Food & Recipes, Red Wine, White Wine
3 Reasons Why Wines and Cheese Go Together
Wine and cheese have been the perfect duo for hundreds of years. But why?
There are so many aspects of your wine - flavors, tannins, aromas - that can be revealed from pairing with the right cheese. Knowing why and how to find that balance can take your tastebuds on an incredible journey each and every time you indulge in this classic pairing.
Entertaining and luxury lifestyle expert, Fran Berger, is often praised for her ability to effortlessly host parties and events and her passion for helping her clients with entertaining in their homes with grace and confidence is unparalleled. In this article, she’s offered some of her favorite cheese and wine pairings to help make your next dining occasion that much more delicious.
Here are 3 reasons why these wine and cheese pairings make such a great match, as well as some of Fran’s favorite wines to pair with different cheeses.
Looking for the perfect glass? Shop the Fran Berger Signature Glassware Collection.
Why do wine and cheese go together so well?
There is actual science behind this perfect pair! The opposing tastes of fat and protein in cheese vs. the acidity and tannin in wines are why these two foods pair together so well. The tannins and acidity in wine act as a palate cleanser, scraping off fatty proteins from the tongue, which makes wine an ideal companion for rich, protein-heavy cheeses. Here’s why:
1. Salty wine?
A pinch of salt can transform anything! Just as you would add a dash to your dish or pot of water when you’re cooking to change and enhance the flavor of your meal, salt can magnify the tannins in your wine.
The salt in cheese influences the acidity in your wine, making it taste more astringent and less sweet, which helps to highlight the flavors and aromas of the fruit. Finding the right cheese can help to balance all of the flavors and give your mouth an outstanding tasting experience.
2. Fats found in cheese balance the acidity in wine
Lipids are the fatty molecules found in foods like cheese, meats, and vegetable oils. These lipids interact and bond with the grape tannins found in wine, which help to mask bitterness and astringency. This creaming effect brings out all of the other flavors in your wine, giving your palette a most delectable experience.
3. Overall sensations when drinking wine with cheese
Aside from the science, drinking wine with your favorite cheeses unlocks an explosion of pleasant sensations on your tastebuds. The texture and tannins in a glass of white wine cut through the creamy barriers of soft cheese, for a silky mouthfeel. An acidic red wine balanced with a tangy hard cheese is a classic partnership that will never disappoint!
Pairing Wine and Cheese: Wines That Go Well With Different Kinds Of Cheese
Wines for Soft Cheese
Soft cheeses have a tangy creaminess that no other food can replicate. These cheeses are unripened, giving them an ultra-creamy texture with salty and earthy flavors. Contrast these flavors with a sharp, sparkling wine like a vintage Dom Pérignon.
Pair your bottle of bubbly with one of these preferred soft cheeses:
- St. Angel Triple Cream Cheese
- French Brie
- Ricotta
- Chevre
- Gorgonzola
- Goat Cheeses
Wines for Semi-Soft Cheese
Treat your palate with the creamy, milky textures of a semi-soft cheese paired with a crisp, acidic white wine. Semi-soft cheeses are more complex in flavor which tend to pair well with a fruitier wine. Davis Estates Sauvignon Blanc has aromas that pop with key lime and tropical flavors of citrus and pineapple that blend perfectly with a semi-soft cheese such as:
- Roquefort Blue Cheese
- Manchego
- Fontina
- Mozzarella
- Provolone
Wines for Semi-Hard Cheese
Buttery, sweet, and rich in flavor, semi-hard cheeses balance well with a dry wine, especially with Haber Family Vineyards Chardonnay. Semi-hard cheeses are smooth and creamy, bringing out the tropical notes in a white Chardonnay. Try this wine with any of the following semi-hard cheeses:
- Comté/Gruyere
- Cheddar
- Gouda
- Edam
Wines for Hard Cheese
Hard cheeses often have a mild tang and sharpness in taste. Since they are ripened for longer periods of time, their water content is very low, giving them a crumbly, dry texture. The dark, cherry smoothness of Pride Mountain Vineyards Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect match for this type of cheese.
Some hard cheeses that pair best with this wine include:
- Parmigiano
- Grana Padano
- Pecorino
- Swiss
Conclusion
There’s a proven science behind the power couple that is cheese and wine, making them the perfect pair to serve at any dining experience - from a beautiful spread for a holiday gathering to a simple afternoon snack. With these helpful facts and Fran Berger’s recommendations, you can impress your guests (and yourself) with a fabulous tasting!
Want to know more of Fran’s favorites when it comes to homewares and dining? Anyone can learn the art of sophisticated living by checking out our blog, your go-to resource for all things home and luxury entertainment. For inquiries on how to work with Fran Berger, please fill out your information on the contact form to get in touch today.
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