A guide to perfect wine and cheese pairings
Has there ever been a better pairing than wine and cheese?! And with Christmas around the corner, we are firmly in cheeseboard season. Inspired by our wine and cheese tasting in Leeds recently, we wanted to share some tips and tricks for pairing your board with the perfect wines sure to impress.
Creamy Gooey Goodness
Let’s kick off our cheese pairing with a creamy delight, like a triple cream brie or the devilishly good Delice De Bourgogne, the types of cheese that melt in a moment. These rich mouthfuls of heaven have high-fat content, so they need a crisp companion to counter the richness. A zesty, refreshing white wine is a great place to start.
A Sauvignon Blanc works deliciously with creamy cheese, but for a zippy alternative, why not try Reveleste Albarino 2022, Bodegas Laureatus, Rias Baixas. It is packed full of citrus notes and crisp Granny Smith apple flavour that will cut through the decadent cheese.
For a slightly more complex pairing, try Morning Fog Chardonnay 2020, Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley; it still has those zesty fruit notes but with a delicious nuttiness and a touch of oak that plays nicely with Delice De Bourgogne.
https://barriquefinewines.com/product/morning-fog-chardonnay-2020-wente-vineyards-livermore-valley/
The Bold and the Beautiful with the Sharp and Tangy
A sharp, tangy cheddar with those pops of crystals is a crowd favourite on any cheese board. But with lipsmacking big flavour, it needs something bold to stand up to it and balance it beautifully. Try a full-bodied red wine, like Zinfandel or even a Cabernet Sauvignon; they could work well.
We recommend an Appassimento Gold Release 2021, Ca’Vittoria, Puglia. A deliciously Christmas wine, this smooth, velvety, juicy Primitivo blend has a bold cherry jam flavour with a hint of spice that holds its own and complements the sharpness of a cheddar. At our recent Leeds wine club event, this was a clear favourite for many.
Sweet and Salty: A Match Made in Heaven
Love it or hate it, a cheese board wouldn’t be complete without blue cheese! For those on the fence about blue, we have a pairing that might bring you around.
This salty cheese can be perfectly balanced with a sweet dessert wine or a port. For a dessert wine, try Deen Vat Series Botrytis Semillon 2017, De Bortoli, Riverina (37.5cl); it has lovely layers of nectarines, quinces, citrus flavours, as well as a nougat nuttiness that complements the umami flavours of the cheese.
Or for a more classic and indulgent pairing, why not try Quinta do Noval Colheita 2005, Quinta Do Noval; this sensational sweet port is a luxurious way to finish off a fabulous cheese board.
Deen Vat Series Botrytis Semillon 2017, De Bortoli, Riverina (37.5cl)
So, this festive season, uncork the bottles, unwrap the cheeses, and let the joy of pairing elevate your Christmas festivities to a whole new level. To help you pick the perfect pairing, we’re offering all TheBusinessDesk.com readers 15% off all full-priced wine* on our website! We’ll cheers to that!
*Can not be used on Voyage subscriptions and products or sale items.
