Wine, Cheese, And Chocolate: A Perfect Pairing

The classic combination of wine, cheese, and fruit is a match made in heaven, and pears are an incredibly versatile fruit that can be paired with a variety of wines and cheeses. When it comes to wine, dark chocolate, pears, and blue cheese, a few options come to mind. Firstly, a sweet wine is always a good choice, especially with dark chocolate. Fortified wines like port, sherry, or Madeira are excellent pairings. For dark chocolate, in particular, a Zinfandel or Syrah/Shiraz is recommended. If you're looking for a bubbly option, a Champagne doux or Moscato d'Asti is a good choice. For the blue cheese, a dessert or fortified wine like port or Sauternes is a classic pairing, but a dry white or red wine can also work well. A smooth Italian white wine like Gavi di Gavi or a southern Italian red like Negroamaro or Nero d'Avola are good choices. As for the pears, a Chilean Sauvignon Blanc or a New Zealand Pinot Gris would complement them nicely.

Dark chocolate and blue cheese are a perfect match with port

When it comes to pears, port can be a good choice as well. Pears have a delicate flavour and texture that can be enhanced by the wine. The sweetness of port can bring out the natural sugars in the fruit, making it a good choice for dessert pairings.

Additionally, blue cheese and pears are a classic combination, with the sweetness of the pear providing a nice contrast to the saltiness and sharpness of the cheese. When paired with port, the combination can be elevated, creating a complex and indulgent flavour profile.

Finally, dark chocolate, blue cheese, and pears together can create a unique and decadent experience. The sweetness of the port can tie the three elements together, softening the bitterness of the dark chocolate and the blue cheese while enhancing the natural sugars in the pear. This combination can be a sophisticated and indulgent choice for dessert or even as a show-stopping appetiser.

A blue cheese and fresh fig salad pairs well with a smooth Italian white wine

A blue cheese and fresh fig salad is a delightful combination of flavours and textures. The sweetness of the figs and the salty, spicy tang of the blue cheese are a perfect match. To complement this, a wine with a touch of sweetness is needed. A smooth Italian white wine, such as a Gavi di Gavi, is an excellent choice. This wine has a delicate, smooth flavour that will enhance the salad without overwhelming it. Its crisp, fresh taste will also cut through the richness of the blue cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.

Gavi di Gavi is a versatile wine that pairs well with a range of dishes. Its smooth, mellow character makes it an ideal choice for those who prefer a more subtle, elegant wine. The wine's crispness will refresh the palate, especially when enjoyed with a salad. The wine's smooth finish will also ensure it doesn't overpower the delicate flavours of the fresh figs.

When creating a blue cheese and fresh fig salad, consider adding some crunchy textures, such as toasted nuts or crispy prosciutto, to contrast with the creaminess of the cheese and the softness of the figs. A vinaigrette made with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a touch of mustard can also enhance the flavours and bring the dish together.

The Gavi di Gavi wine will complement the salad, creating a harmonious dining experience. Its smooth, subtle character will allow the flavours of the blue cheese and fresh figs to shine while adding a refreshing, crisp dimension to the meal. This pairing showcases how a well-chosen wine can elevate a dish, creating a delightful sensory journey for the palate.

A blue cheese-topped pizza goes with a southern Italian red like Negroamaro

When it comes to wine and food pairings, blue cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be matched with both sweet and dry wines. While port and stilton, or roquefort and Sauternes, are two of the most famous combinations, there are other options to consider. For a blue cheese-topped pizza, a southern Italian red like Negroamaro is an excellent choice.

Negroamaro is a red wine grape variety widely grown in Puglia, Italy, and is one of the region's most celebrated. The name, which translates to "black bitter", refers to the grape's dark colouring and long maceration process. Negroamaro wines are known for their deep colour, medium-full tannins, and dark berry fruit flavours, with hints of spice and a touch of sweetness. The warm, Mediterranean-style climate of Puglia's Salento Peninsula suits the variety well, allowing the grapes to reach optimal ripeness.

When pairing wine with food, it's important to consider the flavours and characteristics of both. The savoury, pungent notes of blue cheese can be balanced by the fruitiness and slight sweetness of a Negroamaro. The wine's dark berry and spice notes can complement the saltiness and tanginess of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious flavour profile. Additionally, the medium-full tannins in the wine can stand up to the richness of the cheese, ensuring neither element is overpowered.

While Negroamaro can be used to create big, heavy wines, it can also be crafted into delicate, aromatic wines with careful winemaking techniques. This versatility extends to its food pairings, making it a suitable choice for a variety of dishes beyond pizza, including pasta, grilled tuna, lamb, and spicy antipasti. So, the next time you're enjoying a slice of blue cheese pizza, reach for a glass of Negroamaro to elevate your dining experience.

A pear, blue cheese and prosciutto recipe is complemented by Chilean Sauvignon Blanc

When creating a wine and food pairing, it is essential to consider the flavours and aromas of both elements to ensure they complement and enhance each other. In this case, the Chilean Sauvignon Blanc's freshness and acidity can help to cut through the richness and saltiness of the prosciutto, creating a pleasant contrast. Additionally, the wine's fruity and herbal notes can accentuate the sweetness of the pear and the tanginess of the blue cheese, resulting in a well-rounded and harmonious flavour profile.

While the above pairing is a great option, it is worth noting that wine and food pairings are subjective and can vary based on individual preferences. Some people may prefer a different style of wine with this particular dish, such as a New Zealand Pinot Gris or a Côte-Rôtie Syrah, which are also recommended by some sources. Ultimately, the choice of wine depends on the specific flavours and ingredients used in the pear, blue cheese, and prosciutto recipe, as well as the personal taste of the person enjoying the meal.

When serving wine with food, it is also important to consider the order of consumption. It is generally recommended to go from light-bodied to full-bodied wines and/or from dry to sweet wines. Additionally, with chocolate, it is best to taste from light to dark to avoid having the bitter flavonoids in dark chocolate ruin your palate for the lighter samples. However, when pairing wine with food, the wine should be chosen to complement the food, even if it means breaking the traditional order of wine service.

Red wine-poached pears with chocolate filling can be served with mascarpone, crème fraiche or Devonshire cream

Red wine-poached pears with chocolate filling are a perfect dessert option for the holidays, cold winter nights, or as a show-stopper to impress your friends. While the pears are easy to make, the real challenge is finding the right wine to go with them.

When it comes to wine, it is generally recommended to stick with sweet wines, especially when serving dark chocolate. A wine that is slightly sweeter than the chocolate will be more successful. Fortified wines like port, sherry, and Madeira are excellent choices. If you prefer bubbly, go for a Champagne doux or Moscato d'Asti.

However, if you're not a fan of sweet wines, you can try pairing your dessert with a lighter-bodied wine. For example, a light-bodied pinot noir or a fruit-forward merlot would go well with milk chocolate or a chocolate truffle with a ganache centre.

Now, let's talk about the perfect wines to pair with your red wine-poached pears with chocolate filling. Here are some options to consider:

• Mascarpone: A sweet sparkling red or a sweet, richer sherry would be excellent choices. A Brie cheese and plain crackers could also complement the mascarpone well.
• Crème Fraiche: Consider pairing it with a light-bodied pinot noir or a fruit-forward merlot.
• Devonshire Cream: A dessert wine like Sauternes or a fortified wine like port would be ideal.

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