Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, and Jarlsberg is no exception. This Swiss-style cheese from Norway has a creamy, mild, nutty flavour and a moist, pliable texture. The best wines to pair with Jarlsberg will complement its subtle flavours without overwhelming them. While it's traditionally paired with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, there are plenty of other options to try.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Cheese Type | Swiss-style |
Country of Origin | Norway |
Texture | Semi-hard |
Flavour | Mild, nutty, buttery sweet |
Wine Type | Red, White |
Red Wine Pairing | Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Lambrusco |
White Wine Pairing | Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Chenin Blanc |
What You'll Learn
Pinot Noir is a good match for Jarlsberg
When it comes to wine and cheese, there are endless pairing possibilities. Jarlsberg, a Swiss-style cheese from Norway, is a popular choice for wine lovers. With its creamy, mild, nutty flavour and moist, pliable texture, it's a versatile cheese that can be enjoyed on its own or in dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches.
Pinot Noir is a great wine to pair with Jarlsberg. As a lighter red wine, it won't overpower the subtle, buttery flavours of the cheese. The nutty notes in Jarlsberg also complement the red berry fruit flavours commonly found in Pinot Noir. This creates a delightful contrast, with neither element dominating the other. When choosing a Pinot Noir, opt for a lighter variety to best complement the mellow nature of Jarlsberg.
While Jarlsberg is traditionally paired with white wines like Sauvignon Blancs, Pinot Noir stands out as an excellent red wine option. Its light acidity provides the perfect amount of contrast to the cheese's mild funkiness. This pairing showcases how a red wine can beautifully accompany a mild cheese when chosen thoughtfully.
In summary, when looking for a wine to pair with Jarlsberg cheese, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice. Its light and fruity characteristics complement the cheese's mild, nutty flavours without overwhelming them. Remember to choose a lighter Pinot Noir for the best results with Jarlsberg, as darker ones may be a bit much for this mellow cheese.
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Beaujolais is a good red wine pairing
Beaujolais is a light red wine with a fruity profile, making it a good pairing for Jarlsberg cheese. The mild, semi-hard Norwegian cow's cheese has a slightly nutty flavour, which is complemented by the red berry notes of the Beaujolais. The wine's acidity also provides a nice contrast to the cheese's creaminess.
Beaujolais is made from Gamay grapes, which are known for producing light-bodied, fruit-forward wines. The wine often has flavours of red berries, such as strawberries and raspberries, with a hint of earthiness. This makes it a good match for the nutty, creamy Jarlsberg.
When pairing Jarlsberg with Beaujolais, it is important to consider the weight and flavour profile of both the cheese and the wine. Jarlsberg is a semi-hard cheese with a mild, slightly nutty flavour. It is not too sharp or pungent, so a light-bodied, fruity red wine like Beaujolais will complement it well without overwhelming its delicate flavour.
The acidity of Beaujolais also plays a role in making it a good pairing for Jarlsberg. The wine's bright acidity can cut through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a pleasant contrast and preventing the pairing from becoming too heavy or cloying.
In addition to its flavour and acidity, the weight of Beaujolais is also a factor in making it a good choice for pairing with Jarlsberg. As a light-bodied wine, Beaujolais will not overpower the cheese, allowing the flavours of both the wine and the cheese to shine through. A heavier, more tannic wine might be too dominant when paired with the mild Jarlsberg.
Overall, Beaujolais is a good red wine pairing for Jarlsberg cheese due to its fruity profile, light body, and bright acidity. The wine's red berry and earthy notes complement the cheese's nutty flavour, while its acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a well-balanced and enjoyable pairing.
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Riesling Spätlese is a good white wine pairing
When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to consider the intensity of the wine and how it will interact with the cheese's flavour profile. For Jarlsberg, a wine that will complement, rather than overpower, its subtle flavours is ideal. Riesling Spätlese is a good choice because it is a lighter-bodied wine with a sweet taste that will not dominate the cheese's flavour profile.
Riesling Spätlese is also a good pairing because it has a high level of acidity, which will contrast with and cut through the creaminess of the cheese. This will create a refreshing taste experience. In addition, the sweetness of the wine will complement the nutty flavour of the cheese.
