Wine and cheese pairings form an essential part of French gastronomy. A wrong pairing is considered almost criminal, while a successful pairing paves the way to pure culinary pleasure and a host of compliments from your guests. All connoisseurs of fine cuisine know that red wine doesn’t pair well with all cheeses—this is a myth that must be demolished. Listen to what experienced sommeliers have to say and then put their advice and recommendations into practice! You’ll thus be able of pair wines and cheese like a true chef. Now all you have to do is procure some excellent bread and cheese accessories from L’Atelier du Vin to accentuate your tasting events!
The great classic wine and cheese pairings
The French, as well as any connoisseur of French cuisine, have been endeavoring to pair wine and cheese for centuries. The goal is to create harmony between these two delicacies by creating a balance or contrast between flavors. Some of the traditional pairings that almost everyone is familiar with are brie and champagne, goat cheese and sauvignon blanc, or blue cheese and sweet wine. Let’s take a look at these combinations so as to better understand the reasons for their success.
Wine and cheese pairings are based on the complementary nature of their flavors and textures.
- Brie and champagne: Brie, particularly brie de Meaux or brie de Melun, goes perfectly with champagne and its bubbles, which “degrease” the palate. The subtle minerality and oxidation of this sparkling wine accentuate the delicate flavors and hints of mushroom in the cheese, thus creating a flavorful harmony that is both rich and complex.
- Goat cheese and sauvignon blanc: As goat cheese ages, it becomes harder and saltier. A sweeter and rounder wine thus becomes necessary to counterbalance this acidity. Sauvignon blanc, with its fresh and lively character, perfectly complements young cheeses to create a beautiful balance on the palate.
- Blue cheese and sweet wine: The marriage between Roquefort and sweet wines such as a Sauternes comes from the mushroom flavors of the cheese (penicillium) and the grapes (botrytis). This combination of molds creates a sublime harmony of complex flavors that accentuate the tasting experience.
Blue cheese and sweet wine: The marriage between Roquefort and sweet wines such as a Sauternes comes from the mushroom flavors of the cheese (penicillium) and the grapes (botrytis). This combination of molds creates a sublime harmony of complex flavors that accentuate the tasting experience.
Current myths: Do you really have to drink red wine with cheese?
Over the course of time, red wine became considered the ideal choice for accompanying cheese since it was believed that its tannins and alcohol could counter the fat of the cheese. However, tannins can interact with the milk protein casein and create a bitter sensation. For better pairings, consider light, soft and fruity reds for aged and firm cheeses. More invigorating red wines pair well with bloomy rind cheese, and full-bodied red wines accentuate washed-rind cheeses.
Don’t make the mistake though of choosing any old red wine to accompany your cheese platter. Wine and cheese pairing blunders are often due to a poor understanding of the textures and intensities of the flavors. To create a successful pairing, you must explore combinations that highlight complementary flavors rather than trying to create a contrast.
Young cheeses pair better with white or light red wines, whereas more aged cheeses call for sweeter wines. A chardonnay with a Comté cheese is a good example since the wine’s acidity balances out the richness of the cheese. And a Brouilly wine with a Saint-Marcellin cheese will never steer you wrong!
Create audaciously modern pairings
To surprise your guests, don’t be afraid to try audacious pairings! The richness of each terroir invites you to seek out new experiences. For example, a lively rosé and Crottin de chèvre goat cheese go perfectly together to create a delicate balance between the fruity notes of the wine and the distinctive flavor of the cheese. Often neglected, orange wine pairs wonderfully with an aged Tomme to provide your palate with unique flavors. Finally blue cheeses such as Roquefort go ideally with mellow wines such as a Sauternes to instill a subtle balance between savory and sweet.
Balance between flavors, particularly in terms of acidity, sweetness and aromatic intensity, is critical to creating a successful wine and cheese pairing. Acidity provides freshness and balance to rich dishes, while sweetness softens any bitterness and enhances flavors. For example, an acidic white wine can make a soft cheese stand out by creating a harmony of flavors.The aromatic intensity accentuates the flavors you’ll distinguish.
The other very important aspect to consider when pairing wine and cheese: the accessories you use. A nice board for your cheeses not only adds an esthetic touch to your table, but it also makes cutting the cheese easier, especially when using the appropriate knives. These accessories also help you organize your tasting event with elegance all while creating a warm and friendly atmosphere. L’Atelier du Vin’s bread and cheese accessories will help add prestige to your tasting events.
How to organize a successful wine and cheese party
Ready for a wine and cheese party? Here are some tips to get you started:
- Presentation and tasting order: Present your cheeses in their order of flavor intensity, starting with the milder cheeses and moving on the stronger cheeses.
- Accessories: L’Atelier du Vin accessories can add that special touch to your party. Their cutting boards, cheese knives and platters will add elegance to your wine and cheese presentation in a practical and companionable manner.
- Temperature: Each cheese has its own preferences! Soft cheeses are enjoyed at room temperature while pressed cheeses prefer to be slightly cool.
- Pairings: Don’t be afraid to vary your delights by offering different types of bread (ciabatta, nut bread, etc.) and accompaniments such as mixed nuts, preserves or honey.
- Tasting: Take the time to appreciate each bite. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let yourself be carried away by the flavors.
And to spice up your wine and cheese party, why not propose a Wine Quiz? Whether you’re a novice or a connoisseur, this activity is an opportunity to increase your knowledge while having fun. This quiz has already entertained 100,000 wine enthusiasts around the world. Also, this edition has been revised with additional information to provide you with even more instructive content!
Audacious pairings for an unforgettable tasting experience
You now know that the marriage between red wine and cheese is not exclusive. This myth will deprive you of a wealth of tasting sensations and special moments that only a cheese platter can offer. By exploring new pairings and using L’Atelier du Vin accessories, you can create fascinating tasting experiences that will delight your guests. Whether you opt for tried-and-true classic pairings or audaciously modern pairings, you can transform each tasting event into a unique sensorial adventure.
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