The Perfect Wine And Pecorino Cheese Pairing

what wine goes well with pecorino cheese

Pecorino is a salty Italian sheep's cheese with a strong aroma and a sharp, crumbly texture. When it comes to wine, Pecorino is best paired with a fruity red wine with moderate tannins, such as Chianti Classico. This popular Tuscan wine is made with a blend of mostly Sangiovese grapes and its savoury, translucent character and notes of cherry, tomato and dry herbs complement the bold flavours of Pecorino. Other red wines that go well with Pecorino include Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. If you're looking for a white wine, try a dry and fresh Soave Classico or a sparkling Italian Prosecco.

Characteristics Values
Best wine pairing Chianti
Other good pairings Italian Prosecco, Soave Classico, Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Gamay
Cheese type Italian sheep cheese
Variants Pecorino Romano, Pecorino Siciliano, Pecorino Toscano
Flavour Dry, hard, sharp, salty, aromatic
Ideal for Special Italian pasta dishes with highly flavoured sauces
Example dishes Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe, Spaghetti alla Carbonara, Bucatini all'Amatriciana

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Chianti is a good match for Pecorino Toscano

Chianti is produced in the Chianti region of Tuscany, Italy. The wine is made from a blend of grapes, predominantly Sangiovese, but also Colorino, Canaiolo Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Chianti's savoury, translucent character and fruity notes make it an excellent match for Pecorino Toscano.

Pecorino Toscano is a traditional Italian sheep's milk cheese with a rich history dating back to ancient Italy. The cheese is typically aged for a few months to develop its distinct, tangy flavour and firm yet crumbly texture. The aroma is robust and savoury, with grassy notes adding depth to its overall flavour profile.

When pairing Pecorino Toscano with Chianti, or any other wine, it is important to consider the delicate flavours of the cheese. A light, fruity red wine like Chianti is ideal as it won't overwhelm the cheese. The key is to complement the salty, tangy and nutty flavours of the Pecorino Toscano, creating a harmonious pairing.

In addition to Chianti, other wine pairings that go well with Pecorino Toscano include crisp and fruity white wines such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. These white wines provide a contrast to the cheese, with their acidity cutting through the richness of the Pecorino Toscano.

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Barolo is another Italian red that pairs well with Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a crumbly, dense, and flaky Italian sheep's cheese with a pale yellow colour. It has a strong aroma and a powerful flavour with notes of salt, spice, and smoke. When it comes to wine pairings, a complex Italian red wine is often recommended to match the cheese's intensity. While Chianti is a popular choice, another excellent option is Barolo.

Barolo is a robust Italian red wine that originates from the Piedmont region of Italy. It is made primarily from the Nebbiolo grape, which lends the wine its characteristic depth and complexity. The wine is known for its full body, high tannins, and robust flavours of cherry, plum, rose, and anise. It typically undergoes a lengthy ageing process, resulting in a wine that is both elegant and assertive.

The complexity and depth of flavours in Barolo make it a perfect match for the strong and salty character of Pecorino Romano. The wine's high tannins and robust flavours can stand up to the cheese's intense flavours without being overpowered. At the same time, the wine's subtle fruity and floral notes can complement the cheese's spice and smoke nuances.

When pairing Barolo with Pecorino Romano, consider the cheese's texture as well. The crumbly and flaky nature of Pecorino Romano means that it can be enjoyed on its own or grated over pasta dishes. When served alongside Barolo, the cheese's texture can provide a pleasing contrast to the wine's full body and smooth finish.

In addition to the flavour and texture considerations, the regionality of the pairing is also noteworthy. Both Pecorino Romano and Barolo have strong ties to Italy, with the cheese originating from Rome and the wine from Piedmont. This shared heritage adds a cultural dimension to the pairing, making it a true celebration of Italian cuisine and winemaking traditions.

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Cabernet Sauvignon is a good choice for its fruity notes

Pecorino is a salty Italian sheep's cheese with a strong aroma and a sharp, spicy and smoky flavour. When it comes to wine, it is best paired with a fruity red wine with moderate tannins. A Chianti Classico is often considered the best match for Pecorino, but a Cabernet Sauvignon is also a good choice.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a popular choice for wine and cheese pairings. It is a bold, fruity wine that can stand up to the strong flavours of Pecorino cheese. The wine has mouth-drying tannins that match the fattiness of the cheese. Its fruity notes also help to temper the smokier notes of the Pecorino Romano.

