So, what comes first, the wine or the cheese? Like many modern-day relationships, it’s complicated. You may have a great cheese and now need a perfect wine, or have a perfect wine and are on the hunt for a complementary cheese. Wherever you are in your wine/cheese journey, we are here to help.
Opposites attract–or the same like the same. Either or, when it comes to wine and cheese, the best strategy is to keep it simple.
Consider cutting up a Minnesota favorite, the Honeycrisp apple, and pair it alongside a variety of cheddars. You have aged cheddar, white cheddar, mild cheddar, and the P’tit Basque (never heard of it? This cheese is a mildly nutty, medium-firm sheep’s milk cheese that is out of this world!). To bring the fruit and cheese together, consider pairing it with a Beaujolais.
Big fan of soft cheeses? These pair great with crisp whites, sparkling wines, and light-bodied reds. Chevre, Brie, and Burrata, for instance, pair well with a fine bubbly such as Champagne, Cava, or Prosecco.
Let’s say you like aged cheese, tending to enjoy the more rich and savory offerings of life. Cheeses like Gouda, Gruyere, and Manchego pair well with a medium-bodied white such as a Chardonnay, white Burgundy, or Pinot Blanc. Rieslings are always a good choice.
Have a bold Zinfandel you love? How about an aged Gouda or Gruyere? When it comes to taste, it’s individual, so experiment and find your favorite flavor.
So what gives us the authority to share our cheese recommendations? The Big Cheese of course! Located in Minneapolis and St. Paul, The Big Cheese store is a treasure trove of extraordinary cheeses, meats, gifts, sweets, honey, fresh pasta, sauces, luncheon soups, and sandwiches that attract many downtowners looking for a great lunch. Oh and of course we have wine!
There are two locations for The Big Cheese–one on each side of the river. Shop at either to pick up cheeses and other accouterments to beautifully pair with your bottle harvest. You can visit both online, and you can even have your wine and cheese pairing delivered. It doesn’t get much smoother than this!
Founded in 1934, Haskell’s has championed fine wines for over 80 years. We have 13 wine stores in Minnesota, two delis and one restaurant. As one of the top wine shops in North America, Haskell’s is known for legendary service and one of the finest collections of wine, beer and spirits. Led by Chairman and CEO Jack Farrell, and the Farrell family, Haskell’s continues to be at the forefront of the wine scene throughout the world. Haskell’s also can ship wine, beer & spirits all throughout the world, the U.S. and we deliver locally.