Wine and Cheese: The Perfect Pair

5 Tips for a Perfect Pairing

1. Pair intense wine with equally intense cheese
Bolder, more intense, fuller flavored cheeses can stand up to the higher tannins of big-bodied wines. Wines with less than 12% ABV will taste better with a lighter, more delicate cheese.

2. Bold reds pair well with harder, aged cheese
As cheese ages, its water content decreases. As a result, its higher fat content contributes to a more intense and rich flavor that’s ideal for pairing with the higher tannin levels of bold reds. Think aged Cheddar, Manchego, Gouda or Gruyere with heavier wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec.

3. Match sweeter wines with salty, funkier cheeses
The sweetness in wines like Moscato or Port will help balance out the funk in washed-rind or blue-veined cheeses, making them taste creamier. Port and blue cheese is a very popular flavor combination.

4. Soft, creamy cheeses pair well with more acidic wines
Higher acidity acts as a palate cleanser for creamier, sticky cheeses such as Brie and Camembert. Sparkling wine, Viognier, Roussanne and unoaked Chardonnay are all great options!

5. Wines and cheeses from the same region will generally pair well together
Soil, climate and topography all affect the flavors of food and wine, so naturally, cheese and wine from the same region will often share complementary characteristics. Great examples include Chardonnay and Brie, or Chianti and Asiago.

Wine & Cheese Pairings

Cabernet Sauvignon & Sharp Cheddar

Two classics that complement one another perfectly! The deep, complex flavors of a full-bodied Cabernet will draw out the bold flavors from sharp, aged Cheddar.

Champagne & Brie

A luxurious combination, Champagne’s crisp bubbles and higher acidity cut through the creaminess of a triple-cream Brie and enhance its buttery flavor.

Port & Blue Cheese

The perfect yin and yang balance. Port needs a powerful cheese to stand up to its residual sugars and higher alcohol content. Salty, nutty blue cheese is the perfect candidate to balance out this classic dessert wine. If you prefer white, try an off-dry Reisling with this bold, salty, tangy cheese.

Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese

This fresh and invigorating pairing is perfect for warm summer afternoons. The zingy acidity of crisp Sauvignon Blanc is perfectly complemented by goat cheese’s fresh and clean flavor.

Pinot Grigio & Fresh Mozzarella

Smooth and mild Mozzarella will help enhance the earthy, mineral flavors of Pinot Grigio. In other words, Pinot Grigio is our favorite go-to for thin-crust Margherita pizza.

Chardonnay & Camembert

The acidity of Chardonnay cuts through the rich and thick texture of buttery and creamy Camembert. The more subtle flavors of the Chardonnay allow the flavors in the cheese to really shine.

Merlot & Jack

The dry fruitiness of medium-bodied Merlot pairs well with creamy Jack. This cheese has a nutty and slightly tart flavor that goes well with a lighter, fruitier wine.

Reisling & Feta

Sweeter Rieslings, in particular, make an excellent match for salty Feta. The natural sweetness of the wine nicely balances out the saltiness of the cheese! A more dry Reisling will be better off with fresh and creamy Ricotta.

Zinfandel & Hard, Washed-Rind Cheeses

The bold dark-fruited flavors of a full-bodied Zinfandel pair well with stronger cheeses such as Parmesan, Asiago or Pecorino.

The Final Touches…

Looking for more delicious additions to your cheeseboard? Try some of these tried and true favorites:

Apricot, Pistachio & Brandy Crisps
Give these crisps a smear of a thick, creamy cheese like the Bloomy cheese from Jacobs Creamery or the Off Kilter cheese from Mt Townsend Creamery.

Olive Oil & Sel Gris Flatbread
These flatbread crackers are perfect for dipping into softer cheesers such as Rogue Creamery’s blue cheese or any of the goat cheeses from Cypress Grove.

Sausage
Olympia Provision‘s artisan sausages pair excellently with fruit-forward red wines and flavor-packed cheese such as Aged Cheddar or Gorgonzola. When in doubt, you can always add in some prosciutto or pancetta.

Fresh-Baked French Baguette
Who doesn’t love a fresh-baked baguette straight out of the oven? This organic loaf has a crisp, crunchy crust and a light, fluffy center perfect for pairing with any of your favorite cheeses.

Nuts
Roasted and salted almonds will add the perfect crunch to any cheeseboard. For a sweeter option, try these whiskey spice walnuts!

Honeycomb
We love pairing sweet honeycomb with strong pungent cheeses such as funky blue cheese or fresh pecorino to really enhance the flavors.

Mixed Fig Jam
Spoon some of this jam into a bowl to be enjoyed with a creamy cheese like Brie, Chevre or Mt Townsend Creamery’s Cirrus cheese.

Olives
We love fruity Kalamata olives with a fruit-forward wine like Pinot Noir, which can also stand up to your favorite bold cheese. These Castlevetrano Olives pair well with sharp cheeses and dry white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris.

How To Add Farm Stand Products to Your Delivery:
CSA members – head on over to our online Farm Stand Market to customize your upcoming delivery. Market is open from noon on Thursday until 10 pm, 2 days before your scheduled delivery day. After you confirm your produce items, click the orange button “Confirm and Continue To Other Farm Products” to add the products to your delivery.

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