Cheese Pairing Principles
Perfect cheese pairings enhance flavors and create balance. Consider intensity, complementing and contrasting tastes, and textures. Aim for harmony between the cheese's richness and the accompaniment's freshness or acidity.
Understanding Cheese Types
Classify cheeses by texture and flavor: fresh, bloomy, washed-rind, semi-hard, hard, and blue. Each type interacts distinctly with potential pairings, influencing the choice of wines, fruits, or condiments.
Pairing with Wine
Pair wine and cheese from the same region. Acidic wines complement creamy cheeses, while tannic wines suit hard, aged varieties. The goal is to either contrast or mirror the flavors.
Unexpected Companions
Beyond wine, consider beers, whiskies, or even teas. A stout can match the richness of a blue cheese, while a smoky whisky might pair well with an aged Gouda.
Fruit and Nut Accents
Fruits provide sweetness and acidity that can cut through the fat of cheese. Nuts offer textural contrast. Try a tangy cheddar with crisp apple slices and walnuts for a classic combination.
Sweet and Savory
Honey and jams can bring out cheese's hidden flavors. A drizzle of honey on ricotta or fig jam with brie introduces layers of flavor, making for an indulgent pairing.
Cheese Temperature Matters
Serve cheese at room temperature to maximize flavor and texture. Cold can mute flavors and harden textures, while warmth allows the cheese's character to shine through.
What harmonizes cheese and accompaniment?
Cheese color and shape
Intensity, tastes, and textures
Cheese age and price
Company