Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of wines. While some prefer a simple glass of white wine with their mac and cheese, others opt for something more extravagant, such as a posh white Burgundy or a white Rioja if the dish includes lobster or crab. When it comes to white wine, a light unoaked Chardonnay is often considered the perfect pairing for mac and cheese, as its rich flavour mirrors the cheesiness of the dish, while its acidity cuts through the creaminess. For those who enjoy bubbles, a sparkling Lambrusco or a Cremant de Bourgogne can be excellent choices, while a smooth dry Chenin Blanc or Albariño can also complement the dish nicely. While white wine is generally preferred, some lighter reds can also work, such as Pinot Noir or Beaujolais, especially if the mac and cheese features meats like bacon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Beaujolais, Pinot Noir, Lambrusco, Spanish Grenache, Riesling, Chenin Blanc, White Burgundy, White Rioja |
| Flavour | Dry, Light, Sweet, Fruity, Juicy, Acidic, Bubbly, Oaky |
| Food Type | Simple, Creamy Macaroni Cheese, Fancy, Lobster or Crab Macaroni Cheese |
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Unoaked Chardonnay
When it comes to wine and cheese, conventional wisdom often suggests matching them based on their region. However, this approach may not always yield the best results, especially when it comes to California's famous Chardonnay and cheese from the same place, such as Sonoma. The long-standing style of California Chardonnay is also not particularly cheese-friendly due to the use of oak in fermentation and/or aging, which adds body, sweetness, and vanilla—characteristics that may clash with certain cheeses.
However, unoaked Chardonnays, like those from California, offer a more versatile option for cheese pairings. These wines are fresher, leaner, and crisper, with natural acidity that can beautifully complement a variety of cheeses. When it comes to macaroni and cheese, an unoaked Chardonnay is often considered the perfect pairing. Here's why:
For a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese dish, an unoaked Chardonnay is an excellent choice. Its rich flavor mirrors the cheesiness of the macaroni, while its mouthwatering acidity cuts through the creaminess of the dish, creating a delightful contrast. The vibrant acidity of the wine also helps to enhance the perception of acidity in the dish, making the flavors of vanilla and pear stand out.
When selecting an unoaked Chardonnay for your macaroni and cheese, look for one with vibrant acidity and notes of ripe orchard fruit, dried apricot, orange peel, and a hint of smoke. These flavors will pair harmoniously with the creamy cheese and can even complement dishes with crabmeat or seafood. Unoaked Chardonnays from cooler climates, such as Santa Barbara and Sonoma Coast, tend to have lower alcohol content, preserving the sweet milk flavors in the cheese.
Additionally, price is not always an indicator of quality when it comes to wine. You can find excellent unoaked Chardonnays at a range of price points. For example, the Good Harbor Unoaked Chardonnay from Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula offers a satisfying pairing with its notes of apple and lemon zest, all for around $17.
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Bubbles
When it comes to specific sparkling wines, a few options are recommended. Lambrusco, an Italian sparkling red wine, is a fun and unexpected choice for mac and cheese. The bubbles will keep your palate feeling refreshed, and the cheese will help to soften the wine's tannins. If you're looking for a more accessible option, a Cremant de Bourgogne is a good choice that still offers great quality for the price.
If you're enjoying a simple, creamy macaroni and cheese, a light, unoaked Chardonnay is a perfect pairing. The rich flavor of the Chardonnay mirrors the richness of the dish, while the wine's acidity cuts through the creaminess.
For a more extravagant mac and cheese dish, perhaps one featuring lobster or crab, a posh white Burgundy or White Rioja is a great choice. These wines have a similar effect to Chardonnay, cutting through the richness of the dish with their acidity.
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White Burgundy
When it comes to macaroni and cheese, the wine you choose to pair with it depends on the ingredients and the overall flavour profile of the dish. If you're enjoying a simple, creamy macaroni cheese, a light, unoaked Chardonnay is a perfect match. However, if you're indulging in a more extravagant version of the dish, perhaps one with lobster or crab, a posh White Burgundy is an excellent choice.
