Wensleydale is a storied English cheese with a long history of quality cheesemaking, dating back to Roman times. It is said that William the Conqueror and other infamous historical figures may have enjoyed this cheese. Wensleydale is a supple, crumbly, and moist cheese with a distinctive and extraordinary flavour. It is slightly sweet but also tart, with a nutty, buttermilk flavour and a honey aftertaste. The best wines to pair with Wensleydale cheese are Chardonnay, South Africa's Painted Wolf Viognier, or Cederberg Chenin Blanc. If you're looking for a red wine, an Argentinian Malbec is also a good choice.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Wine Type | White: Australian Riesling, USA Sauvignon Blanc |
Red: Argentinian Malbec | |
Wine Characteristics | Chardonnay: buttery, creamy, honeyed |
Sauvignon Blanc: citrus, herbaceous, salty minerality | |
Pinotage: fruity, savoury, smoky | |
Nero d'Avola: intense red fruit, warm, full-bodied, harmonious acidity, smooth tannins | |
Cheese Type | Wensleydale |
Cheese Characteristics | Supple, crumbly, moist, slightly sweet, tart, nutty, buttermilk, honey aftertaste, aroma of cut grass |
Cheese Texture | Firm, creamy, surface is crumbly |
What You'll Learn
Chardonnay is a perfect match for Wensleydale cheese
When choosing a wine to pair with Wensleydale cheese, it's important to consider the unique characteristics of the cheese. Wensleydale has a delicate balance of honey and buttery creaminess, along with fresh acidity and a hint of wild honey. Chardonnay, a white wine variety, complements these flavours beautifully. It has fruity aromas of citrus and melon, with subtle oaky notes, creating a soft and delicate palate that enhances the sweetness of the cheese.
The Boundary Line Chardonnay, for example, offers concentrated, fruity aromas of citrus and melon, leading to a soft palate with gentle hints of oak. This complexity adds depth and elegance to the wine, making it an ideal companion to the creamy and crumbly texture of Wensleydale. The acidity in the wine also helps to refresh the palate and balance the richness of the cheese.
In addition to Chardonnay, other wine varieties can also complement Wensleydale cheese. For those who prefer a sweeter wine, South Africa's Painted Wolf Viognier or Cederberg Chenin Blanc are excellent choices. These wines offer fruity notes that will enhance the honeyed undertones of the cheese. For a bolder option, a South American Malbec, such as Zuccardi, can be a perfect pairing with Wensleydale with Cranberries. The robust fruit flavours of the wine will match the sweetness of the cheese and cranberries, creating a delightful sensory experience.
When creating the perfect cheese and wine pairing, it's essential to consider the characteristics of both the cheese and the wine. The acidity, sweetness, and flavour profiles should complement each other, enhancing the overall tasting experience. With its balanced notes and delicate palate, Chardonnay is an exceptional choice to accompany the distinctive flavour and texture of Wensleydale cheese.
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Australian Riesling is a good white wine pairing
Wensleydale is a style of cheese that was originally produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. It is now mostly made in large commercial creameries throughout the United Kingdom. The term "Yorkshire Wensleydale" is reserved for cheese made in Wensleydale. The cheese is known for its creamy, crumbly texture and rich flavour. It pairs well with sweet fruits, especially apple pie.
Australian Riesling is a great white wine pairing for Wensleydale cheese. The wine's crisp acidity and subtle sweetness complement the creamy, crumbly texture of the cheese. The wine's aroma, which often includes hints of citrus, stone fruit, and mineral notes, creates a unique aromatic bridge with the slight honey aroma of the Wensleydale cheese.
The key to a successful pairing is to find a balance between the characteristics of the cheese and the wine. In this case, the Australian Riesling's refreshing acidity can cut through the richness of the Wensleydale, while its subtle sweetness enhances the cheese's honey notes.
Additionally, the wine's minerality can add an interesting dimension to the pairing, creating a complex and enjoyable sensory experience. The Riesling's citrus and stone fruit notes can also bring out the subtle fruity flavours that are sometimes present in Wensleydale, especially when paired with accompaniments such as sweet apples or apricots.
When creating a cheese and wine pairing, it is essential to consider the unique characteristics of both the cheese and the wine. The texture, flavour, and aroma of the cheese should be carefully matched with a wine that will complement and enhance its qualities. In the case of Wensleydale, Australian Riesling is an excellent choice that will elevate the overall tasting experience.
