Wine And Edam: A Perfect Pairing Guide

Wine and cheese are two of life's greatest culinary delights, and finding the perfect match can be a tasty endeavour. Edam is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Edam in North Holland. It is traditionally sold in round cylinders, with a red paraffin wax rind and a yellow interior. When it comes to wine, Edam is a versatile cheese that pairs well with both reds and whites. For white wine, an oaked Chardonnay is a good choice, while a Primitivo or Zinfandel is a great red option. If you're looking for other options, a Pinot Grigio or a full-bodied Pinot Gris are also good matches for Edam.

Pinot Grigio/Gris and Edam

Edam is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Edam in North Holland. It is traditionally sold in round cylinders, with a red paraffin wax rind and a yellow interior. It has been one of the world's most popular cheeses for many centuries.

When it comes to wine pairings, a versatile white wine like Pinot Grigio is a good choice to pair with Edam. The more full-bodied Pinot Gris, on the other hand, tends to go well with fuller-flavoured cheeses such as cheddar or Gouda.

Pinot Grigio is a white wine known for its crisp, dry, and light-bodied characteristics. It often presents citrusy and fruity aromas, with a refreshing acidity that makes it a versatile wine for various dishes, including cheese. The crisp acidity of Pinot Grigio can help cut through the richness of Edam, creating a pleasant contrast between the wine and the cheese.

On the other hand, Pinot Gris is a fuller-bodied wine that tends to exhibit more stone fruit and tropical fruit flavours, along with hints of spice and floral notes. It often has a richer texture and a more rounded mouthfeel compared to Pinot Grigio. The fuller body and flavour profile of Pinot Gris make it a good match for cheeses like Edam, as the wine can stand up to the cheese's mild nuttiness and complement its creamy texture.

When pairing Edam with Pinot Grigio/Gris, it is important to consider the specific characteristics of the cheese and the wine. The age, intensity, and texture of the cheese can influence the pairing, as can the vintage, region, and style of the wine. For instance, an older, more mature Edam might pair better with the fuller-bodied Pinot Gris, while a younger, milder Edam could be more suited to the lighter-style Pinot Grigio.

In addition to Pinot Grigio/Gris, other wine options that can complement Edam cheese include oaked Chardonnay, Riesling, and red wines such as Primitivo or Zinfandel. The choice of wine will ultimately depend on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the cheese.

Riesling and Edam

Edam cheese is a semi-hard, creamy golden cheese with a nutty and salty flavour. It is traditionally sold in flat-ended spheres with a pale yellow interior and a coat, or rind, of red paraffin wax. Originating in the town of Edam in the Netherlands, it has been one of the world's most popular cheeses for many centuries.

Riesling is a white wine with a colourful German heritage that has emerged as one of the most collectible white wines among top connoisseurs around the world. It is known for its intense aromas, even when ice cold, and its high acidity. Riesling is usually on the sweeter end of the spectrum, although there are also dry varieties for those who prefer a leaner-tasting wine.

When it comes to pairing Edam cheese with Riesling, the result is a delightful combination. The high acidity and stone fruit flavours of Riesling complement the nutty and salty notes of Edam. The sweetness of Riesling, especially in the German varieties, can also bring out a subtle nuttiness in the cheese.

When pairing Edam with a Riesling, it is important to consider the different types of Riesling available. A Kabinett or off-dry Riesling is recommended to ensure that the sweetness of the wine does not overpower the cheese. Additionally, the aromas and flavours of Riesling can range from orchard fruits like apricot, nectarine, and pear to honeycomb, jasmine, and lime peel. These flavours can further enhance the tasting experience when paired with the creamy and nutty characteristics of Edam cheese.

In summary, the versatility of Edam cheese allows it to be successfully paired with a variety of wines, including Riesling. The high acidity and sweetness of Riesling balance the nutty and salty flavours of Edam, creating a harmonious tasting experience.

Dry, white wines with a touch of oak

When it comes to wine and cheese, there are a few considerations to keep in mind, such as texture, acidity, fat, and tannin. The high acidity of white wine, for example, can help break down the fat in cheese. With that in mind, Edam, a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from North Holland, pairs well with dry, white wines that have a touch of oak.

