Cheese Pairings with Wine and Beer: A Match Made in Heaven
Cheese is a food that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for centuries. It’s a versatile food that can be eaten on its own, with crackers, or as part of a dish. Pairing a cheese hamper with a drink is a great way to enhance the flavours of both the cheese and the beverage. In this article, we will explore the best cheese pairings with wine and beer.
Wine and Cheese Pairings
Wine and cheese gifts are a classic pairing that has been enjoyed for centuries. The general rule of thumb when it comes to pairing wine and cheese is to match the intensity of the wine with the intensity of the cheese. Here are some of the best wine and cheese pairings:
Chardonnay and Creamy Cheese
Chardonnay is a full-bodied white wine that pairs well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Lancashire cheese. The buttery and nutty flavours of these cheeses are complemented by the oak and vanilla notes in the wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Cheddar
Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine that pairs well with aged cheddar cheese. The bold flavours of the wine balance the sharpness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Pinot Noir and Nutty Cheese
Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine that pairs well with nutty cheeses like Gouda or an infused cheddar. The fruity and earthy notes in the wine complement the caramel and nutty flavours of the cheese. Another great pairing with Pinot Noir is something with a peppery hit, like a black pepper cheddar.
Beer and Cheese Pairings
Beer and cheese are also a great pairing, and there are many different types of beer that can be paired with cheese. The general rule of thumb when it comes to pairing beer and cheese is to match the intensity of the beer with the intensity of the cheese. Here are some of the best beer and cheese pairings:
IPA and Blue Cheese
IPAs are a hoppy type of beer that pairs well with strong and pungent cheeses like blue cheese. The bitterness of the beer helps to cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Stout and Cheddar
Stouts are a dark beer that pairs well with aged cheddar cheese. The roasted and chocolate notes in the beer complement the sharpness of the cheese, creating a perfect balance of flavours.
Wheat Beer and Creamy Cheese
Wheat beer is a light and refreshing beer that pairs well with tangy cheeses like feta. The citrus and fruity notes in the beer complement the salty and tangy flavours of the cheese. Another option is to go for a creamy spreadable cheese to accentuate the fruity flavours found in wheat beer.
Tips for Pairing Cheese with Wine and Beer
If you’re ready to start your journey of pairing cheese with wine or beer, consider the following tips:
Think About the Intensity of the Cheese and the Drink
When pairing cheese with wine or beer, it's important to consider the intensity of both the cheese and the drink. A mild cheese should be paired with a mild wine or beer, while a strong cheese should be paired with a strong wine or beer.
Match the Flavours
When pairing cheese with wine or beer, it's important to match the flavours. For example, a fruity wine or beer pairs well with nutty cheese, whilst a hoppy beer pairs well with pungent cheese.
Experiment with Different Pairings
There are many different types of cheese, wine, and beer, so don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings. You may discover a new favourite pairing that you never would have thought of before.
Conclusion
Pairing cheese with wine or beer is a great way to enhance the flavours of both the cheese and the beverage. When pairing cheese with wine or beer, it's important to consider the intensity of both the cheese and the drink, as well as match the flavours. Don't be afraid to experiment with different pairings to discover new and exciting combinations for you to enjoy!
