When it comes to pairing wine with a cheeseboard, it’s essential to find wines that complement the flavours and textures of various cheeses. Here’s a guide to help you choose the right wine for your cheeseboard, focusing on red wine pairings and how to balance flavours.
Red wine pairings
Red wine is renowned for its rich, complex flavours and tannin structure. With a deep colour and robust taste, red wine is often seen as a perfect partner for various foods, especially cheese. The acidity and tannins in red wine help to cleanse the palate, making each bite of cheese a renewed experience. One where you can really savour the flavour. Depending on the type of grape and wine-making process, the flavour profile of red wine can change from fruity to earthy.
Why Do Red Wine and Cheese Go Together?
The harmony between red wine and cheese lies in the balance of flavours and textures. The fat in cheese softens the thick tannins in red wine, creating a smoother taste. And the acidity in the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese. The contrast works to complement each other by enhancing flavours and experience, which is why red wine is an ideal choice for a cheeseboard.
What’s the Best Red Wine for Cheese?
Each wine brings out different nuances in the cheese, making the experience dynamic and enjoyable. When choosing a red wine for a cheeseboard, it may depend on your favourite cheese or red wine. For example, wines like Malbec, pair excellently with aged cheddar.
Red Wine and Cheese Pairings
- Malbec and Aged Cheddar:
Malbec, with its bold and fruity notes, pairs tastefully with the sharpness of aged cheddar. The tannins in a Malbec red wine contrast nicely with the creamy texture of cheddar, making it a great choice for your cheeseboard.
- Sweet Red Wine and Blue Cheese:
For those who love a sweet red wine, pairing it with blue cheese can bring out the cheese's richness and saltiness, balancing the wine’s sweetness.
- Pinot Noir and Brie:
For a softer touch, Pinot Noir pairs well with creamy cheeses like brie. Its lighter tannins won’t overwhelm the cheese’s buttery flavour, creating a light combination for any personalised cheeseboard.
For a more adventurous pairing, try a Cabernet Sauvignon with gouda or a Merlot with parmesan.
Exploring White Wines for Cheeseboards
You may think this isn’t a match, and while red wines are often the go-to for cheeseboards, crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc can balance out the creaminess of soft cheeses. Chardonnay is another option for white wine, which works well with mild-flavoured hard cheeses. Therefore, don’t completely shy away from serving a cheese board accompanied by a delicate white wine, with some tasty nibbles at your next dinner party.
Final Verdict; What's the Best Cheese for Red Wine?
It really depends on your chosen bottle for the evening. If you have opted for a bold and rich red wine, then hard cheeses like aged cheddar, gouda, or parmesan work well. These cheeses have strong flavours that can stand up to the tannins in the wine.
If you prefer a lighter red wine, then you will want to add softer cheeses like brie or camembert with a creamy texture to your basket, as they pair beautifully with red wines like Pinot Noir, with subtle fruitiness.
If it's a special occasion and Port arises, then strong blue cheeses, such as Roquefort, pair well with sweeter red wines or dessert wines, balancing the salty and sweet tastes.
Incorporating red wine into your cheeseboard adds depth and variety to the experience. You must consider balancing the wine’s acidity, sweetness, and tannins with the texture and flavour of the cheese. It may be time to experiment with different pairings, but you can find a pairing that enhances both the wine and the cheese.
FAQ’s
- What red wine pairs best with aged cheddar?
Malbec is an excellent choice due to its bold and fruity profile, which complements the sharpness of aged cheddar.
- Can I serve white wine with a cheeseboard?
Absolutely! White wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, can pair well with soft or mild cheeses.
- What’s a good red wine for soft cheeses like brie?
Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses like brie or camembert.
- Can sweet red wine pair with cheese?
Yes, sweet red wines pair well with salty blue cheeses, creating a balanced sweet-savoury experience.
- What is the best cheese for a bold red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon?
A hard cheese like gouda or parmesan works best with bold red wines, enhancing their rich, deep flavours.
- Is Malbec a good choice for a cheeseboard?
Absolutely! Malbec’s bold flavour complements strong cheeses like aged cheddar or gouda.
- What is the best red wine for pairing with blue cheese?
Sweet red wine or a bold, fruity wine like Shiraz works well with the salty taste of blue cheese.
- How should I arrange my cheeseboard?
Start with a selection of cheeses ranging from soft to hard, and add nuts, fruits, and crackers for variety.
- Can sweet red wine work with a cheeseboard?
Yes! Sweet red wine pairs excellently with strong, salty cheeses like blue cheese.
- What is a personalised cheeseboard?
A personalised cheeseboard is tailored to your preferences, including your favourite cheeses, and accompaniments.