Wine And Lemberger Cheese: The Perfect Pairing

Lemberger, also known as Blauer Limberger or Blaufränkisch, is a red wine grape variety from Austria. In this article, we will explore the best wine and cheese pairings for Lemberger wine and discuss the characteristics of this Austrian grape variety. Lemberger wines have a unique profile, with aromas of dark berries, cherries, and a hint of herbs. Its complex and dense body makes it a perfect match for certain cheeses, but which ones?

Lemberger wine is a good match for grilled meats

Lemberger wine, also known as Blauer Lemberger or Blaufränkisch, is a versatile wine that pairs well with grilled meats. While it originated in the southern Danube River region, it is now primarily associated with Germany and Austria. Lemberger wine has a lightly fruity taste with a long-lasting flavour and hints of cherries, boysenberries, plums, and elderberries in its aroma. Its flavour profile and body make it a good match for grilled meats, such as chicken, steak, and game.

Lemberger wine's versatility extends beyond grilled meats, as it also complements lamb, roast beef, and various cheeses, including blue vein, feta, and Bergkäse. Its smooth tannins and refined spiciness make it a good choice for those seeking a wine to pair with meat dishes. The wine's deep dark colour and herbal character further enhance its appeal for those looking for a wine to enjoy with grilled foods.

When it comes to grilled meats, Lemberger wine's acidity and red berry flavours, similar to Pinot Noir, make it a suitable pairing. Its medium to high tannins can stand up to the robust flavours of grilled meats, while its light fruitiness provides a refreshing contrast. The wine's ability to pair with a variety of foods, from grilled meats to cheeses, makes it a popular choice for those seeking a versatile wine option.

Lemberger wine's history can be traced back to the 1700s in Austria and the 1800s in Germany. In Germany, the Wine Improvement Committee recognised its potential and instructed local winemakers to replace unproductive grapevines with Lemberger vines. Today, Lemberger vines cover approximately 4077 acres (1,650 hectares) of German wine regions, particularly in Baden and Württemberg.

In conclusion, Lemberger wine is a good match for grilled meats due to its flavour profile, body, and versatility. Its fruity notes and smooth tannins complement the robust flavours of grilled meats, making it a popular choice for barbecue and grilled food enthusiasts.

It also pairs well with blue vein cheeses

Lemberger wine, also known as Blauer Lemberger or Blaufränkisch, is a red wine grape variety believed to have originated in the southern Danube River region. It is now primarily grown in Germany and Austria, with some production in Hungary. Lemberger wine is characterised by its light fruitiness and long-lasting taste, with hints of cherries, boysenberries, plums, and other berries and fruits. It is an excellent choice for a barbecue and pairs well with grilled meats, lamb, roast beef, and various cheeses.

When it comes to cheese, Lemberger wine is a versatile choice and pairs well with a range of options. In addition to grilled meats, it is an ideal companion for blue vein cheeses. The wine's light fruitiness and subtle sweetness can complement the sharpness and saltiness of blue vein cheese. The salt and fat content in blue vein cheeses can enhance the wine's flavour, making it seem more lush and rounded. The wine's acidity can also help cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing contrast.

Blue vein cheeses, such as those made from sheep's or cow's milk, offer a range of flavours that can be accentuated by Lemberger wine. These cheeses often have a sharp, tangy, or pungent flavour with a creamy texture. The salt and crystal formations in blue vein cheese can also add a unique mouthfeel that pairs well with the wine's smooth tannins. The specific type of blue vein cheese can be chosen based on personal preference or the desired intensity of flavour.

When pairing Lemberger wine with blue vein cheese, consider the wine's characteristics and choose a cheese that will complement its fruity and slightly sweet notes. For example, a blue vein cheese with a hint of sweetness, such as a mild Gorgonzola, can enhance the wine's fruity profile. Alternatively, a sharper blue vein cheese, such as Roquefort, can provide a more pronounced contrast to the wine's sweetness. Playing with these flavour combinations can create a delightful sensory experience.

In addition to blue vein cheeses, Lemberger wine also pairs well with other varieties. Feta cheese, for instance, is a popular choice due to its tangy flavour and crumbly texture. The wine's acidity and fruitiness can balance the saltiness of feta, creating a refreshing and satisfying combination. Another option is Bergkäse, a hard cheese with a strong, nutty flavour that can stand up to the wine's bold character.

