How to Be Safe When Pairing Wine and Cheese

Pairing Wine and cheese together is verywine will offer a nice balance.
common and quite often a favorite thing to doUse a strong and pungent cheese with a strong
when tasting wines. But match the wrong cheesewine. The extreme flavors in this type of a
with certain wines and you will have a tastingcheese will be well matched with big bold red
disaster on your hands. But pairing cheese andwines, very sweet whites or even highly fortified
wine together properly does not have to be awines.
problem. Here is how to be safe when pairingKeep this in mind for sweet cheeses: match them
wine and cheese together.with equally sweet wines. The two will favor each
Sometimes people can over analyze wines. Thatother very well. If the cheese is sweet but mild
only makes tasting and enjoying wines too muchchose a wine that is off dry wine that is not very
like work. Wines are meant to be enjoyed.acidic.
Remember this when you serve wine the nextNow that you know the safe generalities for wine
time art a meal or a tasting.and cheese pairings, here are time tested, more
There are some common considerations to keeptraditional and safe combinations where you won't
in mind, but here are wines that typically go wellgo wrong.
with meals and simple, fun tastings:- Stilton and Port
If you feel like a red wine go with a Pinot Noir.- Gouda and Riesling
If in the mood for white wine you can rarely go- Sharp Cheddar and cabernet Sauvignon
wrong with a Riesling.- Roquefort and Sauternes
And of course a sparkling variety like- Brie and Pinot Noir
Cchampagne is always in favor.- Mozzarella and Chianti
When paring with cheeses, either before a meal- Goat Cheese and Sancerre Keep in mind that
or for a tasting, here are a few safe tips to keepwines are meant to be enjoyed not to be fussed
in mind.and over complicated with. Keep these
If the wine is going to be high in tannin, like asuggestions in mind as general rules, but feel free
cabernet, a hard cheese will usually be best.to experiment and push the limits once in a while.
A wine that is high in acidity will be perfect for aEveryone has different tastes and you might just
soft cheese. Because a soft cheese will tend toend up discovering a combination that works
coat the inside of your mouth, a high acidic acidspectacularly well.