10 Lesser-Known Wine and Cheese Pairing Tips

Pairing wine and cheese is an art that goes far beyond the classic combinations you'll find at most gatherings. While many enthusiasts know to pair red wine with aged cheddar or white wine with soft cheeses, there are lesser-known techniques that can transform your tasting experience. These expert tips, often used by sommeliers and cheese mongers, delve into the nuances of flavors, textures, and aromas to create memorable and sophisticated pairings. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a quiet evening, these insider secrets will elevate your wine and cheese pairings to the next level.

Wine and Cheese Pairing Tips

1. Temperature Matters More Than You Think

Temperature plays a crucial role in the flavor dynamics of both wine and cheese. Most people serve their cheese straight from the refrigerator, but cold temperatures can dull flavors and affect how wine interacts with cheese. Let your cheese rest at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving. This allows the fats to soften and release more complex flavor compounds that complement your chosen wine.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Flavors: Warmer cheese releases more aromatic compounds.
• Improved Texture: Softer textures blend better with wine.
• Balanced Pairing: Ensures that neither the wine nor the cheese overpowers the other.

2. The Texture Triangle Rule

This lesser-known rule helps create balanced combinations that enhance both elements. 

Consider the texture triangle when pairing:

• Soft Cheeses: Need wines with high acidity.
• Hard Cheeses: Match well with tannic wines.
• Semi-Firm Cheeses: Work best with medium-bodied wines.

Examples:

• Soft Cheese: Brie with Sauvignon Blanc.
• Hard Cheese: Aged Gouda with Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Semi-Firm Cheese: Manchego with Merlot.

3. Regional Pairings Beyond France and Italy

While French and Italian wine and cheese pairings get the most attention, considering unexpected regional matches can uncover unique flavor harmonies. Regional pairings often share similar terroir and traditional culinary practices, enhancing the harmony between wine and cheese. For instance, the nutty flavors of aged Gouda pair beautifully with the bold and fruity notes of Pinotage, creating a well-rounded tasting experience.

Unexpected Regional Matches:

• Spanish Manchego with Tempranillo: The boldness of Tempranillo complements the nutty flavor of Manchego.
• Dutch Aged Gouda with South African Pinotage: Pinotage’s fruity notes enhance the caramel undertones of aged Gouda.
• Vermont Cheddar with Oregon Pinot Noir: The sharpness of Vermont Cheddar pairs beautifully with the earthy complexity of Oregon Pinot Noir.

4. The Salt Factor

Higher salt content in cheese can make tannic wines taste bitter. Sweet wines balance the saltiness, while sparkling wines cleanse the palate, preventing the bitterness from overpowering the cheese's flavors. For salty cheeses like aged Parmesan or blue cheese, opt for:

• Sweet Wines: Port, Sauternes.
• High-Alcohol Wines: Zinfandel.
• Sparkling Wines: Prosecco.

Reasoning:

• Sweetness Balances Salt: Sweet wines counteract the saltiness, creating a harmonious taste.
• High Alcohol Cuts Through Salt: Alcohol can help mellow the saltiness and enhance the cheese’s flavors.
• Sparkling Wines Refresh the Palate: The effervescence cleanses the palate, preventing bitterness from tannins.

5. Age Alignment Technique

Aligning the age of your wine and cheese can enhance their complementary flavors. Match the age of your cheese with the age of your wine:

• Young Cheese + Young Wine: Creates fresh and vibrant combinations.
• Aged Cheese + Aged Wine: Enhances depth and complexity.

Examples:

• Young Cheese: Fresh mozzarella with a young Sauvignon Blanc.
• Aged Cheese: Parmigiano-Reggiano with an aged Bordeaux.

Benefits:

• Complementary Flavors: Ensures that the intensity and complexity of both wine and cheese align.
• Enhanced Experience: Creates a more nuanced and satisfying tasting experience.

6. The Aromatic Bridge Method

Creating a bridge between the aromas of wine and cheese can elevate the pairing experience. Shared aromatic profiles enhance the sensory connection between wine and cheese. 

Look for shared aromatic compounds between the wine and cheese to create a seamless flavor experience.

