The Perfect Wine And Roquefort Cheese Pairing

Roquefort is a unique, pungent, soft blue cheese from the south of France, made from sheep's milk. It is often called 'the king of cheeses' and has many appellation controls, including methods and region of production, and minimum aging requirements. When it comes to wine, a sweet wine is the perfect pairing for Roquefort. The classic match is Sauternes, a sweet white wine from Bordeaux, France, which is one of the greatest Botrytised dessert wines in the world. Other sweet wines that go well with Roquefort include Barsac, Saussignac, Loupiac, or Monbazillac from Bordeaux and the surrounding regions. Late harvest sauvignon blancs from elsewhere would also work. If you're a port enthusiast, any style of port (Ruby, Tawny, LBV) will do.

Sauternes is king

When it comes to wine and cheese, few combinations are as iconic as Roquefort and Sauternes. Roquefort, a rich and pungent French blue cheese made from sheep's milk, is often hailed as the king of cheeses. And when it comes to finding its royal match in wine, Sauternes is the undisputed ruler.

Sauternes, a sweet white wine from the Bordeaux region in France, is renowned for its perfect pairing with Roquefort. The secret lies in the wine's ability to complement and contrast the intense, salty flavours of the cheese. The sweetness of Sauternes, with its notes of honey and wax, provides a delightful contrast to the sharp tang of Roquefort. At the same time, the wine's own complex flavours, derived from the noble rot fungus, harmonise beautifully with the cheese's unique mouldy notes. It is this balance of sweetness and acidity in Sauternes that prevents it from being overpowered by the bold character of Roquefort.

The classic pairing of Roquefort and Sauternes is so revered that it might make one wonder if any other wine is worth considering. However, for those willing to explore beyond this royal match, there are a few worthy alternatives. Sweet wines from Bordeaux and the surrounding regions, such as Barsac, Saussignac, Loupiac, or Monbazillac, can offer a similar experience to Sauternes. Late harvest Sauvignon Blancs from other regions can also be excellent choices.

While Sauternes may reign supreme, it is important to consider the context in which you are serving Roquefort. If you're using the cheese in a recipe, such as a salad, you might prefer to start your meal with a dry white wine instead of a sweet one. Additionally, if you're serving Roquefort as part of a cheeseboard, you may want to explore other options to pair with the various cheeses on offer.

In conclusion, while there are several wines that can accompany Roquefort, Sauternes truly is king. Its unique characteristics create a harmonious pairing, showcasing the best of both the wine and the cheese. For those seeking a regal wine and cheese experience, look no further than the majestic combination of Roquefort and Sauternes.

Sweet wines from Bordeaux

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, Roquefort cheese is a unique challenge due to its strong flavour and salty notes. The most frequently recommended wine to pair with Roquefort cheese is Sauternes, a sweet wine from Bordeaux, France. However, if you're looking for something a little different, there are other sweet wines from Bordeaux and the surrounding regions that can also complement Roquefort cheese.

• Barsac: Wines from Barsac, a village located about 25 miles south of Bordeaux, can be labelled under the Barsac appellation or the more famous Sauternes appellation. Barsac wines exhibit honeysuckle and orange blossom aromas with a balanced sweetness and acidity.
• Loupiac: Wines from Loupiac are known for their strict appellation laws, specifying high planting density and late harvesting of grapes. These wines often undergo barrel fermentation to integrate woody aromas into their complex flavour profile.
• Sainte-Croix-du-Mont: Wines from this region are similar in style to Sauternes and Barsac but are typically more affordable. They are recognised for their fig, honeysuckle, and apricot aromas, along with a powerful and complex taste.
• Graves Supérieures: These sweet white wines from the Graves district are made from a combination of Semillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. They are known for their gentle finesse and are a perfect match for Roquefort cheese.

These sweet wines from Bordeaux offer a range of flavour profiles that can complement the salty, pungent characteristics of Roquefort cheese. The sweetness of the wine helps to balance the saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.

Port is a classic pairing

Port is a fortified wine, usually made from a blend of grape varieties, primarily from the Douro Valley in Portugal. It is often sweet, with flavours of ripe summer fruits, and sometimes slightly fizzy. The sweetness of the wine contrasts with the sharp, salty tang of the cheese, without being overwhelmed by it.

When pairing Port with Roquefort, it is best to avoid a style that is too heavy or alcoholic, as this may distract from the cheese. A Tawny Port, aged in oak, is a good option, as it will be mellower and less tannic than a Ruby Port. A Tawny Port will also have nutty flavours that can complement the creaminess of the cheese.

For a true classic, a Ruby Port with a little age would be ideal. Something like a Single Vineyard Unfiltered Quinta do Noval Late Bottled Vintage (LBV) 2009, which is bottled after four years of wood ageing, would be perfect. It has enough complexity to handle the earthy, mushroom flavours of the cheese, while its fruitiness will tone down the saltiness.

With Roquefort, you could also try a similar sweet wine from Bordeaux, such as a Sauternes, or one of its satellites, like Barsac, Loupiac, or Monbazillac.

Avoid reds, which can taste thin and mean

When it comes to wine and cheese, it's important to remember that not all combinations are created equal. While red wine is a classic choice, when it comes to Roquefort cheese, it's best to avoid reds. The saltiness of this unique French blue cheese can have an unexpected effect on the taste of red wines, making them taste thin and mean.

Roquefort cheese is a rich and aromatic sheep's milk cheese known for its intense, pungent flavour. Its saltiness and mouldy notes are a result of the penicillium roqueforti fungi used in its production. The cheese is pierced with metallic spikes to allow air to enter and promote the growth of the distinctive blue veins. As the cheese matures, it loses moisture and becomes drier, crumblier, and even saltier. This saltiness can be a bully to red wines, making them taste sharp and thin.

Instead, when pairing wine with Roquefort cheese, it's best to opt for something sweet. The sugar in sweeter wines helps to balance the salty, pungent flavours of the cheese. A classic pairing for Roquefort is Sauternes, a sweet white wine from Bordeaux, France. The unctuous sweetness of Sauternes stands up to the strong flavours of the cheese without being overwhelmed. Similar sweet wines from Bordeaux and the surrounding regions, such as Barsac, Saussignac, Loupiac, or Monbazillac, can also be excellent choices.

If you're looking for something a little different, there are other options to consider. A late harvest Sauvignon Blanc or a peaty Islay whisky can also complement the unique flavour profile of Roquefort cheese. For those who enjoy a glass of port, either Ruby or Tawny styles will pair well with the cheese. Sherry is another underappreciated but excellent choice, offering a wide range of styles from light and dry to rich and sweet. A Pedro Jimenez sherry, for example, would be a hedonistic match with its dense sweetness and aromas of dried fruits.

Other sweet wines include Saussignac and Monbazillac

While Sauternes is the classic pairing for Roquefort cheese, there are other sweet wines that can be enjoyed with this salty, pungent, and rich blue cheese.

In addition to Saussignac and Monbazillac, other sweet wines from Bordeaux and the surrounding regions that can be paired with Roquefort include Barsac, Loupiac, and Cadillac. Late harvest sauvignon blancs from elsewhere would also work.

Frequently asked questions