Let’s welcome National Cheese Day happening on June 4, a celebration of one of the most beloved and diverse food items around the world. On this special day, cheese enthusiasts come together to honour the rich history and flavours of this delectable dairy product. Dating back thousands of years, cheese-making techniques have evolved and given rise to countless varieties, each with its unique taste and texture.
Cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with many different types of wine. Here are some tasty wine and cheese pairings:
- Red Bordeaux blends: Pair with aged cheddar or gouda cheese. The sharpness and complexity of the cheddar cheese beautifully balances the tannins and fruitiness of red wine, creating a harmonious combination that tantalizes the palate. Single varietal Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, and Syrah, plus red Rhone blends would also work with these cheeses.
- Crisp Sauvignon Blancs: Pair with goat cheese or feta cheese. Sauvignon Blanc is known for its vibrant acidity, crispness, and herbaceous notes, which makes it an excellent match for the bright and tangy flavours of goat cheese. The lively acidity of the wine cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, while the herbaceous undertones of the Sauvignon Blanc complement the earthy and grassy notes of the goat cheese.
- Rosé wines: Pair with brie cheese or camembert cheese. Rosé wines often display a delicate balance of fruity and floral notes. The light and refreshing nature of rosé wine complement the creamy, rich texture of the cheeses, creating a balanced flavour combination. The acidity helps cleanse the palate, preventing the cheeses’ creaminess from becoming overwhelming.
- Sweet port wines: Pair with blue cheese or stilton cheese. The richness and intensity of the blue cheese stand up to the sweetness of the dessert wine, while the saltiness cuts through the richness, creating a harmonious blend of sweet and savoury.
- Blanc de Blanc Champagne: Pair with parmesan cheese, tangy goat cheese, or gruyere cheese. The refreshing effervescence of the sparkling wine cuts through the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating a delightful contrast of flavours and textures that excites the taste buds. Parmesan cheese has a salty and nutty profile, while gruyere cheese is known for its nutty, slightly sweet, and earthy flavours. Blanc de Blanc Champagne often displays citrus notes, along with hints of green apple, pear, and sometimes almonds. These fruit flavours and subtle nuttiness in the Champagne can harmonize with and enhance the flavours in both types of cheese.
These cheese and wine pairings work so well together because they offer complementary flavours and textures. The contrasting characteristics of the cheese and wine enhance each other, creating a memorable taste experience that is greater than the sum of its parts. On National Cheese Day, take the opportunity to explore these delightful pairings and discover new dimensions of flavour.
