The Perfect Wine Pairings For Gorgonzola Cheese

Gorgonzola, a blue-veined cheese from Italy, is known for its strong flavour and characteristic lacey blue streaks. It is made from cow's milk and comes in two varieties: mountain and dulce, with the former being sharper and the latter sweeter. When it comes to wine, there are a variety of options to pair with Gorgonzola, depending on the age of the cheese and the dish it is served with.

Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec with steak or something rich and meaty

If you're enjoying steak or something rich and meaty with your Gorgonzola, a Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon is the way to go.

Let's start with Malbec. This wine is a natural pairing with steak, especially the Argentine variety. The approachable tannins work well with most cuts of steak, and the pairing is deeply rooted in the culture of the country. Argentine winemakers have been eating steak since they were toddlers, and they make their wine to pair with it perfectly. The soft tannins and bright red fruit of younger wines from Mendoza in Argentina make it a real crowd-pleaser when paired with charcuterie. If you're looking for a good Argentinian Malbec, the Nosotros Single Vineyard Nomade (Dominio Del Plata) has received 4.6 stars and offers deep notes of dark chocolate, blueberry, and floral hints for $98.99 a bottle.

Now, on to Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine also has a long history of being paired with steak, especially in American steakhouses. The tannins found in grape skins and wine barrels deliver bitterness and astringency, and these tannins bind with proteins and fats ferociously, making Cabernet Sauvignon a great pairing with protein-rich and fat-heavy foods like steak. When you take a sip of this tannic red, the tannins in the wine bind to the natural saliva proteins in your mouth, making the wine taste less astringent. When you then take a bite of steak, the tannins bind with the protein and fat, making the wine taste softer and smoother. The acid in the wine also cuts through the fat in the food, and the chargrilled edge of the steak mirrors the wine's tannin. If you're looking for a good Cabernet Sauvignon to pair with your steak, the 2013 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander Valley ($55) is a great option.

In summary, both Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon are excellent choices when pairing wine with steak or something rich and meaty. Your choice may depend on your personal preference, the specific dish you're preparing, and the price point you're looking for.

Pinot Noir with Gorgonzola gnocchi, pasta or risotto

Gorgonzola is a full-flavoured Italian blue cheese with a sharp, creamy flavour and subtle sweetness. It is made from cow's milk and comes in two varieties: mountain and dulce. The dulce variety is sweeter, while the mountain variety has a sharper flavour.

Gorgonzola is a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a meal. When incorporated into dishes like gnocchi, pasta, or risotto, it adds a creamy texture and sharp flavour that transforms the dish. For Gorgonzola gnocchi, pasta, or risotto, a Pinot Noir is an excellent wine choice.

Pinot Noir, particularly those from California or Australia, offers an earthy and fruity profile that beautifully complements the funky, creamy flavours of Gorgonzola. The wine's red fruit notes and subtle spice create a nice contrast with the cheese's sharpness, making for a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.

When pairing Pinot Noir with Gorgonzola gnocchi, consider a classic potato gnocchi recipe with a creamy Gorgonzola sauce. The richness of the sauce will be balanced by the wine's fruity notes, creating a harmonious combination. For pasta, try a penne or rigatoni with a Gorgonzola-based sauce, perhaps with some walnuts or spinach for added texture and flavour. The wine's earthiness will enhance the nuttiness of the dish.

When serving Gorgonzola risotto, look for a slightly more robust Pinot Noir to stand up to the creaminess of the dish. The wine's bright acidity will cut through the richness of the risotto, refreshing the palate. To elevate the pairing, garnish your risotto with chopped walnuts or pecans, which will echo the wine's subtle spice notes.

Chenin Blanc or Viognier with Gorgonzola and pear salad

Gorgonzola is a full-flavoured Italian cheese with characteristic lacey blue streaks and a crumbly texture. It has a unique, sharp, and creamy flavour that is beautifully balanced by subtle sweetness. The cheese is typically served as part of a meal, such as in pasta, gnocchi, risotto, or sauce, or on its own with crackers.

