Cheese and Wine Pairings

When it comes to foodie marriages made in heaven, there is very little that beats the delectable pairing of Cheese and Wine. Relaxed yet refined, simple yet iconic, you can whip it up in less time than it takes to say ‘Red or White?’ and somehow feel as though you’ve pulled together a culinary masterpiece.

What other foodie combination can offer so much? Friends round for a chat? Perfect end to a meal? Tucking into on your own while lying on the sofa in front of Netflix? Cheese and wine is the answer to them all!

Of course, like all good food marriages there are the easy, everyday combos and then there are the game changing pairings that elevate things to another level. We’re here to teach you some simple tricks to up your cheese and wine game.

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Flavour, Texture, Intensity – The Perfect Trinity of Cheese & Wine

Matching any food with wine is all about balancing flavours, textures and intensity. From the salt to the fat, the acidity to the tannins, and the texture to the ripeness – get the mix right and you’ll have hit the culinary jackpot.

Arguably, I’ve never met a cheese and wine combo that I didn’t like, but there is a degree of science behind why some wines go better with some cheeses. We’ve pulled together a little run down of what to look out for so you can maximise your flavours.

Intensity

Think about balance when it comes to intensity of flavours. So for instance, a strong blue cheese will quickly overpower a delicate white wine. And a big, meaty red would be all wrong for a mild ricotta.

Texture

Cheese texture depends on what animal produced the milk, the style of cheese and its age. Young, fresh, cheeses are often soft, suiting a lighter wine, while hard cheeses have more bite and need a drink to match.

Flavour

Cheeses become bolder and more complex as they age – much like a fine wine! Robust tannins will counter an aged cheese well and round out the whole expereince.

If you're unsure, think local. The best pairings will have their origins in culture and the flavours of the region. For example, a crisp, French rose will always taste delicious paired with the cheese from the dairy along the road. If it grows together, it goes together!