Frederic Melton
Blue cheese is known for its strong, spicy and intense flavour, and can be tricky to match with wine. The wrong combination can result in some harsh flavours. One of the most iconic pairings for blue cheese is Stilton with Port. The sweetness of the Port contrasts with the salty, savoury notes of the Stilton. But what are some other wines that go well with Stilton?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Port, Sauternes, Pedro Ximenez Sherry, Madeira, Gamay, Pinot Noir, Champagne, Cava, Gewürztraminer, White Burgundy, White Rhône, White Bordeaux, Vin Jaune, Amontillado Sherry, Tawny Port, Oloroso Sherry, Tokaji, Sparkling Rosé, Zinfandel |
| Wine characteristics | Sweet, fortified, grapey, nutty, oxidative, luscious, golden, caramel-sweet, barley wine, Islay whiskey, dry, brisk, fruity, low-tannin, light, acidic, sparkling |
| Cheese characteristics | Salty, savoury, spicy, bold, powerful, strong, pungent, hot, intense, sharp |
Port wines
A bottle of Port is also used in an old custom where the top is sliced off a wheel of Stilton and the Port is poured into the cheese, where it slowly drains through the fissures for two to three weeks.
When choosing a Port to pair with Stilton, look for an LBV (Late Bottled Vintage) bottle, which is ready to drink upon purchase. Try Smith Woodhouse 2003 Porto LBV or Unfiltered Fonseca 2011 Porto LBV.
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Light, brisk reds
When it comes to wine, Stilton is a tricky cheese to pair. Its powerful flavour might suggest a big, dry red, but the sharp bite and fragile texture of Stilton will accentuate the astringency of the wine's tannins. Instead, a light, brisk red is a better option. Grapes like Gamay and País have naturally low levels of tannins as well as plenty of fruit flavour to play off the tang of the crumbly blue cheese.
- Chehalem 2016 Ridgecrest Vineyards Gamay Noir
- A Los Viñateros Bravos 2015 Itata Volcánico País
- Chateau de Rayne Vigneau, Sauternes, France
- Chateau de Fargues, Sauternes, France
- Chateau Gilette Creme de Tete, Sauternes, France
These light, brisk red wines will complement the unique flavour of Stilton without being overpowered by its sharpness and tanginess. The fruit flavours of the wine will also help to balance the richness of the cheese.
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Hungarian Tokaji wines
The unique climate and soil composition of the Tokaj region contribute to the distinct character of its wines. The area's volcanic soil, with high concentrations of iron and limestone, along with its protected location near the Carpathian Mountains, create favourable conditions for viticulture. The region experiences bitterly cold and windy winters, cool and dry springs, hot summers, and rainy autumns, allowing for an extended ripening period.
Tokaji wines are often classified based on the presence of "noble rot" or Botrytis Cinerea, a type of fungus that affects the grapes. This rot concentrates the sugars, acids, and flavours in the grapes, resulting in a higher concentration of sugar and a unique flavour profile. The most famous of these wines is the Tokaji Aszú, produced from carefully selected Aszú berries that have been individually picked and processed.
When it comes to pairing Tokaji wines with Stilton cheese, the contrast between the sweetness of the wine and the saltiness of the cheese creates a delightful combination. The high sugar content and intense flavours of Tokaji wines, such as the Tokaji Eszencia, complement the sharp and salty tang of blue cheeses. The marmalade and orange peel flavours of this Hungarian dessert wine are particularly well-suited for milder blue cheeses like Stilton, providing a brilliant pairing option.
In addition to the classic pairing of Stilton with Port, Tokaji wines offer a unique alternative that highlights the complexity of flavours in both the wine and the cheese. The sweetness of the wine balances the saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious sensory experience. With its long history and distinctive characteristics, Hungarian Tokaji wines are an excellent choice to accompany Stilton cheese.
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Oloroso sherry
When pairing wine with Stilton, it is important to consider the powerful flavour of the cheese. While a big, dry red wine might seem like a good match, the sharp bite and fragile texture of the cheese can accentuate the astringency of the wine's tannins. Instead, a sweeter wine like port or a light, brisk red like gamay or País is a better choice.
In addition to oloroso sherry, other wines that pair well with Stilton include Tawny Port, Sauternes, and Tokaji wines from Hungary. These wines have sweet, fruity, and nutty flavours that complement the salty, savoury, and nutty notes of the cheese.
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Sauternes
The unctuous but not cloying sweetness of Sauternes will contrast with the sharp and salty tang of the cheese without being overwhelmed by it. The botrytis notes of the wine will marry perfectly with the flowery, mouldy notes of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
Port is the classic pairing for Stilton cheese. A red port is the traditional choice, but a softer, creamier tawny port is also a good option.
A light, brisk red like a Gamay or País is a good choice, as they have low levels of tannins and plenty of fruit flavour. A nutty oloroso sherry is another option, as the richness of the cheese balances out the dryness of the wine.
Damson gin and Hungarian dessert wine are also good pairings with Stilton.