If you are looking for a red wine to pair with Jarlsberg, a Pinot Noir is a good option. Beaujolais is another red wine that pairs well with Jarlsberg.
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Redwood Creek Chardonnay complements Jarlsberg's mild flavour
Redwood Creek Chardonnay is a rich and velvety white wine with a buttery and complex profile. It features enticing aromas of ripe apple and citrus, with hints of oak. On the palate, it offers plush flavours of vanilla, citrus, and tropical fruit framed by a rich mouthfeel. This Chardonnay is produced by Frei Brothers Vineyards, now a separate label under the Gallo Group, in Mendocino County, California.
The wine's characteristics make it an excellent choice to complement Jarlsberg cheese. Jarlsberg is a mild, semi-hard cow's milk cheese from Norway, known for its Swiss-style flavour and large, regular holes. It has a mild funkiness and a little bite, making it a great match for Chardonnays like Redwood Creek. The richness and roundness of the wine pick up the bite of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.
When pairing Jarlsberg with Redwood Creek Chardonnay, you'll find that the wine's fresh aromatics and hints of oak beautifully enhance the cheese's subtle flavour. The plush flavours of vanilla and tropical fruit in the wine also provide a delightful contrast to the mild funkiness of the cheese. This combination creates a well-rounded and satisfying sensory experience.
In addition to its flavour profile, Redwood Creek Chardonnay is known for its versatility in food pairings. It pairs well with poultry, fish, and cream-based pasta, making it a versatile choice for a variety of dishes that may accompany Jarlsberg cheese. Whether enjoyed as a snack, in a grilled cheese sandwich, or as part of a more elaborate meal, Jarlsberg cheese is sure to be elevated by the choice of Redwood Creek Chardonnay.
So, if you're looking for a wine to complement the mild flavour of Jarlsberg cheese, Redwood Creek Chardonnay is an excellent choice. Its rich and velvety profile, with hints of oak and tropical fruit, will enhance the cheese's subtle notes, creating a delightful sensory experience.
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Lambrusco is a lighter red wine option
If you're looking for a red wine to pair with Jarlsberg cheese, you might want to opt for a lighter variety. While Jarlsberg is traditionally paired with white wines, such as Sauvignon Blancs, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Chardonnay, its mild, nutty flavour can also complement a lighter red wine like Lambrusco.
Lambrusco is an excellent choice if you prefer red wines but don't want the full-bodied taste to overpower the subtle flavours of Jarlsberg. This lighter red wine option has a bubbly, sparkling personality that adds a playful touch to your cheese and wine pairing. Its vibrant personality will delight your taste buds and elevate your Jarlsberg experience.
The key to a successful pairing is to avoid overwhelming the mild flavours of Jarlsberg with a heavy wine. Lambrusco's light and fruity notes strike the perfect balance, ensuring a refreshing and delightful tasting experience. Its delicate characteristics make it an ideal companion to the creamy, nutty flavours of Jarlsberg.
When selecting a wine to pair with Jarlsberg, it's important to consider the intensity of the wine relative to the cheese. While a bold, full-bodied red wine might be your preference, it could dominate the more subtle flavours of the cheese. By choosing Lambrusco, you create a harmonious pairing where neither the wine nor the cheese overpowers the other, resulting in a delightful sensory journey.
So, if you're looking for a red wine to accompany your Jarlsberg, Lambrusco is a fantastic choice. Its light and playful personality will enhance the cheese's mild flavours without overwhelming them, making it a perfect option for those who appreciate a well-balanced pairing.
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Frequently asked questions
Jarlsberg cheese is a Swiss-style, semi-hard cheese from Norway with a creamy, mild, nutty flavour. It pairs well with medium-bodied white wines such as Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, or Chardonnay.
Some examples of white wines that go well with Jarlsberg are Redwood Creek Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blancs, and Riesling Spätlese.
Heavier wines that are high in tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Bordeaux blends, tend to dominate the taste profile of mild cheeses like Jarlsberg. Therefore, these pairings are best avoided.