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Argentinian Malbec is a good red wine pairing
Wensleydale is a style of cheese that was originally produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. It is known for its creamy, crumbly texture and rich flavour. The cheese is often eaten with fruit cake or Christmas cake, and it is said to go well with a crisp apple. The unique flavour of Wensleydale is suited to combination with sweeter produce, such as sweet apples, and it is sometimes described as having a nutty, buttermilk flavour with a honey aftertaste.
When it comes to wine pairings, an Argentinian Malbec is a great choice to accompany Wensleydale cheese. Malbec is a red wine grape variety originally from France but now widely planted in Argentina. Argentinian Malbec wines tend to be full-bodied with ripe, dark fruit flavours and a hint of spice. They often have a smooth, velvety texture and a long finish.
- The rich, dark fruit flavours of Argentinian Malbec will complement the sweet, nutty, and honeyed flavours of Wensleydale cheese.
- The hint of spice in the wine will add an interesting contrast to the creamy, buttery notes of the cheese.
- The full-bodied nature of Argentinian Malbec will stand up to the strong, rich flavour of the cheese without being overpowered.
- The smooth, velvety texture of the wine will pair well with the crumbly, moist texture of the cheese, creating a harmonious mouthfeel.
- The long finish of Argentinian Malbec will linger on the palate, enhancing the overall tasting experience and allowing the complex flavours of both the wine and the cheese to shine.
So, if you're looking for a red wine to pair with Wensleydale cheese, Argentinian Malbec is an excellent option to consider. Its bold flavours, smooth texture, and long finish will create a delightful sensory experience when enjoyed with the unique characteristics of Wensleydale.
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Sauvignon Blanc is a bold yet fresh choice
Wensleydale cheese is a storied English cheese with a long history of quality cheesemaking. It is known for its creamy, crumbly texture and rich flavour. The wine you choose to pair with it can either make or break the entire dining experience.
A bold yet fresh choice would be a Sauvignon Blanc. This wine is known for its mouth-watering citrus aromas, recalling grapefruit and limes, underpinned by vibrant herbaceous characters. The bright refreshing acidity and hint of salty minerality on the long finish make it a great wine to enjoy with Wensleydale cheese. The boldness of the Sauvignon Blanc will stand up to the rich flavour of the cheese, while the freshness will complement the creamy texture.
The Wensleydale Creamery, the only company in the world still making Wensleydale as it has been made for hundreds of years, specifically recommends a Tierra Antica Sauvignon Blanc to be paired with their award-winning Yorkshire Wensleydale Cheese. This pairing will surely delight your taste buds and provide you with an unforgettable culinary experience.
If you're looking for a wine with a unique flavour profile to pair with your Wensleydale cheese, a bold yet fresh Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice. Its citrus and herbal notes will refresh your palate, while its hint of salty minerality will add depth to your dining experience. So, why not give it a try? You might just find your new favourite wine and cheese pairing!
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Wensleydale with cranberries pairs well with South American Malbec
Wensleydale is a style of cheese that was originally produced in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, England. It is known for its creamy, crumbly texture and rich flavour. The cheese is now mostly made in large commercial creameries throughout the United Kingdom, though the designation "Yorkshire Wensleydale" is reserved for cheese made in Wensleydale.
Wensleydale is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines. When choosing a wine to pair with Wensleydale, consider the flavour profiles of the cheese and the wine, as well as the overall dining experience you wish to create.
Wines that complement Wensleydale cheese include Chardonnay, Australian Riesling, and USA Sauvignon Blanc. Wensleydale with cranberries, a popular variety of the cheese, calls for a wine that can match its unique flavour profile. The addition of cranberries to the classic Wensleydale cheese introduces a sweet and fruity element, enhancing the honeyed undertones of the cheese.
To elevate your Wensleydale with cranberries experience, consider pairing it with a South American Malbec. The robust and fruity notes of a South American Malbec, such as Zuccardi or Tikves Kratosija, provide a beautiful contrast to the sweet and tangy flavours of the cheese. The full-bodied nature of these wines also stands up to the richness of the Wensleydale, creating a harmonious pairing.
When serving Wensleydale with cranberries and a South American Malbec, consider the following tips for an enhanced experience:
- Allow the cheese to come to room temperature before serving, as this will bring out its full flavour.
- Provide a variety of crackers or bread to accompany the cheese, offering a neutral base for the flavours.
- Create a cosy atmosphere to complement the warmth of the Malbec and the sweetness of the cranberries.
- For a unique touch, add a side of fresh cranberries or a cranberry compote to further emphasise the fruit notes in the pairing.
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