Apr 8

Apr 8 Wine And Cheese Please: The Perfect Pairings

The season for outdoor dinner parties has arrived! Wine and cheese are two of life’s greatest culinary pleasures. I know sometimes I feel overwhelmed with finding the perfect pairings to induce a satisfied palette. There are a number of considerations, such as texture, acidity, fat and tannin. So here is a simple break down of happy wine and cheese marriages to keep in mind for your next soiree!

To make your cupid skills a bit easier, here is the 411 on everything cheesy.

4 Primary Cheese Categories:

Bloomy: Creamy, decadent cheeses, with a soft rind.

Hard: Stiff cheeses, which are often sharp and/or salty. They can also be aged.

Blue: Pungent, often salty cheeses, with a blue tinge.

Fresh: Soft, often spreadable cheeses that can be tangy or mild. They are not usually aged.

And onto the pairings...

Bloomy:
1. Camembert loves Champagne
2. Brie loves Chardonnay
3. Robiola loves Sparking Wine
4. Taleggio loves Pinot Blanc

Hard:
1. Gouda loves Merlot
2. Cheddar loves Cabernet Sauvignon
3. Parmesan loves Chianti
4. Double Gloucester loves Zinfandel
5. Gruyere loves Sauvignon Blanc