Red Wine and Cheese Harmony: A Guide to Delicious Combinations

Grab a glass — maybe a nibble or two — and let's explore how red wine and cheese create the perfect pairing

Ready for a mouthwatering adventure through the delightful world of red wine and cheese pairings? We're about to spill the beans on how to take your tasting game to the next level.

Let's explore the intricate dance of red wine and cheese pairing to see how their nuances transform a simple sip and a nibble into a symphony of taste.

How to Pair Red Wine and Cheese?

Matching the intensity of the wine with the cheese and other foods you serve is a good practice. So, avoid overpowering that balance to create harmony among flavours.

For example, a light-bodied wine like Pinot pairs well with creamier cheeses like mascarpone or brie. In contrast, a full-bodied one like Chateau Les Ormes Cabernet Sauvignon complements heartier ones like blue cheese.

Chateau Les Ormes Sorbet Medoc

Buy Now

Classic Red Wine and Cheese Pairings

Depending on your location, there are various classic pairings to explore. Here are a few favourites you're bound to enjoy:

• Pinot

  A light-bodied Pinot Noir pairs with Gruyere cheese — especially aged one — because its earthiness complements the wine's truffle notes. For example, you shouldn't pair a light Pinot with pungent gorgonzola because it'll overpower the wine.

• Chianti

  Chianti's acidity and the saltiness of the parmesan create a classic Italian pairing.

• Ports

  Rich and sweet Port harmonises with pungent Stilton or Gorgonzola. The full-bodied sweetness of the wine complements the creamy and bold flavours of these cheeses.

Concha y Toro Marques de Casa Concha Merlot

Buy Now

How To Create a Perfect Cheese Board

No strict rules exist for creating a perfect cheese board, but one filled only with soft cheeses, jams, and bread can quickly become tedious.

Balance creamy and soft textures with crunchy ones. For example, you can pair soft cheeses and jams with breadsticks and crackers. If you want a mix of textures and flavours, pair crunchy rosemary breadsticks with soft truffle cheese and grilled mushrooms.

Bridging the taste of red wine and cheese with a bit of sweetness is also a good strategy. You can do it by adding dried or fresh fruit like raspberries, strawberries, and blackberries.

Pairing Red Wine and Vegan Cheese

The flavour and texture of plant-based cheeses may turn some people off. But, brands like Daiya and Violife have made impressive strides in creating delicious vegan options that pair well with red wines.

Choosing vegan cheeses for red wine pairings doesn't differ from choosing traditional dairy ones. For example, plant-based cheddar pairs with intense Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, while the Swiss vegan cheese is ideal for lighter wines like Pinot Noir or Gamay.

No Rules, Just Taste: The Perfect Pairing

Experimentation is crucial when pairing red wines and cheeses. Remember that special bottle you've been saving for a special occasion? Pair it with our recommendations the next time you've got friends over and ask their opinion.

Also, to remember your findings, you can keep a wine or food journal to recall successful pairings and refine your preferences. You can also sample various wines from Paneco's website and let your experimentation lead you to surprising discoveries.

Explore Our Selection of Red Wines

Buy Now