What Cheeses Go With Red Wine

Welcome fellow wine and cheese lovers! Let's embark on a flavourful journey exploring the amazing world of red wine and cheese pairings. If you've ever wondered which cheeses would taste fantastic alongside your favourite red wine, we've got you covered. So, pour yourself a glass and prepare to dive into the ultimate guide to what cheeses go with red wine!

Understanding Red Wine

Before we delve into cheese pairings, it's essential to understand the different types of red wine. Red wines range from light-bodied and fruity, to full-bodied and bold. Popular red wine varieties include:

• Pinot Noir
• Merlot
• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Shiraz/Syrah
• Zinfandel

Each of these wines has unique flavours and varying levels of tannins, acidity, and alcohol content. Tannins play a significant role in pairing cheese, as they cut through rich and fatty cheeses, while acidity is essential to refresh your palate between bites. Now, let's look at some delicious cheese pairing options for each red wine variety.

Pinot Noir & Cheese

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine known for its red fruit flavours, with hints of cherry, raspberry, and strawberry, and light tannins. The perfect cheese pairings for Pinot Noir include:

• Brie and Camembert
• Gruyère
• Comté
• Mild Cheddar

Merlot & Cheese

Merlot is a medium-bodied wine offering dark fruit flavours like plum, black cherry, and blackberry. With mild tannins and a smooth finish, look for cheeses that won't overpower the wine, such as:

• Gouda (aged)
• Blue cheese (mild)
• Manchego
• White Cheddar (mild)

Cabernet Sauvignon & Cheese

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied, bold wine with high tannin levels and flavours of black currant, black cherry, and blackberry. To complement this robust wine, pair it with:

• Aged Cheddar
• Stilton
• Parmesan
• Pecorino Romano

Shiraz or Syrah & Cheese

Shiraz, also known as Syrah, has black fruit flavours, pepper notes, and medium to high tannins. When pairing cheese with Shiraz, consider these selections:

• Blue cheese (strong)
• Roquefort
• Gorgonzola
• Smoked Gouda

Zinfandel & Cheese

Zinfandel is a versatile wine with bold fruitiness and spice notes, making it great for a variety of pairings. Consider these cheeses to enhance your Zinfandel experience:

• Asiago (aged)
• Havarti
• Feta
• Muenster

What Cheeses Go With Red Wine Example:

Imagine hosting a casual get-together with friends, showcasing a beautiful cheese and charcuterie board accompanied by a selection of red wines. Pair a Pinot Noir with creamy Brie and slices of crusty French baguette. Add a Merlot alongside rich, aged Gouda with a side of marcona almonds. For bold flavour lovers, offer a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon complemented by aged Cheddar and crisp, tart apple slices. Finally, include a spicy Zinfandel with tangy Feta and green olives for a Mediterranean touch.

We hope this guide has given you the confidence and inspiration to explore the fantastic world of red wine and cheese pairings. Remember, wine and cheese tastings are meant to be fun and enjoyable, so don't hesitate to try new combinations and discover your own personal favourites! If you're curious about more wine knowledge and tasting opportunities, head over to Black Wine Club for more exciting content and events. Share this article with fellow wine and cheese enthusiasts, and let's all raise a glass to the perfect pairing! Cheers!