People everywhere have different ideas regarding which wines go with which types of cheese and bread. However, there are some basic culinary principles that dictate proper pairings that any good wine taster should consider.
Are you thinking of a wine and cheese tasting for your next date night? Then here are a few things you should consider.
Pair Wine and Cheese by Flavor Intensity
As wine and cheese age, their flavors tend to grow bolder with more body and complexity. Younger wine vintages tend to be light and fruity or fresh, which compliments the flavor of a new cheese, fresh out of the cave.
Match Wine and Cheese Acidity
Tart wine brings out the flavor of sharp cheeses, while the creamier cheeses go best with a mellow wine to enhance the flavor. There’s a common assumption red wines pair better with hard cheeses and white wines with soft cheeses.
However, many cheeses have sharper flavors as they age which would make them fit better with a tart white. There’s a wide variety of flavors, so experimentation with the recommendations you get is the best way to find your preference.
Look at Tannin Amounts
Tannin is the name for the compound found in grape seeds, skins and stems which creates the dryness in your mouth. Also, tannin is present in many wines.
The longer they soak after pressing, the darker the wine becomes and the more tannin is left in the wine. Tannin affects the taste buds.
This is why white wines, which have lower tannin levels, are usually sweeter and less dry.
Consider Geography
The French call this phenomenon “terroir.” For centuries it was the topic of studies that have found a significant difference in the taste of crops grown in various areas.
The Wine Aroma Wheel is very useful for figuring out the terroir of the wine you’re selecting. You can often find information about which terroir of cheeses match which wine online.
Find a Good Artisan Bread
Artisan bread makers are craftsmen who’ve studied the art of mixing, kneading and baking bread using basic, natural ingredients, just like it’s been done for centuries. In fact, FBM Ovens states baking true artisan bread is not different from making a fine wine.
They incorporate various spices to change and enhance the flavor and varieties. All of which please the taste buds and accentuate the taste of wine and cheese.
Age Old Traditions
Through the centuries, different cultures have learned and shared their findings, spreading the knowledge of their skills far and wide. This is why different cultures have varying ideas about the proper mix of the three.
Ultimately, every taste bud is different, and finding your perfect mix will take testing and time – and a lot of wine. Use these tips and any experiences you’ve had to plan the perfect wine tasting experience for you and your significant other.
