Kamil Perry
Cheddar cheese is nutty, cold, and slightly sweet. As cheddar ages, it becomes saltier, sharper, and crumbly, making it a perfect pairing for wine. The ideal wine to pair with cheddar depends on its maturity—a mild to medium block cheddar will be easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar. The fattiness of aged cheddar pairs well with the mouth-drying tannins found in most Cabernet Sauvignons. The bold flavours of both the wine and the cheese complement each other rather than overwhelming one another.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Champagne, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Moscato, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner |
| Cheese Type | Mild, Medium, Aged, Sharp, Clothbound, Vermont, Garlic Herb, Colby Jack |
| Flavour | Sweet, Dry, Bold, Nuttiness, Saltiness, Spiciness, Savory, Earthy, Smoky, Bubbly |
| Other | Tannins, Acidity, Tropical Fruits, Citrus, Herbs, Dark Fruits, Grassiness |
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What You'll Learn
Cabernet Sauvignon
When pairing wine with cheese, it is important to consider the acidity in wine, which can bring balance to the rich creaminess of cheese. High-acid wines are better suited for creamy cheeses, while the tannins in red wines can create a delightful contrast with certain cheeses. The intensity of both the wine and cheese is also an important factor, with light wines pairing better with delicate cheeses, and bold wines complementing more robust cheeses.
Aged cheddars are hard, salty, and sharp, making them a good match for Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's boldness and dryness can stand up to the strong flavours of the cheese, and the wine's tannins bind to the cheese's protein and fat, creating a uniquely satisfying flavour combination. The slight crunch and rich, nutty flavours of an aged cheddar highlight the berry notes in Cabernet Sauvignons, while the cheese's savoury flavours are intense enough to match the wine's intensity.
When in doubt, choose an aged cheddar to pair with a Cabernet Sauvignon. The Jordan winery in California maintains one of the most comprehensive cellars of Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon library vintages, and their wines have been paired with aged cheddars in the past. Other good pairings with Cabernet Sauvignon include semi-firm cow's milk cheeses, such as aged gouda, sheep's milk cheeses, and Comté.
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Chardonnay
If you're looking for a classic combination, pair a light and crisp Chardonnay with soft cheddar cheese. The sweetness of the Chardonnay will balance out the sharpness of the cheddar while allowing all the subtleties of flavour to come through. This Chardonnay and cheese pairing is good on its own, and it's also delicious with fresh fruit. For example, try an unoaked Chardonnay with mild cheddar cheese and sliced apples or pears. The wine's sweetness will complement the fruit's tang, enhancing the taste sensations from the entire combination.
For something more complex than the mild cheddar and Chardonnay pairing, try an unoaked Chardonnay with sharp cheddar. In this pairing, the wine will soften the sharpness of the cheese while still displaying its fruity notes. This food pairing is perfect for meat and cheese boards or as an appetizer before dinner. You can enjoy it with your favourite crackers, crisp bread, or fruit.
Oaked Chardonnays also make good pairings with semi-hard cheeses. The oak flavours will complement the nutty notes in these cheeses and add a layer of complexity to the overall taste experience.
When tasting the cheese and wine together, adjust your selection if the pairing is too acidic or too sweet. For example, citrusy Chardonnay will complement creamy cheeses like brie or blue cheese. The sweetness and acidity of the wine will balance the tartness of the cheese.
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Merlot
When it comes to matching wine with cheddar cheese, the wine chosen depends on the maturity of the cheddar. A mild to medium block cheddar will be easier to match than an aged, crumbly, and salty cheddar.
A Merlot with a creamy texture and robust flavour can be achieved by soaking milled cheddar curds in Merlot wine and pressing them. The resulting cheese will have a unique flavour and is a great way to experience the wine in a different context.
When pairing a traditional Merlot with cheddar, it is important to consider the intensity of the cheese. A mature, sharp cheddar with concentrated flavours will need a wine that can stand up to it. Merlot's bold flavours and high tannins can complement the savoury, salty, and sharp characteristics of an aged cheddar. The wine's spice and tobacco notes can also add an interesting layer of complexity to the pairing.
For a successful Merlot and cheddar pairing, consider the intensity and maturity of the cheese, as well as the specific characteristics of the Merlot. A careful selection will ensure that neither the wine nor the cheese overpowers the other, creating a harmonious tasting experience.
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Sauvignon Blanc
When selecting a Sauvignon Blanc to pair with cheddar, consider the cheese's maturity and flavour intensity. A mild to medium cheddar will be easier to pair than an aged, sharp cheddar. For younger cheddars, look for wines with citrusy or herbaceous notes, such as a New Zealand or French Sauvignon Blanc. These wines will also complement the creaminess of a cheese and salami platter.
For aged cheddars with a stronger flavour profile, opt for an oaked Sauvignon Blanc, which will enhance the cheese's savoury notes. The oak ageing adds a buttery dimension to the wine, contributing to its ability to stand up to bolder cheeses. Additionally, the wine's mouth-drying tannins can balance the fattiness of aged cheddar, creating a harmonious pairing.
While Sauvignon Blanc is an excellent choice for cheddar, other wine varieties can also be considered. Cabernet Sauvignon, with its hints of dark fruits and herbs, pairs well with extra sharp cheddar. For a fun twist, charcoal cheddar, with its earthy and smoky flavours, can be paired with a Shiraz, showcasing the wine's tobacco notes.
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Moscato
When it comes to cheese, Moscato is a versatile wine that pairs well with a wide variety of cheeses. Soft cheeses, such as Brie or Camembert, are an excellent choice when it comes to pairing with Moscato. The creamy and buttery texture of these cheeses complements the light and effervescent nature of Moscato. The saltiness of blue cheese also complements the sweetness and floral notes of Moscato, resulting in a delightful taste combination.
When pairing Moscato with cheddar, consider the maturity of the cheese. A mild to medium block cheddar will be much easier to match than an aged clothbound cheddar that has been ageing for 18 months or more. The ideal wine pairing for cheddar depends on its maturity and intensity of flavour. Moscato's sweetness can help to lift and complement the sharp, salty, and savoury flavours of aged cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
Chardonnay, a crisp and fruity white wine, pairs well with mild cheddar as its acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese.
The bold flavours of an aged cheddar pair well with a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine's mouth-drying tannins complement the fattiness of the cheese.
A sharp cheddar can be paired with a Pinot Noir, as the wine's earthy notes complement the boldness of the cheese.
Depending on the cheddar, you could try a Syrah, a semi-dry Riesling, a Champagne, a Grüner Veltliner, or a Merlot with Garlic Herb Cheddar.
