, is a popular choice for macaroni and cheese. An unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnay can complement the dish's creaminess while adding a refreshing zing. The acidity of Chardonnay cuts through the cheese's creaminess, and its rich flavour mirrors the cheesiness of the macaroni. For a more extravagant meal, a posh white Burgundy or a white Rioja can elevate the experience, especially if your macaroni and cheese features luxurious ingredients like lobster or crab.

In addition to Chardonnay, other dry white wines can also be excellent choices. A dry Riesling, for example, can offer a counter-intuitive but delightful pairing. The crispness of a dry Riesling can be likened to crunching into a refreshing apple, providing a pleasant contrast to the salty, creamy cheese. This combination is sure to surprise and delight your taste buds.

When selecting a dry white wine to pair with macaroni and cheese, it's important to consider the specific ingredients and flavours in your dish. The type of cheese used, whether it's a simple recipe or a more indulgent creation, can influence the ideal wine choice. However, with its versatility and ability to enhance the flavours of the dish, dry white wine is a safe and enjoyable option for your macaroni and cheese feast!

Red wine with low tannins

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of wines, including red wines with low tannins. Here are some reasons why a red wine with low tannins is an excellent choice for this classic comfort food:

Firstly, red wines with low tannins, such as a Pinot Noir or Gamay, offer a beautiful contrast to the rich and creamy texture of macaroni and cheese. The tannins in red wine can be astringent, but when paired with the creaminess of the dish, they become softer and more approachable. This creates a well-rounded and pleasing sensory experience.

Secondly, the fruity notes commonly found in low-tannin red wines complement the salty and savoury characteristics of macaroni and cheese. The saltiness of the cheese enhances the fruitiness of the wine, creating a delightful interplay of flavours. Imagine a sip of raspberry or cherry-inflected Pinot Noir alongside a mouthful of macaroni and cheese—a delicious combination!

Additionally, if your macaroni and cheese includes ingredients like braised beef or pork, a low-tannin red wine will further enhance the dish. The savoury notes of the wine will complement the heartiness of the meat, creating a satisfying and cohesive pairing.

When selecting a red wine with low tannins for your macaroni and cheese, look for wines that are described as fruity, juicy, or refreshing. These characteristics will help to balance the richness of the dish. For example, a Spanish Grenache, with its ripe and juicy profile, would be an excellent choice.

Remember, the key to successful food and wine pairings is finding a balance between the flavours and textures of the dish and the wine. In the case of macaroni and cheese, a red wine with low tannins can provide a delightful contrast to the creaminess of the dish, while its fruity notes accentuate the salty and savoury elements. So, go ahead and indulge in this ultimate comfort food and wine pairing—your taste buds will thank you!

Bubbles

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines, including bubbles. While some people prefer white or red wine with their mac and cheese, bubbles offer a refreshing and elegant option that can complement the rich and creamy dish perfectly. Here are some tips and suggestions for choosing the right sparkling wine for your macaroni and cheese.

When it comes to bubbles, there are a few varieties that are particularly well-suited for macaroni and cheese. Lambrusco, an Italian sparkling red wine, is an unexpected but fun choice. The bubbles in Lambrusco keep your palate feeling clean, while the cheese softens the wine's tannins. If you're looking for a more accessible option, a cremant de Bourgogne can be a good choice while still offering great quality for the price. For those who prefer a white sparkling wine, a cremant du Jura or vin jaune can be excellent pairings, especially if your mac and cheese features Alpine cheeses. These options can be more expensive, but they will elevate your mac and cheese experience.

When selecting a sparkling wine to pair with macaroni and cheese, consider the specific cheeses used in the dish. Bubbles pair well with nutty cheeses, so if your mac and cheese features Gruyere or Bleu cheese, a sparkling wine like Pinot Gris or Beaujolais can be a great choice. Additionally, a dry Riesling can be a good option to balance the fattiness of the cheese. The salty cheese in mac and cheese can also balance the sweetness of an off-dry Riesling, making it a refreshing and palate-cleansing option.

While bubbles can be a delightful choice for macaroni and cheese, it's important to remember that the specific type of cheese used in the dish can impact your wine selection. Some cheeses, such as cheddar or smoked gouda, have stronger flavours that may be better complemented by a full-bodied white or red wine. However, if your mac and cheese features milder cheeses like Brie or fontina, bubbles can be an excellent way to enhance the creaminess of the dish without overwhelming its more delicate flavours.

In conclusion, bubbles can be a wonderful choice to pair with macaroni and cheese. The key is to consider the specific cheeses used in the dish and select a sparkling wine that will complement their flavours and textures. Whether you choose a Lambrusco, cremant, or a dry Riesling, your mac and cheese will surely be taken to the next level with the addition of some elegant bubbles.

Spanish Grenache

Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. While some prefer a simple glass of white wine with their mac and cheese, others opt for more extravagant options depending on the ingredients used in the dish.

The Wine:

Grenache is a grape variety that thrives in the Southern Mediterranean, particularly in France and Spain, where it is called Garnacha. It is also grown in other regions, including Australia, California, and Washington State. Grenache wines are typically full-bodied, soft, and low in acidity. They are known for their ripe, juicy flavours and hints of raspberries. Grenache wines from Spain, in particular, benefit from the dry heat of the region, resulting in wines that are especially ripe and juicy. These wines are also easy-drinking and have a relatively low acidity.

The Pairing:

Specific Recommendations:

When it comes to selecting a Spanish Grenache to pair with your macaroni and cheese, consider the 2012 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja. This wine is easy-drinking and known for its ripe and juicy flavours, making it a perfect match for the cheese in your macaroni and cheese.

Other Food Pairings for Spanish Grenache:

In addition to macaroni and cheese, Spanish Grenache pairs well with a variety of dishes. It is an excellent choice for braises and stews, particularly those with pork or lamb. The wine also complements classic French bistro dishes like rabbit and hearty Spanish or Portuguese country cooking. Spanish Grenache can handle a bit of spice and pairs well with paprika and pimenton-flavoured dishes. It is also a good option for milder curries, such as rogan josh, and slightly sweet Moroccan tagines.

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