Examples:

• Washed-Rind Cheese + Aromatic Whites: Camembert with Gewürztraminer.
• Alpine Cheese + Herbaceous Wines: Emmental with Sauvignon Blanc.
• Blue Cheese + Dessert Wines with Honey Notes: Roquefort with honey-infused Riesling.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Harmony: Shared aromas create a cohesive and enjoyable pairing.
• Complex Flavors: Elevates the tasting experience by highlighting similar notes in both wine and cheese.

7. Consider Milk Types

The type of milk used to make cheese influences its flavor and texture, affecting pairing choices. 

Different milk types create unique pairing opportunities:

• Goat Cheese: Crisp whites with mineral notes like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Sheep Cheese: Medium-bodied reds with earthy undertones like Syrah.
• Buffalo Milk Cheese: Full-bodied whites with buttery notes like Chardonnay.

Reasoning:

• Goat Cheese: The tanginess pairs well with the acidity of crisp whites.
• Sheep Cheese: Earthy reds complement the rich, nutty flavors of sheep cheeses.
• Buffalo Milk Cheese: Buttery notes in full-bodied whites enhance the creaminess of buffalo milk cheeses.

8. Time of Day Pairings

Pairing your wine and cheese selections to the time of day can enhance the overall experience. 

Recommendations:

• Morning: Light fresh cheese like ricotta with sparkling wine.
• Afternoon: Medium-aged cheese like Havarti with rosé.
• Evening: Aged cheese like Gruyère with full-bodied reds like Merlot.

Benefits:

• Appropriate Intensity: Aligns the pairing with the day's energy and meal context.
• Balanced Enjoyment: Ensures that the pairing complements the time of day, enhancing both wine and cheese flavors.

9. Seasonal Considerations

Aligning your wine and cheese pairings with the seasons can enhance the tasting experience.

Match your pairings to the season to complement the natural flavors and climate.

Seasonal Pairings:

• Summer: Fresh cheeses like feta with light whites like Pinot Grigio.
• Winter: Alpine cheeses like Raclette with robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon.
• Spring: Young goat cheese with crisp whites like Sauvignon Blanc.
• Fall: Washed rind cheese like Taleggio with orange wines.

Benefits:

• Enhanced Flavors: Seasonal ingredients and wines are at their peak, offering the best taste.
• Mood Alignment: Reflects the seasonal mood and climate, enhancing the overall dining experience.

10. The Contrast Principle

Sometimes, opposing characteristics create memorable pairings by balancing each other.

Examples:

• Creamy Brie + High-Acid Champagne: The acidity cuts through the creaminess, refreshing the palate.
• Salty Blue Cheese + Sweet Port: Sweetness balances the saltiness, creating a harmonious blend.
• Sharp Cheddar + Fruit-Forward Merlot: The sharpness of cheddar complements the fruity notes of Merlot.

Benefits:

• Balanced Flavors: Contrasting elements prevent one component from overpowering the other.
• Enhanced Experience: Creates a dynamic and engaging tasting journey for the palate.

Frequently Asked Questions 

1. Should I pair multiple wines with one cheese?

Yes, trying one cheese with 2-3 different wines can help you understand how flavors interact. This approach allows you to explore different dimensions of both the wine and cheese.

2. How much cheese per person for a tasting?

 Plan for 2-3 ounces per cheese variety per person. This amount provides a sufficient taste without leading to overindulgence.

3. What wine is best for a cheese platter?

A versatile choice like Pinot Noir or a dry Riesling works well with a variety of cheeses, offering balance and complementing different flavors.

4. How should I store wine and cheese together?

Store cheese in a cool, humid place and wine in a separate, cool environment. When serving, keep wines chilled or at room temperature as appropriate, and serve cheese slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Summary

Mastering wine and cheese pairings involves more than just following traditional rules. By exploring these 10 lesser-known tips, you can create unique and memorable combinations that enhance your dining experiences. Benchmark Wines sources wines directly from renowned vineyards in Australia, the US, France, Italy, and New Zealand, ensuring a carefully curated selection that complements a wide variety of cheeses. Whether you're a seasoned buff or new to wine and cheese pairings, Benchmark Wines offers exceptional options to elevate your next tasting effortlessly.