Nobody can argue that cheese transforms any dish. But, above all, cheese is a treasure in and of itself. Every January 20th, we celebrate Cheese Lovers Day. A tribute to all varieties of cheese, made from goat, sheep, or cow milk. Their flavors are as diverse as the ways you can enjoy them.
As you know, cheese goes great with wine. When paired correctly, they can bring out and enhance each other’s aromas and flavors. Here are some ideas to get inspired and celebrate at home with your favorite cheese, or take a chance on something new.
Local cheese and wines
In the art of wine pairing, there is a practically foolproof technique related to the concept of terroir. That is, pairing products that come from the same local area. It’s about flavors that just naturally go together. That’s what happens when you take goat cheese from the mountains of Ovalle and pair it with Amelia Chardonnay from the nearby Limarí Valley. The flavors embrace each other. They just fit together…because they’re from the same place.
Soft, mild cheese and sparkling wine
For milder cheeses with a white rind like Camembert or Brie, made from cow’s milk plus a bit of added cream (giving it a fatty texture with a sweet and fruity flavor), wines with high acidity work well. That could be a glass of white wine or a sparkling wine like Casillero del Diablo Devil’s Brut, whose bubbles will help clean your palate while respecting the delicate nature of the cheese.
White wine and melted cheese
While not a specific type of cheese, melted cheese is probably one of the most delicious ways to enjoy it. It becomes versatile, changing its texture, while new flavors emerge. For those who love mountain-inspired dishes like Fondue or Raclette (which basically involve combining vegetables or meats with melted cheese), or even simple melted Mozzarella, these pair especially well with aromatic white wines with crisp acidity, such as Terrunyo Sauvignon Blanc.
Semi-ripened cheese with robust red wines
These kinds of cheese are generally aged for at least 6 months and are characterized by their soft flavor and light aroma. They aren’t very moist, so their fragrance is never strong. But they do have intense, somewhat sweet buttery and hazelnut flavors, and are great for melting. These are the classic cheeses that often come wrapped in wax. Gouda, Gruyère, and Cheddar. To bring out these flavors, it’s best to choose a red wine with a good amount of body like Terrunyo Cabernet Sauvignon or Casillero del Diablo Carmenere Reserva which can both sustain and highlight the cheese, while balancing their fat with firm tannins. A pairing where the wine doesn’t overpower the cheese and vice versa. Do you prefer white wine? Chardonnay and Gruyère is a combination that won’t disappoint.
Elevate your culinary experience this Cheese Lovers Day with these exquisite pairing suggestions.
