The Perfect Wine For Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

A grilled cheese sandwich is a simple, comforting dish that can be easily elevated. While a classic grilled cheese is delicious on its own, pairing it with a glass of wine can make it even more enticing. The right wine can complement the buttery bread and melted cheese, enhancing the flavours and creating a memorable meal. From full-bodied whites like Chardonnay to sparkling wines and light reds, there are many options to explore when finding the perfect wine to accompany your grilled cheese sandwich.

Classic grilled cheese and Pinot Gris

Classic grilled cheese sandwiches are a simple yet delicious comfort food. The combination of butter, bread, and cheese is hard to beat, but adding a glass of wine to the mix can elevate the whole experience. While there are many wines that can complement a grilled cheese sandwich, Pinot Gris is an excellent choice, especially if you're looking for something a little more sophisticated.

Pinot Gris, also known as Pinot Grigio, is a versatile wine that offers a range of styles depending on its origin. The Pinot Gris grapes produce wines with different accents and characteristics based on the region they are grown in and the winemaking techniques employed. For instance, Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, or parts of Oregon and New Zealand tends to have a richer, fuller style with hints of spice. On the other hand, Italian Pinot Grigio is known for its crisp and refreshing qualities, with a lighter body and hallmark acidity.

When it comes to pairing Pinot Gris with a classic grilled cheese sandwich, the wine's versatility shines through once again. The high acidity and minerality of Pinot Gris make it a perfect match for the buttery bread and melted cheese. The acid in the wine cuts through the richness of the sandwich, creating a delightful contrast and providing a palate-cleansing effect. Additionally, the subtle flavours and aromas of Pinot Gris won't overpower the grilled cheese, allowing both the wine and the food to shine.

If you're looking for a specific type of Pinot Gris to pair with your classic grilled cheese sandwich, consider the following:

• For a richer style with spice notes, choose a Pinot Gris from Alsace, France, or Oregon, and New Zealand.
• For a crisp and refreshing option, go for an Italian Pinot Grigio.
• If you want to add a touch of elegance to your grilled cheese experience, opt for an Italian Pinot Grigio, which offers a full body, elegant flavours, and a complex structure while maintaining its signature acidity.

So, the next time you're craving a classic grilled cheese sandwich, remember to grab a bottle of Pinot Gris to take your comfort food to the next level! The combination of the sandwich's buttery, cheesy goodness and the wine's refreshing acidity will surely make for a memorable meal.

Chardonnay and grilled cheese

Chardonnay is a versatile wine that can be paired with a variety of dishes, including grilled cheese sandwiches. When it comes to Chardonnay and grilled cheese, the key is to complement the rich, buttery flavours of the sandwich with the smooth, fruity notes of the wine.

For a classic grilled cheese sandwich, an oaked Chardonnay is an ideal pairing. The oak ageing adds complexity to the wine, with notes of smoke, butter, yeast and toast that beautifully complement the grilled bread. At the same time, Chardonnay offers a refreshing contrast with its crisp, smooth flavours of apples, lemon, melon, pineapple and tangerine. The result is a delightful combination that enhances the taste experience of both the wine and the sandwich.

Chardonnay's subtle nature makes it a perfect match for the grilled cheese sandwich, as it won't overwhelm the flavours of the dish. The wine's mild, buttery and creamy characteristics harmonise with the melted cheese and buttered bread. Additionally, the wine's silky texture pairs well with the creamy, gooey cheese.

When choosing a Chardonnay to pair with a grilled cheese sandwich, consider an oaked variety with ripe, fruity flavours. The oak ageing adds depth and complexity, enhancing the wine's ability to stand up to the rich flavours of the sandwich. Look for wines with notes of apple, lemon or other citrus fruits, as these will provide a refreshing contrast to the buttery, savoury flavours of the grilled cheese.

For an elevated grilled cheese experience, consider adding some sharp cheddar cheese and wild mushrooms. In this case, a Chardonnay or white burgundy is an excellent choice. The earthy flavours of the mushrooms and the sharpness of the cheddar are perfectly complemented by the creamy texture and fruity notes of the wine.

In summary, Chardonnay and grilled cheese is a match made in heaven. The key to a successful pairing is to look for wines that will complement the buttery, creamy flavours of the sandwich while adding a refreshing contrast. Whether you opt for a classic oaked Chardonnay or explore the earthier notes of a white burgundy, your taste buds are in for a delightful treat.

