The Perfect Red Wine And Cheese Pairing Guide

Wine, cheese, and crackers are a classic combination, but finding the perfect trio can be challenging. The key to a successful pairing lies in the interplay of flavours and textures between the wine, cheese, and crackers. When it comes to wine and cheese, opposites attract. Wine is acidic and dry, while cheese is less acidic and higher in fat, so when paired together, they create a harmonious balance. The maturity and texture of the cheese and wine also play a crucial role in determining the best combinations. Young, mild cheeses pair well with light, refreshing wines, while rich, aged cheeses are a match for older, full-bodied reds.

Red wines like Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon go well with hard cheeses like Manchego, Parmigiano Reggiano, Comte, and cheddar

When it comes to choosing a cracker to accompany this combination, it is recommended to opt for something plain and neutral, such as a water cracker, to avoid interfering with the flavours of the wine and cheese. However, a cracker with a little more complexity, such as a whole grain or seeded variety, could also work.

If you're looking for a white wine to pair with hard cheeses, Chardonnay is a good option. The crisp acidity of Chardonnay can cut through the richness of hard cheeses, and it also works well with mild cheddar, Gruyere, and provolone.

For a successful wine and cheese pairing, it's important to consider the intensity of both the wine and the cheese. Hard, aged cheeses tend to have a stronger flavour profile, so they pair well with wines that can match their intensity, such as older red wines with more body and complexity.

Additionally, the saltiness of the cheese can be taken into account when choosing a wine. Salty cheeses pair well with dry wines, and the saltiness can also help to bring out the sweetness in dessert wines.

Soft cheeses like Camembert and brie go well with red wines like Beaujolais or Pinot Noir

Soft cheeses like Camembert and brie are mild and creamy, with a delicate flavour and texture. When it comes to wine, a good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the cheese with the wine. So, with these softer cheeses, a red wine that's on the lighter side is a great choice. Beaujolais and Pinot Noir are perfect examples of this. They are both fruity reds, with Beaujolais also offering a bright, crisp taste. The acidity and fruitiness of these wines complement the creaminess of the cheese.

If you want to try a rosé, these soft cheeses will also accommodate that. Beaujolais, in particular, has a versatility that makes it a good choice for those who want to experiment with different wines. Pinot Noir, meanwhile, is a versatile wine that goes well with most things on a charcuterie board. It pairs excellently with soft, ripe cheeses like Camembert and brie, but also with semi-hard cheeses like Gouda, Swiss, and Provolone.

When serving cheese and crackers with wine, it's best to start with light wines and mild cheeses, and then move on to fuller-bodied options later in the evening. This way, stronger flavours won't overwhelm your palate early on. So, with soft cheeses, it's a good idea to stick with lighter crackers, such as slices of French baguette or rich, buttery crackers. This ensures the wine remains the star of the pairing.

Blue cheeses like Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton go well with sweet wines like port, Sauternes, or sweet sherry

Blue cheeses, such as Gorgonzola, Roquefort, and Stilton, are known for their bold and salty flavours. When it comes to wine pairings, sweet wines tend to work well with these cheeses. The saltiness of the cheese helps to bring out the sweetness of the wine, creating a delightful contrast of flavours.

Port wine, for example, is a sweet, fortified wine that pairs beautifully with blue cheeses. The rich, intense flavours of the cheese are balanced by the sweetness of the port, making for a decadent tasting experience. Sauternes, a sweet, French dessert wine, is another excellent choice to accompany these blue cheeses. Its notes of honey, apricot, and other tropical fruits create a wonderful flavour profile when paired with the salty, creamy texture of Gorgonzola, Roquefort, or Stilton.

If you're looking to shake things up a bit, consider sweet sherry or sloe gin as alternative options. These beverages will also complement the salty, savoury characteristics of blue cheese. Additionally, if you're open to something other than wine, stout beer pairs remarkably well with blue cheeses. Its roasted malt flavours create a delightful contrast to the salty, sharp notes of the cheese.

When serving blue cheese with sweet wines like port, Sauternes, or sweet sherry, it is recommended to choose plain, unsalted crackers or breads. This ensures that the saltiness of the cracker or bread does not interfere with the sweetness of the wine.

Red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon go well with medium cheeses like Manchego, smoked mozzarella, or cheddar

Red wines, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, are excellent choices to pair with medium cheeses like Manchego, smoked mozzarella, or cheddar. These wines have a medium body and a dry flavour profile, making them a great match for the slightly stronger flavour of medium cheeses.

Merlot is a versatile red wine that pairs well with a range of foods, including cheese and crackers. It has a fruity flavour profile with notes of cherry, plum, and sometimes even chocolate or herb. This makes it a great choice for medium cheeses, as the fruitiness of the wine can complement the slight tanginess of Manchego or the smokiness of mozzarella.

Cabernet Sauvignon, on the other hand, is a classic red wine known for its full body and robust flavour. It often exhibits flavours of black currant, black cherry, and bell pepper, with hints of vanilla or mint. The complexity of this wine makes it a perfect match for medium cheeses, especially cheddar, as the wine's boldness can stand up to the sharper flavour of the cheese.

When creating a cheese and cracker pairing with these wines, it's important to consider the type of cracker as well. Plain crackers, such as water crackers or plain wheat crackers, are often recommended for wine and cheese pairings as they won't interfere with the flavours. However, if you want to add a little more complexity, you could choose crackers with herbs or seeds, just be mindful of the flavours to ensure they complement both the cheese and the wine.

Additionally, serving your cheese at room temperature is ideal, as this allows the flavours and aromas to be fully expressed. So, take the cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving. This small step will enhance your tasting experience and make the flavours of the wine and cheese even more enjoyable.

Remember, when it comes to wine and cheese pairings, there is room for experimentation. While these guidelines can help create delicious combinations, you may also discover unique pairings that suit your personal taste.

Red wines like Pinot Noir go well with mild cheeses like young gouda, served with plain breads and crackers

Red wines, such as Pinot Noir, are versatile choices that pair well with a variety of cheeses and crackers. When it comes to cheese, young gouda is a mild option that complements the crispness of light wines like Pinot Noir. Its mild flavour won't interfere with the wine's taste, making it a perfect match.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine known for its fruity and smooth characteristics. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy a refreshing and fruity wine experience. The wine's acidity and low tannin content make it a versatile choice for cheese and cracker pairings.

Young gouda, also known as young cheddar or mild cheddar, is a semi-hard cheese with a delicate flavour and texture. Its mildness makes it an ideal companion for light red wines like Pinot Noir. The cheese's subtle flavour enhances the wine's fruity notes without overwhelming the palate.

When serving cheese and crackers with Pinot Noir or similar red wines, it is best to choose plain breads and crackers. These include slices of French baguette, rich buttery crackers, or plain water crackers. The simplicity of these accompaniments ensures that the wine remains the star of the pairing, allowing its flavours to shine through.

For a successful pairing, it is essential to consider the intensity of both the wine and the cheese. Young, mild cheeses like gouda pair well with young, light-bodied wines like Pinot Noir. As the evening progresses, you can move on to medium-bodied and full-bodied wines, but starting with light and mild options is advisable to prevent strong flavours from overwhelming your palate.

Frequently asked questions