Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of wines. The type of wine that goes well with macaroni and cheese depends on the ingredients used and the overall flavour profile of the dish. Whether it's a simple, creamy macaroni cheese or a more extravagant version with lobster or crab, there is a wine that can complement the dish perfectly. From light, unoaked Chardonnays to posh white Burgundies and smooth dry Chenin Blancs, wine enthusiasts have a range of options to choose from when indulging in this classic comfort food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | White wine, Red wine, Bubbles |
| White Wine Types | Chardonnay, White Burgundy, White Rioja, Chenin Blanc, Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris |
| Red Wine Types | Pinot, Beaujolais, Spanish Grenache |
| Spicy Mac and Cheese | Riesling, Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Sweeter Red Wines |
| Fancy Mac and Cheese | White Burgundy, White Rioja |
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Unoaked Chardonnay
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and when it comes to choosing a wine to pair with this indulgent dish, unoaked Chardonnay is considered the perfect match.
Chardonnay is a versatile grape variety that can be crafted into a range of wine styles, from oaky and buttery to crisp and refreshing. When selecting a Chardonnay to accompany macaroni and cheese, it is best to opt for an unoaked or lightly oaked style. Unoaked Chardonnays tend to be lighter and more crisp, with vibrant acidity and fruity flavours that can cut through the richness of the dish. The crisp acidity of unoaked Chardonnay also helps to balance the creamy texture of the macaroni and cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
The specific flavours of an unoaked Chardonnay can vary depending on the region and winemaking techniques, but they often showcase bright, ripe orchard fruit notes such as apple, pear, and citrus. These fruity characteristics complement the cheesiness of the macaroni and cheese, creating a harmonious pairing. The minerality and herbal notes commonly found in unoaked Chardonnays can also add interesting dimensions to the pairing, enhancing the overall taste experience.
For a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese, a light, crisp, and fruity unoaked Chardonnay is ideal. The Good Harbor Unoaked Chardonnay from Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula is an excellent choice, offering flavours of juicy apple, lemon zest, and herbal notes. This wine pairs beautifully with macaroni and cheese, enhancing the creamy texture and savoury flavours.
When selecting a wine to pair with macaroni and cheese, it is essential to consider the dish's specific ingredients and flavour profiles. If your macaroni and cheese features more indulgent ingredients, such as lobster or crab, you might opt for a slightly more opulent Chardonnay with a touch of oak ageing. However, for most classic macaroni and cheese recipes, a light and crisp unoaked Chardonnay will be the perfect choice to elevate your comfort food experience.
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White Burgundy
When it comes to cellaring White Burgundy, there are a few guidelines to keep in mind. The wines are great to drink young, middle-aged, and old, but something changed in the region in the mid-1990s, and the wines started to age prematurely, so buyer beware. Bourgogne blanc and the Maconnais typically last between 1-4 years, while Chablis and the Cote de Beaune last between 2-5 years for village wines, 4-7 years for premier crus, and 4-10+ years for grand crus.
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Dry Chenin Blanc
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that is loved by many. While bubbles are said to go with everything, a smooth, dry Chenin Blanc is a great wine to pair with macaroni and cheese.
Chenin Blanc is a white wine with a wide range of flavours. When the grapes are fermented dry and kept fresh, they produce a lean, minerally style of Chenin Blanc that offers up flavours of tart pear, quince, ginger, and chamomile. The high acidity in this wine cuts through the creamy texture of macaroni and cheese, making it a perfect pairing.
Chenin Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs well with various dishes, including macaroni and cheese. It is produced in several regions, including South Africa, France, the United States, and Argentina. South African Chenin Blanc, in particular, is known for its high quality and ability to complement a variety of cuisines.
When pairing wine with macaroni and cheese, it is essential to consider the dish's specific ingredients and flavours. The creaminess of the cheese sauce and the type of cheese used can influence the wine selection. For example, a simple creamy macaroni cheese might pair better with a light, unoaked Chardonnay, while a more complex dish with lobster or crab could call for a posh white Burgundy or White Rioja. However, for a classic macaroni and cheese dish, a smooth, dry Chenin Blanc is an excellent choice that will enhance the dining experience.