Lemberger is a grape variety grown in Germany and Austria

Lemberger, also known as Blauer Lemberger, Blaufränkisch, and Blauer Limberger, is a grape variety grown in Germany and Austria. It is believed that the grape variety originated in the southern Danube River region, specifically in what is now northeastern Slovenia. In the 1800s, it made its way to Württemberg, Germany, where it is now grown almost exclusively on around 1,800 hectares. In Austria, it was planted primarily in the 1700s and continues to be grown today, particularly in Burgenland and near Vienna.

Lemberger is a dark-skinned grape used for red wine. It is a late-ripening variety that produces wines that are typically rich in tannins and may exhibit a pronounced spicy character. The wines are usually intensely black-red, with aromas of spiced black cherries, blackberries, sweet cherries, sour cherries, plums, currants, gooseberries, elderberry, banana, cocoa, or vegetative notes such as green beans or green peppers. The taste of the red wines is often fruity or tannic with a long-lasting aftertaste.

Lemberger wines pair well with a variety of cheeses, including blue vein cheeses, feta cheese, Bergkäse, pepper jack, Gouda, and piave. They also complement grilled meats such as grilled chicken, steak, game, lamb, and roast beef.

It is a versatile wine that goes well with a barbecue

Lemberger wine is a versatile drink that is perfect for a barbecue. While it is a red wine grape that originated in Austria, it is now grown in many Slavic countries and is also produced in Germany and Hungary. Lemberger wine is lightly fruity with a long-lasting taste and hints of cherries, boysenberries, plums, currants, elderberries, bananas, and cocoa. Its versatility extends to food pairings, as it goes well with grilled meats such as chicken, steak, and game, as well as lamb, roast beef, and various cheeses.

When it comes to cheese, Lemberger wine pairs particularly well with blue vein cheeses, feta cheese, and Bergkäse. Its fruity notes and acidity complement the saltiness and creaminess of these cheeses. In addition, Lemberger wine can also be enjoyed with pepper jack, Gouda, and Piave cheeses. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.

The versatility of Lemberger wine at a barbecue is further highlighted by its ability to pair with other grilled foods. It is an excellent choice for those who enjoy their meats with acidic sauces or vinegar-based marinades. The wine's high acidity and red berry flavours, reminiscent of Pinot Noir, make it a perfect match for grilled chicken and other lighter meats.

Lemberger wine's versatility at a barbecue is not limited to its food pairings but also extends to its ability to complement various side dishes. Its smooth tannins and refined spiciness make it a suitable choice for those who prefer their barbecue meals with mashed potato or gratin. The wine's complexity and density add depth to the overall dining experience, ensuring that it can hold its own against the robust flavours often associated with barbecue cuisine.

In summary, Lemberger wine is a versatile drink that enhances the barbecue experience. Its ability to pair with a variety of grilled meats, cheeses, and side dishes makes it a perfect choice for outdoor gatherings. The wine's fruity notes, high acidity, and smooth tannins create a well-rounded profile that complements the bold flavours of barbecue cuisine, making it a refreshing and enjoyable beverage for any summer gathering.

Lemberger/Blaufrankisch pairs well with pepper jack, Gouda, feta and piave cheeses

Lemberger, also known as Blaufrankisch, is a red wine grape variety believed to have originated in the southern Danube River region. It is grown mostly in Austria but is also found in Germany and other Slavic countries. Lemberger wines are characterised by their light fruitiness, with aromas of cherries, boysenberries, plums, and cocoa. They pair exceptionally well with certain cheeses, especially:

• Pepper Jack: A semi-hard cheese with a hint of spice, pepper jack provides a nice contrast to the fruity notes of Lemberger/Blaufrankisch.
• Gouda: This classic, mild, and slightly sweet cheese complements the wine's berry and cocoa hints.
• Feta: The tangy, salty flavour of feta cheese, made from sheep's or goat's milk, creates an intriguing combination with the wine's red berry and cherry notes.
• Piave: A cow's milk cheese from Italy, Piave has a nutty, grassy flavour that can stand up to the wine's acidity and berry aromas.

When creating a cheese platter to pair with Lemberger/Blaufrankisch, consider including these cheeses to delight your palate and enhance the wine's characteristics.

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