For ages, wine has been enjoyed extensively as part of a fulfilling meal by several connoisseurs around the world. And for complimenting the smooth taste and texture, wines have found their perfect companion in the world’s most favorite ingredient; cheese. Be it light, sweet, dry or tannic, there’s a wine for every kind and type of cheese. But with such a wide variety of flavors, and textures available in both, the possible combinations between the two are endless. That is why there is a need to tread carefully in the waters of Wine and Cheese pairing.

An expert on wine and cheese pairings will definitely know what tones of each will complement the other. But since not many of us are walking experts on wine and cheese pairings, here is a simple guide to help you understand the topic of wine and cheese combinations better.

6 Tips For Wine-Cheese Pairing

1. Intensity: Pairing up wines and cheese works better when both are equal in intensity. Wines over 14.5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume) are intense and require more intensely flavored cheese, while wines below 12% ABV go well with more delicately flavored cheese.

2. Aged: Aged cheese has a richer taste to it because of less water content and increased fat content. This makes aged cheese the perfect companion for bold red wines as the flavor of the cheese counteracts the high tannins in the wine.

3. Super Funky: Super funky tasting cheese like stinky, washed-rind, and blue-veined go really well with sweet tasting wines. The flavor of the wine balances the ‘funk’ and ‘stink’ of the cheese perfectly.

4. Sparkling: Sparkling wines have higher acid content and carbonation, which is excellent in cleansing the creamy and sticky texture of a soft and sticky variety of cheese.

5. Location of Origin: This is one of the pro-tips when it comes to pairing wine and cheese. Following the local tradition, matching the cheese and wine from the same location is always a great choice.

6. Doubtful: When there are several different wines on the roster to be served, go for a firm and nutty cheese without a doubt. They balance the red wines and compliment the white ones.

What Are Some Good Examples of Wine and Cheese Pairing?

So going in line with these tips, what would be some really great cheese and wine pairings in real life? Take a look at a few of these to get you started.

• Cabernet Sauvignon and Gruyère/Extra Sharp Cheddar: Both of these combinations have elements that are equal in their intensity. A bold flavored and dry wine paired with a cheese that has strong notes.
• Malbec and Vintage or Reserve Cheese: Malbec, a bold red wine needs a companion that can hold its own against its herb notes. And that is Vintage or Reserved cheese that has been aged at least a year before consumption, like Cheddar, Gruyère, Manchego, Gouda, Provolone, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and Grana Padano
• Moscato and Muenster or Pepper Jack: Moscato is a sweet wine, and it needs a funky, spicy flavored cheese to balance the test and make the experience creamier. That is why Muenster and Pepper Jack Cheese work like a wonder with them.
• Champagne and Muenster or Monterey Jack: Champagne, as a sparkling wine, usually has toasty citrus and apple flavors, and that is why it requires softer and creamier cheese to compliment it. Muenster as a soft and Monterey Jack as a semi-solid cheese, go amazingly well with Champagne.
• Chardonnay with Époisses de Bourgogne: Both these delicacies come from the same place, that is Burgundy in France, and hence, sit with the local traditional flavors and notes.
• Sauvignon Blanc with Goat Cheese: Again, both of them come from the same location, which is Loire Valley in France.

Pairing artisanal cheese with the right wine elevates the flavours and makes the dining experience a relishing and cherished one. Wine and dine is the best experience of a meal, and adding a little bit of cheese to the mix completes the overall smoothness of the event. And for the best experience of a fine dine restaurant in Jaipur, Meraaki Kitchen and Cafe White Sage bring the best collection of wine and cheese in the city. Come and experience firsthand why the sagacious combination of wine and cheese is loved around the world.