Bubbly, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc for gruyere grilled cheese

Gruyère is a type of Swiss cheese with a nutty, salty flavour and a bit of funk. It is a popular choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, and its unique taste profile calls for a specific set of wines to complement it. Here are some suggestions for bubbly, Riesling, and Sauvignon Blanc to pair with your gruyère grilled cheese sandwich:

Bubbly

Bubbly is a versatile choice that goes well with any cheese and sandwich combination. When it comes to gruyère grilled cheese, a glass of bubbly can add a touch of elegance and celebration to your meal. Whether you prefer champagne or sparkling wine, the effervescence and crispness of bubbly can cut through the richness of the sandwich, creating a delightful contrast.

Riesling

Riesling, a slightly sweet white wine, is an excellent choice to pair with gruyère grilled cheese. The sweetness of the wine can balance the saltiness of the cheese, while its acidity can cut through the richness of the sandwich. Look for a Riesling with a hint of citrus or mineral notes to enhance the flavour profile of your meal.

Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is another great option for pairing with gruyère grilled cheese. It is a crisp, dry white wine with bright, acidic flavours that can complement the nutty and salty characteristics of gruyère. The wine's acidity will also help refresh your palate between bites, keeping each mouthful just as enjoyable as the last.

When creating your gruyère grilled cheese sandwich, consider adding caramelized sweet onions to enhance the flavour profile. The sweetness of the onions will pair beautifully with the wine choices, especially the Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc. You can also experiment with different types of bread, such as sourdough, to add a tangy twist to your sandwich.

Pinot Noir for brie grilled cheese

A classic French grilled cheese sandwich with brie and figs is a match made in heaven. And when it comes to wine, a glass of Pinot Noir is an excellent choice to accompany this delicious sandwich. Here's why:

Pinot Noir is a versatile, light to medium-bodied red wine that is known for its delicate and complex characteristics. It boasts fruity notes of berries and cherries, as well as earthier hints of herbs and spices. The wine's subtle fruit flavours and smooth tannins make it a perfect match for a wide range of cheeses, from creamy and mild to bold and pungent.

Brie, a soft and creamy French-style cheese, pairs exceptionally well with Pinot Noir. Brie's slightly nutty flavour and texture, which can range from firm to very soft depending on its age, create a beautiful contrast with the wine's fruity and earthy notes. The subtlety of brie ensures that the fruitiness of the Pinot Noir shines through, making it an ideal pairing for a relaxed evening with friends or family.

When crafting the perfect brie grilled cheese sandwich, start with two slices of sourdough bread. Spread butter on one side of each slice and place them butter-side down on a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add thin slices of brie cheese—the more cheese, the meltier and more decadent your sandwich will be! If you can get your hands on some fresh figs, slice them thinly and add them to your sandwich for a touch of sweetness. If fresh figs are unavailable, a fig spread will do the trick.

For the perfect wine pairing, look for a Pinot Noir with vibrant cherry notes, light tannins, and earthy tones. The wine's boldness will enhance the flavours of your sandwich, bringing out hints of roasted nuts or caramel. Enjoy your sandwich alongside the wine at room temperature to let its slightly sweet flavours shine through.

So, there you have it! A brie grilled cheese sandwich and a glass of Pinot Noir—a delightful combination of flavours that will elevate your dining experience.

Chianti for meatball grilled cheese

A meatball grilled cheese sandwich is a hearty meal, and a glass of Chianti is the perfect wine to accompany it. Chianti is a classic choice for a meatball sandwich, and its robust flavour will complement the dish's rich and savoury taste. The key to a successful pairing is to ensure the wine can stand up to the bold flavours of the sandwich, and Chianti's full-bodied character will do just that.

To make a meatball grilled cheese sandwich, you can use pre-made or leftover ingredients. Start with two slices of wheat or sourdough bread. Spread some marinara sauce on one slice, then add cooked spaghetti, meatballs, pesto, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Top with the other slice of bread, butter the outside, and grill to perfection. For an extra kick, rub the sandwich with a garlic clove after grilling.

When it comes to Chianti, there are a variety of options to choose from. You can opt for a globally popular choice like Pepoli Chianti, or indulge in a more upscale selection such as the Antinori's Chianti Classico Riserva 2013. Whichever you choose, the wine will enhance the flavours of the sandwich and create a delightful dining experience.

The key to a successful pairing is to ensure the wine complements the flavours of the sandwich. Chianti is a versatile wine that can accompany a range of dishes, and its robust flavour makes it an excellent choice for a meatball grilled cheese sandwich. The sandwich's combination of bread, cheese, and meatballs creates a savoury and indulgent meal, and Chianti will enhance the flavours without overwhelming them.

When serving Chianti with a meatball grilled cheese sandwich, consider the temperature and glassware. Chianti is best served slightly below room temperature, between 16-18°C (60-65°F). It is typically served in a stemless glass or a glass with a wide bowl, allowing the wine to breathe and releasing its robust flavours.

Frequently asked questions