Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but what wine should you pair with it? There are a few different options to consider. If you're a fan of white wine, a light unoaked Chardonnay is a good choice for a simple, creamy macaroni cheese. For something more extravagant, like a macaroni cheese with lobster or crab, you might opt for a posh white Burgundy or a white Rioja. Smooth dry wines like Chenin Blanc or Albariño can also work well, providing a contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the dish. If you prefer red wine, a Pinot Noir is a good go-to option, as the high bitterness (tannin) will be balanced out by the salt and fat in the macaroni.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| White wine | Chardonnay, White Burgundy, White Rioja, Chenin Blanc, Albariño, Malo Chardonnay |
| Red wine | Cabernet, Merlot, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Beaujolais |
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What You'll Learn
Unoaked Chardonnay
If you're eating a more extravagant macaroni and cheese dish with lobster or crab, you might want to try a posh white burgundy or a white rioja. However, if you're eating a simple, homely macaroni and cheese, unoaked Chardonnay is the perfect choice.
Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with many different types of cheese, especially those that are a bit nutty. So, if you're looking for a wine to pair with your macaroni and cheese, unoaked Chardonnay is a great option.
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White Burgundy
When it comes to wine and macaroni and cheese, the best white wine is the one you enjoy drinking the most. Bubbles pair beautifully with mac and cheese, and a light unoaked chardonnay is a good choice for a simple creamy macaroni cheese. However, if you're looking for a more extravagant pairing, a posh White Burgundy is a perfect choice for macaroni and cheese with lobster or crab.
The key to a successful pairing is to balance the flavours and textures of the wine and food. White Burgundy has a range of flavours that can complement macaroni and cheese, including citrus, green apple, and mineral notes. These crisp, bright flavours can provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy texture of the macaroni.
When selecting a White Burgundy, consider the style of the wine. A more oaky and buttery style can add depth and complexity to the pairing, especially if your macaroni and cheese is on the simpler side. Alternatively, a lighter, more crisp style can provide a refreshing contrast to a richer, more indulgent macaroni and cheese.
Finally, pay attention to the acidity level of the wine. White Burgundy is known for its bright acidity, which can help cut through the creamy texture of the dish. Look for a wine with a good balance of acidity and fruit flavours to create a harmonious pairing.
In conclusion, White Burgundy is an excellent choice for pairing with macaroni and cheese, especially if you're looking for something a little more extravagant. Its range of flavours, styles, and acidity levels can complement and contrast the dish, creating a delightful sensory experience.
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Cabernet or Merlot
When it comes to wine, there are a few options that pair well with macaroni and cheese. While some sources suggest a white wine, such as Chardonnay, others recommend a red wine, like Cabernet or Merlot.
If you're looking for a white wine to pair with your macaroni and cheese, a light, unoaked Chardonnay is a safe bet, especially if your dish is simple and creamy. A Chardonnay's rich flavour mirrors the cheesiness of the dish, while its mouthwatering acidity cuts through the creamy texture. A smooth, dry Chenin Blanc or Albariño can also work well, offering a similar contrast to the dish.
Of course, the best wine to pair with macaroni and cheese ultimately depends on your personal preference. So, if you're a fan of red wine, Cabernet or Merlot is a great option to enhance your dining experience.
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Shiraz
Macaroni and cheese is a rich, creamy dish, and the wine you choose to pair with it will depend on the type of cheese you use.
If you're using a cheddar cheese, a cabernet or merlot will work well. If you're using smoked gouda, a shiraz is a good choice. Shiraz is a bold, full-bodied red wine with a spicy flavour profile. It has notes of black pepper, clove and cinnamon, as well as ripe blackberry, black cherry and plum. The high bitterness (tannin) in shiraz will be balanced out by the salt and fat in the macaroni.
If you're looking for a wine to pair with a simple, creamy macaroni cheese, a light unoaked chardonnay is a good choice. Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with cheese, especially nuttier varieties. A smooth, dry Chenin Blanc or Albariño will also work well with mac and cheese, as the acidity in these wines will cut through the creaminess of the dish.
However, if you're making a more extravagant mac and cheese with lobster or crab, you might want to try a posh white burgundy or white rioja. These wines have a more complex flavour profile that will complement the luxurious ingredients in your dish.
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Pinot Noir
When it comes to wine and macaroni and cheese, the best pairing depends on the type of macaroni and cheese you're eating. If you're eating a homely, old-fashioned recipe, a simple glass of white wine is a good choice. If your macaroni and cheese is made with a strong cheddar or lashings of cream and lobster, you might want to opt for a more extravagant wine. Chardonnay is a popular choice, especially an unoaked Chardonnay, as its rich flavour mirrors the rich, cheesiness of the dish, and its mouthwatering acidity cuts through the creamy texture.
However, if you're looking for a red wine to pair with your macaroni and cheese, Pinot Noir is a great option. Pinot Noir goes with just about anything and is always a good "go-to" wine with most types of cheese sauces. The theory behind pairing red wine with macaroni and cheese is that the high bitterness (tannin) will be balanced out by the salt and fat in the macaroni.
If you're making a macaroni and cheese that is heavy on Gruyere, Bleu, and bacon, you might want to try a lighter red, such as a Pinot Noir or Beaujolais.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wine to pair with macaroni and cheese depends on the type of cheese used and how fancy the dish is. A simple, homely macaroni and cheese pairs well with a glass of white wine, such as a light unoaked Chardonnay. For a more extravagant dish, a posh white Burgundy or white Rioja is recommended.
A light, unoaked Chardonnay is a good choice for a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese. A smooth, dry Chenin Blanc or Albariño is also a good option, as the acidity in these wines cuts through the creaminess of the dish.
For a dish with cheddar cheese, a Cabernet or Merlot works well. If you're using smoked gouda, try a Shiraz. Pinot Noir is a good "go-to" wine for most types of cheese sauces, as the high bitterness (tannin) is balanced out by the salt and fat in the macaroni.
Yes, a Beaujolais or Malo Chardonnay can also work well with macaroni and cheese. A dry Riesling is another option, as it is counter-intuitive but good, like crunching into a refreshing apple with your cheese.
