What Cheese With Red Wine

Calling all fellow wine and cheese lovers! It's time to dive into one of the greatest combos known to mankind – red wine and cheese. There's just something magical about pairing a luscious red wine with the perfect cheese, enhancing the flavors and creating a delicious symphony in your mouth. In this article, we'll explore which cheeses go best with your favorite red wines, so you can elevate your next wine-movie night or impress your friends at your next cheese and wine soirée.

Pairing Basics: Complement and Contrast

When it comes to pairing wine and cheese, the goal is to either complement or contrast the flavors. For example, a tangy, acidic wine can be complemented by a creamy, buttery cheese, or contrasted with a salty, sharp cheese. While it may seem intimidating, finding the perfect match is often just a matter of trial and error, guided by a few simple principles.

The Cheese Categories

To get started, let's break down the main categories of cheeses:

• Fresh: Unaged, soft, and creamy (e.g. mozzarella, feta, goat cheese).
• Soft and Mild: Creamy and mellow with a hint of tang (e.g. Brie, Camembert, Havarti).
• Hard and Sharp: Firm, aged, and full-flavored (e.g. cheddar, Gouda, aged Gruyere).
• Blue: Pungent and often tangy (e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola, Stilton).

Cheese Pairings for Popular Red Wines

Now let's explore which cheeses pair best with some popular red wines:

Cabernet Sauvignon

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied red wine with dark fruit flavors and hints of spice. It pairs well with hard and sharp cheeses that can stand up to its bold, tannic character.

Recommended Pairings:

• Aged Cheddar
• Aged Gruyere
• Pecorino Toscano

Merlot

With its ripe fruit flavors and soft tannins, Merlot is a versatile red wine that works with a variety of cheeses. Look for cheeses that mirror its fruitiness and round mouthfeel.

Recommended Pairings:

• Gouda (aged or smoked)
• Gruyere
• Jarlsberg

Pinot Noir

Light-bodied and fruity, Pinot Noir pairs beautifully with soft and mild cheeses that won't overpower its delicate flavors.

Recommended Pairings:

• Camembert
• Brie
• Port Salut

Shiraz/Syrah

With its rich flavors of dark fruit, herbs, and pepper, Shiraz or Syrah needs a robust cheese that can stand up to its intensity.

Recommended Pairings:

• Blue Cheese (e.g. Roquefort, Gorgonzola)
• Aged Cheddar
• Manchego

What Cheese With Red Wine Example:

Imagine hosting a red wine and cheese tasting party, delighting your guests with an array of perfectly matched pairings. Picture a velvety wedge of Brie accompanying a silky Pinot Noir, or a tangy Roquefort punctuating the rich notes of a powerful Shiraz. Armed with the knowledge of which cheeses go best with which red wines, your event will surely impress, leaving a lasting memory of an evening filled with delightful flavors and great conversation.

Now that we've uncovered the delicious world of red wine and cheese pairings, it's time to put your newfound knowledge to the test! Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations, as half the fun is in tasting and discovering your personal favorites. So grab a bottle of your beloved red wine, pick up a selection of scrumptious cheeses, and embark on a journey of decadent indulgence! If you enjoyed this guide, feel free to share it with fellow wine enthusiasts, and don't forget to explore the Black Wine Club for more expert advice, tips, and insights into the captivating universe of wine.