Why do wine and cheese make such a heavenly pair? Science. One study looked at "mouthfeel," and another recent scientific study examined how cheese influenced perception of wine. We also know that they just taste great, especially when you have the right pairing. So, what cheese goes with what wine, or perhaps what wine goes with the cheese? You need to start somewhere, so we'll start with OUR list.
Here's a list of our favorite wine and cheese pairings. You know we have the wine, but have you yet shopped at the Big Cheese delis in St. Paul and Minneapolis? Check out the pairing ideas and then make your own list.
Port: Stilton
Sauternes: Roquefort
Syrah: Herbed goat cheese
Zinfandel: Aged cheddar
Champagne: Parmigiano-Reggiano
Cabernet: Jarlsberg
Oregon Pinot Noir: Epoise
We asked the BIG Cheese, Jan Aspholm our cheese monger from the Big Cheese, for her favorites. Here they are:
Champagne or Sparkling Wine: Mascarpone, Brie or Gruyere
Sauvignon Blanc: French Goat, all varieties, Swiss Gruyere, Italian Fontina
Pinot Grigio: Fresh Mozzarella, Humboldt Fog (goat cheese with ash center)
Chardonnay: Brie, Oaky - Farmhouse Cheddar, Morbier
Pinot Noir: Fresh Goat, Comte, Gruyere, Explorateur
Merlot: Washed Rind Cheese, Basque Sheep Milk Cheeses
Chianti and Sangiovese: Aged Pecorino, Aged Asiago, Stravecchio
Young Cabernet: Beemster, Cambazzola, Dry Jack, Older Cabernet: Basque, Sheep Milk Cheese, Triple Creams (Explorateur, Pierre Robert, Delice ) or Manchego
Shiraz: Brin d' Amour, lended milk Camembert, Soft Domestic Blues
Big Rustic Reds: Cabrales, French Roquefort or Humboldt Fog
Do you see a theme? There are no "rules" to pairing wine and cheese, however; there are few guidelines that will help.
Soft and fresh cheeses go well with crisp white, dry rose wines and sparkling wines.
Creamy, buttery cheeses go well with rich white wines, or low tannin fruity red wines.
Hard cheeses do well with full-bodied whites and tannic red wines.
Tip: When in doubt, bring out the bubbles. Champagne goes with nearly everything. And, our best tip yet: Stop by and let us help you create the perfect wine and cheese pairing for your next get-together.