Matching red wine and cheese is an art. Different red wines and different types of cheese can produce a rich and colorful taste experience. Here are some common red wine and cheese pairing suggestions:
A full-bodied, rich red wine
Malbec: Pairs well with rich, aged Cheddar cheese.
Cabernet Sauvignon: Pairs well with Aged Gouda cheese to highlight the nutty flavor of the cheese.
Rioja: Pairs well with Manchego, a classic sweet cheese.
Fruity, light red wine
Pinot Noir: Paired with Brie cheese, it can balance the rich taste of the cheese.
Merlot: Pairs well with Monterey Jack cheese, as this cheese favors light-bodied, fruity wines.
sweet red wine
Port: Paired with Bleu Cheese, the sweet taste of Port complements the rich aroma of blue cheese.
Sauternes: Paired with cheese fondue (Fondue), the sweet and round Sauternes can enhance the flavor of cheese fondue.
General collocation principles
Equal intensity of flavor: When pairing a delicate and clean Swiss cheese like Gruyere with a rich and robust Cabernet Sauvignon, you need to find a balance to avoid one flavor overpowering the other.
Match the alcohol content to the flavor concentration: Generally, red wines with high alcohol content (such as more than 14%) are suitable for rich-flavored cheeses, while red wines with lower alcohol content (such as less than 12%) are more suitable for pairing with lighter-flavored cheeses.
Special matching suggestions
Sparkling wine and hard cheese: For example, pair Prosecco with Parmesan. The delicate and soft bubbles of Prosecco can dissolve the salty taste of Parmesan and bring a fresh taste.
Sweet wine and stinky cheese: The sweetness of wine can balance the “stinky smell” in cheese. For example, pairing Moscato with blue cheese can make the taste more creamy.
There are many ways to pair red wine with cheese, and the key is to find a balance between the two so that their flavors complement and complement each other. When pairing, you can consider factors such as the body, taste, and fruitiness of the red wine, as well as the flavor and texture of the cheese, and make flexible combinations and attempts. At the same time, you can also refer to some classic matching cases, or innovate and explore according to your own taste preferences.
