Wine And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing For Crackers

Wine and cheese are a classic combination, but finding the right wine to go with your cheese and crackers can be a daunting task. The wine you choose will depend on the type of cheese you're serving. For instance, a soft cheese like brie goes well with Merlot, while a harder cheese like cheddar is better paired with a medium-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or a Chardonnay. If you're serving a variety of cheeses, it's best to provide several wine options for your guests to choose from.

Salty, hard cheeses go well with wine

Salty, hard cheeses are a delight with wine, and they are a classic pairing. When it comes to wine and cheese, there are no set rules, but some combinations work better than others. Hard cheeses, such as aged cheddars, Asiago, Parmesan, and Manchego, are just a few varieties that fall into this category and create a perfect match with wine.

Hard cheeses tend to have a more intense, sharp, and salty flavour, and their firm texture means they can stand up to bolder, more full-bodied wines. A good rule of thumb is to match the intensity of the cheese with a wine of similar character. For example, a sharp, salty Cheddar pairs well with a robust and fruity Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Merlot. These wines have the body and flavour to stand up to the cheese without being overpowered.

Another classic pairing is a sheep's milk cheese, such as Manchego, with a sparkling wine like a red Rioja. The bubbles in the wine cut through the richness of the cheese, and the wine's acidity brightens the flavours. Asiago, Parmesan, and other hard cheeses also go well with Chianti, Sauvignon Blanc, Shiraz, and Pinot Noir.

When creating a cheeseboard, it is a good idea to include a variety of cheeses with different textures and sources. For example, along with hard cheeses, you could include soft cheeses like Brie or Camembert, semi-soft cheeses like Gouda or Jarlsberg, and semi-hard cheeses like Manchego or Provolone. This will give your guests a range of flavours and textures to enjoy.

To complement the cheeses, you can add cured meats such as Prosciutto and Salami, as well as crackers, breadsticks, or toasted baguettes. For some extra flavour and texture, include fruits like grapes, figs, apples, and pears, and nuts such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios.

So, the next time you're planning a wine and cheese night, remember that salty, hard cheeses are a wonderful choice, and with the right wine pairing, they'll be a delicious treat for you and your guests.

Soft cheeses are also a good match

When creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to include at least one soft cheese. This could be a Brie, Camembert, or a soft blue cheese. These cheeses have strong flavours that can stand up to the other ingredients on the board, and their creamy textures make them perfect for spreading on crackers.

If you're looking for a wine to pair with a soft cheese, consider a medium-bodied red like a Pinot Noir or a Merlot. These wines have enough body to stand up to the richness of the cheese, but they're not so heavy that they will overwhelm its delicate flavour.

For a summer wine and cheese night, a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert paired with a light-bodied, fruity red wine like Pinot Noir is a perfect choice. The softness of the cheese and the fruitiness of the wine will complement each other beautifully.

When serving soft cheeses, it's important to ensure they are at the proper temperature. Take the cheese out of the refrigerator about an hour before serving to allow it to come to room temperature. This will ensure the cheese is soft and spreadable, and its flavours will be at their most pronounced.

To enhance the flavour of soft cheeses, pair them with sweet accompaniments like honey, jam, or fresh fruit. Soft cheeses also pair well with nuts, especially walnuts and pecans. These can be served alongside the cheese or crushed and sprinkled on top.

Gluten-free crackers are a good option

Gluten-free crackers can also be a tasty and healthy snack option. They are often made with nutritious ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and ancient grains, which provide essential nutrients like protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Additionally, gluten-free crackers tend to be lower in calories and carbohydrates than their gluten-containing counterparts, making them a good choice for those watching their weight or managing their blood sugar levels.