The fruity notes in a Cabernet Sauvignon can range from blackcurrant and blackberry to cherry, tomato, and even plum, adding depth and complexity to the pairing. These notes complement the sharp and salty flavours of Pecorino cheese. The wine's bold flavours also match the cheese's strong aroma, creating a harmonious pairing that enhances the taste experience.

In addition to its fruity notes, Cabernet Sauvignon also exhibits other characteristics that make it a good choice for Pecorino cheese. It often has hints of spice, tobacco, and vanilla, which can add depth to the pairing. Moreover, the wine's full body and high tannin content can stand up to the strong and salty characteristics of the cheese.

When pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with Pecorino cheese, it is important to consider the specific type of Pecorino. For example, a younger, milder Pecorino may be better suited to a lighter-style Cabernet Sauvignon, while an older, sharper Pecorino may pair better with a more full-bodied and complex Cabernet Sauvignon. Experimenting with different styles of Cabernet Sauvignon and Pecorino cheese can be a fun way to discover new flavour combinations.

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Soave Classico is a dry and fresh Italian white wine that can be paired with Pecorino Romano

Pecorino Romano is a crumbly, dense, and flaky Italian sheep's cheese with a pale yellow colour. It has a strong aroma and a pure strength of flavour. The best wine pairings for this variety of cheese are complex Italian red wines such as Chianti, Barolo, and Cabernet Sauvignon. These wines have the complexity needed to match the cheese's spicy and smoky notes.

However, if you are looking for a white wine to pair with Pecorino Romano, Soave Classico is a dry and fresh Italian white wine that can be a good pairing. While it is the least powerful option when compared to the aforementioned red wines, Soave Classico is still capable of cutting through the stronger flavours of Pecorino Romano.

Soave Classico is produced in the Veneto region of Italy, specifically in the Soave and Soave Hills areas. The wine is made primarily from the Garganega grape, which contributes to its dry and fresh taste. It is often aged for a short period, resulting in a light and crisp wine with flavours of citrus, almond, and honey.

When pairing Soave Classico with Pecorino Romano, the wine's crispness and dryness can help balance the cheese's strong flavours. The citrus notes in the wine may also complement the saltiness of the cheese. Additionally, the flakiness and crumbly texture of the cheese can be a nice contrast to the smoothness of the wine.

To enhance the experience, consider serving the Pecorino Romano at room temperature, as this can intensify its flavours. Also, when selecting a Soave Classico, look for a slightly more full-bodied version, as this can stand up better to the cheese's robust taste.

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Prosecco is a good sparkling wine option to pair with Pecorino cheese

Pecorino is a salty Italian sheep's cheese with a strong aroma and a sharp, spicy, and complex flavour. When it comes to wine, it is best paired with a fruity red wine with moderate tannins, such as Chianti. However, Prosecco is a good sparkling wine option to pair with Pecorino cheese.

Prosecco is a sparkling wine from Italy that can be a great choice to pair with Pecorino cheese. While Pecorino is a strong and salty cheese, Prosecco offers a bright and lively contrast with its crisp acidity and bubbles. The brioche and toastiness of traditional method Prosecco sparklers can also add a nice touch of flavour to the pairing.

In addition, Prosecco is a versatile wine that can complement a wide range of cheeses, including other Italian varieties such as Gorgonzola, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Piave, and Asiago. Its crispness and acidity can help to cut through the richness of these cheeses, creating a delightful tasting experience.

When choosing a Prosecco to pair with Pecorino, look for a well-made traditional method sparkler that offers a good balance of acidity, bubbles, and brioche notes. This will ensure a pleasant contrast to the salty and sharp characteristics of the cheese.

Overall, Prosecco is an excellent choice for those who enjoy sparkling wines and are looking for a refreshing and flavourful pairing with Pecorino cheese. Its versatility, crispness, and ability to cut through the richness of the cheese make it a great option to consider when crafting a wine and cheese menu.

Frequently asked questions

Pecorino is an Italian sheep's cheese. The name means "from sheep" in Italian. It is dry and hard, with a sharper flavour than Parmigiano (Parmesan).

The best wine to pair with Pecorino cheese is Chianti, a popular red wine made in Tuscany, Italy. Other good options include Barolo, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Soave Classico.

Chianti is a complex wine with booming tannins that can match the strong, salty, and spicy flavours of Pecorino. The savoury secondary notes in Chianti bring out a hidden herbal flavour in the cheese, and the black fruit notes stand up to the boldness of the Pecorino.

Yes, other red wines that pair well with Pecorino include Brunello, Barbera d'Alba, and California Merlot. White wine options include Pinot Grigio and Riesling.

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