While wine and cheese are known to be a perfect pair, that doesn't mean all wine is meant for all cheese. I know it's hard to imagine there could be even more pleasure in the tasty matching of these palate playmates, but finding just the right glass of juice for your wedge, block, and/or spread will skyrocket your taste buds into a whole new dimension.
Give these dynamic duos a whirl to further enhance your vino-fromage experience.
1. Chevre and Chilean Sauvignon Blanc - Here we find a commonality of tart, tangy, and herbaceous notes between the soft goat cheese and crisp wine. The Chilean version of this popular white wine stays zesty and fresh without overpowering the cheese.
2. Raclette and German Riesling - The nutty flavor and silky texture of this savory, washed rind cheese plays a lovely counterpart to a slightly off dry and fruity Riesling.
3. Fromager D'affinois and California Viognier - Let your palate become a playground for the round, lush flavors and textures of both wine and cheese. Do yourself a favor and let the cheese get closer to room temperature for an ooey-gooey experience that is only enhanced by the full-bodied California white wine.
4. Mahon and Spanish Rosé - A creamy semi-soft cheese with a slight bite provides the perfect balance for a glass that combines the best of both sides of the wine world - rosé! Spanish pinks bring a vigorous fruit flavors in mellow easy drinking wines.
5. Cambozola and Oloroso Sherry - One of the first rules of cheese and wine pairing is that salty loves sweet. The creamy, blue-veined cambozola is made slightly more mild by the richness of the Oloroso, a naturally-dry sherry whose full body gives it a semblance of sweetness.
6. Brie and Oregon Pinot Noir - Bring forth a merry marriage of double earthiness with a bloomy and mushroom-like double creme brie (or camembert) paired with a high acidity, low tannin Pinot of mellow dark fruit and dusty nuances.
7. Parmigiano-Reggiano and Italian Amarone - This wine's production from dried grapes gives it a unique flavor profile and texture. Much like a fruit reduction, it becomes a superb match for the strong yet familiar notes of the Parmesan.
8. Aged Cheddar and Washington State Merlot - Lovers of robust flavors will rejoice in this coupling of sharp cheese and powerfully ripe, yet surprisingly sippable, red wine from one of the rising star states in winemaking right now.
9. Epoisses and Red Burgundy - Who doesn't love a little funk in their life? Both this washed rind cheese and beloved classic red wine embody a touch of funk, making them a perfect pair for one another.
10. Champagne with ALL the cheeses - Want an entire board of cheese and just one wine? Bubbles. Bubbles are always the way to go. French is my personal favorite, but sparklers of any origin will fit the bill (extra points if it's a rosé).
Angela Ortmann (@STLwinegirl) is a Food + Drink Professional, Co-Founder of Cork Dorks with Forks, and Equal Opportunity Imbiber.