The versatility of White Burgundy makes it a suitable pairing for different variations of macaroni and cheese. Whether you prefer a simple, classic recipe or a more indulgent version with seafood, White Burgundy can elevate the flavours and enhance your dining experience. Its freshness and acidity can cut through the richness of the dish, providing a well-rounded and enjoyable pairing.
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Dry Chenin Blanc
When selecting a Dry Chenin Blanc to pair with macaroni and cheese, consider choosing a high-quality wine from South Africa, which accounts for over 50% of Chenin Blanc vineyards worldwide. These wines often exhibit flavours of yellow apple, quince, pear, and ginger, which can complement the creaminess of the dish.
For a more complex pairing, consider a Dry Chenin Blanc with oak influences, such as those aged in oak barrels. These wines may offer flavours of buttered popcorn, butterscotch, lemon curd, and baked apple, adding a layer of richness to the pairing.
If you prefer a lighter, more refreshing style, opt for a young, fresh, and fruity Dry Chenin Blanc. These wines can beautifully contrast the richness of macaroni and cheese, providing a crisp and bright counterpart to the dish.
Additionally, consider the specific ingredients in your macaroni and cheese. Dry Chenin Blanc pairs exceptionally well with soft to semi-firm cow's milk cheeses such as triple-cream brie, gruyere, cream cheese, and cheddar. If your macaroni and cheese includes these cheeses, a Dry Chenin Blanc will likely be a delightful pairing.
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Spanish Grenache
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of wines, including white wines such as Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Riesling, as well as sparkling wines like cremant du Jura or cremant de Bourgogne. While white wine is generally preferred, some lighter reds can also complement the dish, especially if the macaroni and cheese is made with stronger cheeses or contains ingredients like bacon.
When it comes to Spanish Grenache, also known as Garnacha, this wine variety can be an interesting choice for macaroni and cheese. Grenache is a red wine made from the Garnacha grape, which is native to Spain and produces some of the world's most compelling wines. Spain offers a diverse range of 100% Garnacha wines from regions like Campo de Borja, Priorat, and Rioja, each with its unique characteristics.
Garnacha wines, particularly the red variety (Garnacha Tinta), are renowned for their versatility with cheeses. They can complement any kind of cheese but are particularly exceptional when paired with goat cheese. The tangy and savoury profile of goat cheese creates a delightful contrast with the fruity and spicy notes of Grenache.
When serving macaroni and cheese, consider using goat cheese as one of the primary cheeses in the dish. The tanginess of goat cheese will cut through the richness of the dish, creating a refreshing flavour profile that will marry beautifully with the characteristics of a Spanish Grenache. The bold fruit and spice notes of the wine will enhance the savoury flavours of the dish, creating a harmonious pairing.
Additionally, Spanish Grenache wines exhibit a silky palate with fine tannins, providing a smooth and elegant texture that can complement the creaminess of macaroni and cheese. The acidity present in some Grenache wines can also help balance the dish's richness, creating a refreshing dining experience.
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Frequently asked questions
The best wine to pair with macaroni and cheese depends on the type of cheese used and the other ingredients in the dish. Generally, white wine is preferred over red. Chardonnay is a popular choice, especially for creamy macaroni cheese. Unoaked Chardonnay is a classic pairing for macaroni and cheese with lobster or crab. Other recommended white wines include Albariño, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling.
Yes, some lighter reds can pair well with macaroni and cheese, especially if it contains meat. Lambrusco, an Italian sparkling red, is a fun and unexpected choice for baked macaroni and cheese. Spanish Grenache is another red wine that pairs well with cheesy dishes. For macaroni and cheese made with cheddar cheese, Cabernet or Merlot works well. Smoked gouda cheese pairs well with Shiraz.
Yes, in addition to wine, dry cider and beer can also pair well with macaroni and cheese, especially if the dish contains ham and mustard.
