Just like one's daily outfits, there are also a number of food and wine pairings, whether it be red or white, and, while there are numerous classical ones, food pairing can be very subjective depending on one's taste preferences, and cheese is no different.
Wine and cheese pairing is one of the classical pairings, thus, below is a list of said classics.
1) Port and Blue Stilton
Port wine is a fortified wine from Portugal, and is known to have sweet yet bold traits, so the pungent and salty nature of Blue Stilton is an excellent contrast to it. Blue Stilton is one of two Stilton varieties hailing from England. Only such cheese made in three areas of the East Midlands can be called Stilton due to EU protection.
2) Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese
While possessing some slight tartness to it, goat cheese is an otherwise bland cheese. The citrusy flavors of the Sauvignon Blanc, however, help bring out the cheese's inherent nutty tones. Also, considering how heavy goat cheese can be, Blanc's acidity can help cut through it.
3) Sangiovese and Pecorino Toscano
Sangiovese-based wines are more commonly known as a Chianti wine, and this pairing is one grown from the same areas. The aged texture of the Pecorino helps Chianti's tannins flourish. On top of that, the wine's fruitiness is a great contrast to the bold qualities of the cheese.
4) Champagne and Brie
Brie is a lovely but very creamy cheese so, in turn, a sharp wine to cut through the richness is a great partner. While one would not normally think so, the highly contrasting fizziness of the Champagne, and creaminess of the cheese makes for an absolutely satisfying mouthfeel.
5) Pinot Noir and Gruyere
The reason nuts and fruits go so well together is that they bring their own individual flavors to one's mouth but also being able to complement each other without each one being more overwhelming. The same goes for this pairing; the berry fruity flavor of the Pinot Noir synergizes almost naturally with the nuttiness of the Gruyere.
6) Cabernet Sauvignon and Cheddar
What most people do not know is that Cheddar cheese is named after the place of its creation in Cheddar, Somerset, England, where the cheeses are left to age in a cave. The bold and strong flavors of the Cabernet Sauvignon goes hand-in-hand with the aged sharpness of a good mature cheddar.
7) Garnacha and Manchego
For this pairing, Spain is the place to be. The spicy, berry-flavor of this particular wine is in harmony with a months-aged firm, but buttery, Manchego.
8) Tempranillo and Idiazabal
Another Spanish pairing that does not use contrast as the main measure of partnership, but, rather, its similar qualities. Both have smoky and savory undertones that complement each other well. The full body of the Tempranillo goes well with the texture of the Idiazabal cheese. The contrast with these two, however, is the tannins of the wine and the buttery flavor of the cheese.
What is your favorite pairing? Is it, perhaps, one that is not on this list? Or have you made your own?