When it comes to wine, Gorgonzola is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of wines depending on its age and the dish it is served with. For instance, a younger Gorgonzola pairs well with milder Italian white wines, such as Pinot Bianco and Riesling, while an older, spicier Gorgonzola calls for classic Italian red wines like Barolo, Barbaresco, and Amarone.

A Gorgonzola and pear salad is a classic combination, especially during the fall season. The crisp, sweet flavours of the salad, along with the addition of walnuts, create a refreshing yet luxurious appetizer or light dinner. To elevate this dish, a Chenin Blanc or Viognier is an excellent choice.

The Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc + Viognier 2014 is a highly recommended blend that complements the sweet fruit and Gorgonzola in the salad. It is rich yet not overpowering, striking a perfect balance between citrusy bright notes and luscious peachy undertones. This wine enhances the flavours of the salad without being too syrupy or cloyingly sweet.

For those who prefer a single varietal wine, a Chenin Blanc is an ideal option for a Gorgonzola and pear salad. It is a versatile wine that pairs well with both lighter and richer dishes. When served with the salad, a Chenin Blanc will highlight the crisp sweetness of the pears and provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy Gorgonzola.

In summary, when crafting the perfect Gorgonzola and pear salad pairing, a Chenin Blanc or Viognier is an excellent choice. Whether enjoyed as a refreshing appetizer or a luxurious light meal, these wines will complement the flavours of the salad and create a delightful sensory experience.

Off-dry or sweet Riesling with plain Gorgonzola

Off-dry or sweet Riesling is a great white wine pairing for plain Gorgonzola. The fruity flavours and slight sweetness of this wine complement the strongly-flavoured cheese.

Gorgonzola is a blue-veined cheese made from cow's milk. It is typically soft and crumbly in texture, with a nutty aroma. Depending on its age, its flavour can vary from buttery and creamy to sharp and salty. The cheese is produced in Northern Italy, specifically in the regions of Piedmont and Lombardy.

When it comes to wine pairings, Gorgonzola's bold and complex flavour profile calls for a wine that can hold its own. Off-dry or sweet Riesling fits the bill perfectly. The fruity notes in Riesling, such as citrus, pear, apple, and peach, harmonise beautifully with the salty and nutty characteristics of Gorgonzola.

Additionally, the slight sweetness of Riesling provides a delightful contrast to the sharpness of the cheese. This combination creates a well-rounded and satisfying sensory experience. The sweetness in the wine also helps to temper the saltiness of the Gorgonzola, resulting in a more balanced flavour profile.

When serving plain Gorgonzola, it is best enjoyed on its own or with crackers, allowing the unique characteristics of the cheese to shine through. The addition of crackers provides a neutral base that enhances the overall tasting experience.

In conclusion, for those seeking a wine pairing for plain Gorgonzola, off-dry or sweet Riesling is an excellent choice. The fruity and slightly sweet characteristics of the wine beautifully complement the strong, salty, and nutty flavours of the cheese. This pairing showcases how the right wine can elevate and enhance the enjoyment of Gorgonzola cheese.

Port or Sauternes with plain Gorgonzola

Port is a classic wine pairing with Gorgonzola. This rich, sweet dessert wine not only stands up to the pungent flavour of blue cheese, but its sweetness also complements the slight sweetness in the cheese. Port is a fantastic pairing if you're enjoying wine and cheese on their own.

Sauternes is another sweet white dessert wine that is also a classic pairing with blue cheeses like Gorgonzola.

The type of wine you choose to pair with Gorgonzola cheese depends on the age of the cheese. The increased spiciness that comes with age will change your options, so it's important to know how old your cheese is before buying the wine. For a spicier Gorgonzola, it's best to stick to classic Italian red wines, such as Barolo, Barbaresco, and Amarone. Their depth of flavour will complement the cheese's spiciness.

For younger versions of the cheese, you'll need to lean towards the milder side of the Italian wine collection. Great white wines work well with young Gorgonzola. A Pinot Bianco is an excellent choice, though you may also want to sample a Riesling.

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