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of cheeses. When it comes to Edam, an oaked Chardonnay is an excellent choice for a white wine pairing. The oak adds a touch of sweetness and complexity to the wine, complementing the nutty and creamy notes often found in Edam.

Another option is Pinot Gris, a white wine that is known for its full body and crisp acidity. The acidity will cut through the richness of the Edam, while the wine's own nutty and fruity notes will enhance the cheese's flavour.

Rioja, a Spanish wine with a touch of oak, is also a great choice to pair with Edam. It has a bold, full-bodied flavour that will stand up to the cheese without being overpowering. The oak ageing adds complexity and a touch of spice, making it a perfect match for the creamy and nutty Edam.

Red: Primitivo or Zinfandel

When it comes to wine and cheese, there are few better combinations. The strong flavour of cheese accentuates the dominant flavours in wine, and the right pairing can heighten your taste sensation.

Edam is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Edam in North Holland. It is traditionally sold in round cylinders, yellow inside and with a red paraffin wax rind. It has been one of the world's most popular cheeses for centuries.

If you're looking for a red wine to pair with Edam, a Primitivo or Zinfandel is an excellent choice. These wines have the body and character to stand up to the cheese without overwhelming its delicate flavour.

Primitivo and Zinfandel are, in fact, two different names for the same grape variety. The name "Primitivo" is used for wines produced in Italy, while "Zinfandel" is used for those from the United States, mainly California. These wines typically exhibit flavours and aromas of ripe blackberries, plums, and black pepper, with a hint of sweetness and a smooth, full-bodied texture.

When pairing Edam with a Primitivo or Zinfandel, look for wines that are not too high in alcohol or overly oaked. You want a wine that will complement the cheese's nutty, buttery flavours without overpowering them. Aim for a bottle that is fruity and well-balanced, with good acidity and smooth tannins.

The key to a successful pairing is to find a wine that will enhance the flavours of the cheese and create a harmonious combination. The wine should also be chosen based on the occasion and your personal preferences. Whether you're enjoying a quiet night in or hosting a dinner party, the right wine and cheese pairing can elevate your experience.

White: Oaked Chardonnay

Edam is a semi-hard cow's milk cheese from the town of Edam in North Holland. It is traditionally sold in round cylinders, with a yellow interior and a red paraffin wax rind. It has been one of the world's most popular cheeses for many centuries.

When it comes to wine, Edam's best friend is a white oaked Chardonnay. This wine is a perfect match for Edam's lighter and drier characteristics. Here are some reasons why:

Oaked Chardonnay is a white wine that has been aged in oak barrels, imparting a unique flavour and aroma to the wine. The oak ageing adds a touch of sweetness and a creamy texture to the wine, making it an excellent complement to the mild, slightly tangy flavour of Edam. The oak ageing also contributes to the wine's structure and complexity, enhancing its ability to stand up to the cheese's more pronounced flavours.

The key to a successful pairing is balance, and the acidity of the Chardonnay cuts through the fat content of Edam, creating a delightful contrast. The wine's bright, crisp flavours refresh the palate, preventing the cheese's richness from becoming overwhelming.

Additionally, Chardonnay often exhibits tropical fruit flavours, such as pineapple, mango, and papaya, along with notes of butter and vanilla. These flavours can beautifully accentuate the nutty and caramelized notes that are sometimes found in Edam cheese.

When selecting a Chardonnay to pair with Edam, consider the following:

• Oak Aging: Opt for a Chardonnay that has been aged in oak barrels, as this will contribute to the wine's ability to stand up to the cheese's flavour.
• Fruit Flavours: Look for a Chardonnay with prominent tropical fruit flavours, as these will complement the cheese's nutty and caramelized notes.
• Acidity: Choose a Chardonnay with good acidity, as this will help cut through the fat of the cheese and create a refreshing contrast.
• Butter and Vanilla Notes: These flavours can enhance the creamy texture and rich taste of Edam.

Frequently asked questions