The Perfect Wine And Camembert Cheese Pairing

Camembert is a cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a white rind. It starts off as a mild semi-soft wheel but becomes runnier and more flavoursome as it ages. It's often considered a tricky cheese to pair with wine, especially reds, due to its slightly funky edge. However, there are still plenty of wines that can complement Camembert's unique flavour profile.

Chardonnay

A Chardonnay with crisp green apple flavours, such as a Pouilly-Fuisse from Burgundy, is a great choice to pair with Camembert. These wines typically cost around $20 and can be drunk upon purchase, but they will also cellar well for three to five years.

If you are looking for a sparkling wine to pair with Camembert, a traditional Australian blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier is a good option. The Taltarni Brut Rosé "Tache" Sparkling Wine, for example, will complement the rich, luscious flavours of the cheese.

Sparkling wine

When it comes to champagne, a grower-producer such as Egly-Ouriet 'Brut Tradition Grand Cru' Champagne is an excellent choice to complement the soft, creamy, and slightly earthy flavours of camembert. This champagne is made from 40-year-old Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vines, providing incredible richness and a touch of citrus that shines through.

If you're looking for a more indulgent experience, a rich, fruity sparkling wine like the Australian Taltarni Brut Rosé "Tache" is a perfect match for camembert. This sparkling wine is a traditional blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier, offering hints of fresh fruit and layers of minerality and richness.

For a more affordable option, you can't go wrong with a bottle of Prosecco or a good-quality New World sparkling wine. These wines will also complement the creamy texture of camembert while offering a more budget-friendly option.

When pairing sparkling wine with camembert, consider the ripeness of the cheese. Younger camembert tends to be mellow and buttery, while aged camembert develops a pungent mushroom and earth flavour. Sparkling wine's acidity and bubbles can help balance both the creamy texture and the more robust flavours of aged camembert.

Shiraz

When choosing a Shiraz to pair with Camembert, consider the origin of the wine. Shiraz is produced worldwide, and the flavour profile can vary depending on whether the grapes were grown in a warm or moderate climate. If you prefer a rustic style or a softer wine, look for a Shiraz from a cooler climate.

In summary, the bold and fruity characteristics of Shiraz make it an excellent choice to pair with Camembert cheese. The wine's spicy notes and earthy tones complement the robust, creamy flavour of the cheese, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Cider

While wine and cheese are a classic combination, cider is an excellent alternative to pair with camembert. Camembert is a cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a white rind. It has a rich, buttery, and earthy flavour. Coming from Normandy, cider is a natural pairing for camembert, especially when accompanied by the eating of the rind. The slight bitterness of cider apples suits camembert perfectly, and a sparkling cider can enhance this experience even further.

When considering the level of maturity of your camembert, you can explore different types of cider and apple-based drinks. For a well-matured camembert, Calvados, an apple brandy, can be an excellent choice. If you prefer a less alcoholic option, Pommeau, a fortified wine made from apple juice and Calvados, offers a delightful pairing with camembert. In addition, cider made in the Norman style, the same region as camembert, can be an ideal match, especially when paired with a riper wheel of cheese.

For those who do not consume alcohol, apple juice can be a surprisingly good pairing with camembert, especially if the cheese is mild. The sweetness of the apple juice balances the earthy and nutty flavours of the cheese, creating a delightful combination.

In conclusion, while wine is a popular choice for cheese pairings, cider offers a refreshing and flavourful alternative, especially when enjoyed with camembert. The crisp acidity and slight bitterness of cider apples complement the rich, buttery, and earthy flavours of camembert. Whether you choose a traditional cider, a sparkling variety, or explore apple-based drinks like Pommeau and Calvados, your taste buds are in for a delightful treat when paired with camembert.

Cabernet Sauvignon

When it comes to Camembert, a cow's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a white rind, Cabernet Sauvignon is not typically recommended. This is because Camembert is a tricky cheese to pair with a slightly funky edge that can clash with many wines, particularly reds. However, some sources suggest that a baked Camembert can be a decadent pairing with Cabernet Sauvignon, enhancing the wine rather than the cheese. The richness of the cheese will coat your mouth in a way that minimises the tannins and acidity in the wine.

If you are looking for a red wine to pair with Camembert, a lighter red such as an old-world Pinot Noir or Beaujolais might be a better option. Alternatively, a glass of Champagne or sparkling wine is often recommended to complement the rich, creamy texture and taste of Camembert.

For those who prefer a white wine with their cheese, a Chardonnay is a good choice. A crisp Chardonnay with fruit flavours that are not masked by oak can meld wonderfully with the flavours of Camembert.

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