When selecting gluten-free crackers to pair with wine and cheese, consider the following:

• Flavour and texture: Choose a cracker that complements the flavours of the cheese and wine. For example, a crisp and airy rice cracker might pair well with a strong, funky blue cheese, while a hearty seed cracker could stand up to a sharp cheddar.
• Thickness: If you plan to use the crackers for dipping or topping, choose a thinner variety that won't break or crumble easily. Thicker, heartier crackers can be a good base for heartier toppings or for creating mini cracker sandwiches.
• Shape and size: For a more elegant presentation, look for gluten-free crackers that come in unique shapes and sizes. This will add visual interest to your cheese plate or charcuterie board.
• Allergens: Be mindful of other common allergens that may be present in gluten-free crackers, such as nuts, seeds, or soy. If you or your guests have multiple food allergies or intolerances, carefully read the ingredient lists to ensure the crackers are safe for everyone to enjoy.
• Simple Mills Almond Flour Crackers: These crackers come in a variety of flavours, including rosemary and sea salt, fine ground sea salt, and farmhouse cheddar. They are vegan, paleo-friendly, and free of grains, soy, and dairy.
• Mary's Gone Crackers: These hearty crackers are made with nuts and seeds, giving them a rich, buttery taste. They come in several flavours, including original, garlic rosemary, and super seed classic.
• Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers: These crackers are made from potatoes instead of soy, corn, or rice, and they have a dry, crunchy texture similar to a traditional water cracker. They are perfect for topping with cheese or other spreads.
• Blue Diamond Almond Nut-Thins: These nut-based crackers have a mild flavour that pairs well with salty and sweet toppings, such as cheese, peanut butter, apples, and honey. They are also available in several flavours, including sea salt and cheddar cheese.
• Ka-Me Gluten-Free Sesame Rice Crackers: These crisp, salty, airy rice crackers are perfect for snacking on plain or pairing with a variety of cheeses.

Fruits like grapes, figs and apples complement cheese and wine

When it comes to wine and cheese, there are endless possibilities for pairings and combinations. While some may opt for crackers, fruits like grapes, figs, and apples are also a great complement to cheese and wine.

The sweetness of fruit and the saltiness of cheese are the main reasons they pair well together. This sweet and salty contrast is also why cheese pairs well with dessert wines, honey, and fruit spreads. The sweetness of fruits like grapes, figs, and apples can complement the saltiness of cheese, creating a tasty combination.

In addition to their complementary flavours, fruits like grapes, figs, and apples can also provide a textural contrast to cheese. The soft, juicy nature of these fruits can be a nice contrast to the firmer, drier texture of cheese.

When creating a fruit and cheese pairing, it is important to consider seasonality and how different types of fruits will react with different cheeses. For example, berries are only in season for a short period during the summer, while apples, pears, and persimmons are in season during the fall and winter in most of the US. Dried fruits and jams can be a good alternative when fresh fruit is not in season, as they often have a more concentrated sugar content and can create flavour pairings that are mind-blowingly fantastic with certain cheeses.

• Havarti, a smooth and buttery cheese, pairs best with sweeter fruits like pears or honey crisp apples.
• Edam, a mild and buttery cheese, balances well with sweet or tart fruits, especially red grapes.
• Jarlsberg, a nutty and hard cheese, pairs best with tart apples and plums.
• Munster, a mild and creamy cheese, goes best with grapes and sweet apples.
• Gruyere, a creamy and nutty cheese, pairs well with apples.
• Asiago, a hard and pungent cheese, can be paired with tart, hard apples like Granny Smiths, as well as plums and tart grapes.

So, the next time you're planning a wine and cheese night, consider adding some fruits like grapes, figs, and apples to your platter. They can provide a delightful contrast in flavours and textures, enhancing your overall tasting experience.

Honey-sweetened jams and pepper jelly are tasty additions

Honey-sweetened jams can also be paired with cheeses that have a natural affinity for honey, such as soft cheeses like brie or camembert. Pepper jelly, on the other hand, can be a good match for a strong blue cheese like stilton, or a strong, mature cheddar.

When choosing a wine to go with honey-sweetened jams, look for something that has a touch of sweetness itself, like a Riesling or a Gewürztraminer. These wines often have notes of honey and stone fruit, which will complement the sweetness of the jam. If you're serving pepper jelly, a wine with a bit of spice, such as a Zinfandel or a Syrah, can enhance the peppery notes in the jelly.

In addition, when creating a cheese board, it's a good idea to include a variety of textures and flavours. For example, along with honey-sweetened jams and pepper jelly, you could include fresh and dried fruits, nuts, crackers, and meats. This will create an interesting and well-rounded platter that your guests can enjoy.

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