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Pinot or Beaujolais
When it comes to wine, Pinot Noir is a versatile choice, pairing well with various dishes, including macaroni and cheese. This light- to medium-bodied red wine boasts flavours of red fruits, such as cherry, strawberry, and raspberry, along with earthy notes of mushroom. Its acidity and soft tannins make it an excellent match for the rich, creamy sauce and savoury cheese flavours of macaroni and cheese. To enhance the experience, slightly chill the Pinot Noir before serving it alongside your mac and cheese.
If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, Beaujolais, a red wine from the Beaujolais region in France, is a great alternative. Beaujolais wines are made primarily from the Gamay grape and are known for their light body, vibrant fruit flavours, and smooth, low tannins. While Beaujolais wines can vary in quality and price, you can find excellent value in Beaujolais Villages, which offers 80% of the quality of a Pinot Noir at less than half the cost.
Both Pinot Noir and Beaujolais are excellent choices to pair with macaroni and cheese. However, there are a few factors to consider when making your selection. Firstly, budget constraints may steer you towards Beaujolais, especially if you're looking for a more affordable option without compromising too much on quality. Secondly, if you prefer your wines slightly chilled, Pinot Noir is the better choice, as Beaujolais is typically served at room temperature or slightly below. Finally, consider the specific flavours you want to emphasise. The earthy notes in Pinot Noir can be accentuated by adding mushrooms to your mac and cheese, creating a more complex and savoury dish.
Ultimately, the decision between Pinot Noir and Beaujolais depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific flavours you want to highlight in your macaroni and cheese. Both wines have unique characteristics that can enhance your dining experience, so feel free to experiment and find the pairing that suits your taste.
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Riesling
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that can be paired with a variety of wines, and Riesling is one of the most recommended options. Riesling is a white wine known for its high acidity, which makes it a versatile food wine. When paired with macaroni and cheese, the acidity of Riesling helps to refresh the palate, especially when enjoying a creamy sauce. The saltiness of the cheese also balances out the sweetness of the wine.
The type of Riesling you choose can vary depending on your preference for sweetness. An off-dry or dry Riesling can provide a refreshing contrast, like crunching into a crisp apple with your cheese. The 2014 Nine Hats Riesling from Washington's Columbia Valley is a good example of a dry Riesling with citrus notes and green apple flavours. For a sweeter option, try the Willamette Valley Vineyards Riesling, which is slightly bubbly and will keep your palate clean between bites of macaroni and cheese.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can incorporate Riesling into your macaroni and cheese recipe. By replacing some of the full-fat milk or cream in your recipe with Riesling, you can create a lighter cream sauce perfect for summer. Didier Roeckel, a chef from Alsace, France, confirms that fortifying a creamy sauce with Riesling is a common technique in Alsatian cuisine. Remember to boil off the alcohol to mellow the flavour.
When it comes to specific Riesling recommendations, the Loosen Blue Slate Riesling Kabinett from Germany's Mosel region is praised for its juicy pear notes and lushness, making it an excellent match for macaroni and cheese. The 2012 Später-Veit Riesling Feinherb is another option, offering a zesty and lightly sweet profile.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wine to pair with mac and cheese depends on the type of cheese used and the other ingredients in the dish. A simple glass of white wine pairs well with a homely, old-fashioned recipe. For a more extravagant dish with artisan cheddar, cream, lobster, or crab, you might go for something more extravagant like a White Burgundy or a White Rioja. A Chardonnay is a good middle ground, with a light unoaked Chardonnay pairing well with a simple creamy macaroni cheese.
Wines with a bit of sweetness typically pair well with spicy dishes. Versions of Riesling, Gewürztraminer, and Pinot Gris are being made in Texas that fit this range, and many wineries are producing sweeter red wines that also match this profile.
Bubbles go well with mac and cheese, especially if it contains Alpine cheeses. A Cremant du Jura or a Vin Jaune would be a good pick, although the latter could be expensive.
