Fun Cheese and Wine Pairings for the Adventurous Palate

Tired of the same old wine and cheese combos? If you're a wine lover looking to try something new and exciting, you're in for a treat. It's time to step out of the box and explore some unconventional cheese and wine pairings. Sure, classic pairings like chardonnay with brie are always a crowd-pleaser, but have you tried pairing a sweet white with a pungent blue cheese? Or a foreign wine with tangy goat cheese? In this blog post, we'll explore some fun cheese and wine pairings that will take your taste buds travelling and leave your guests impressed. 

While many wine enthusiasts argue that blue cheese is challenging to pair with, it's delicious with a well-crafted and sweeter-in-style Riesling. The wine's sweetness cuts through the blue cheese's sharpness, offering a unique tangy and refreshing experience. We recommend the Riesling from the Mosel region in Germany, as its high acidity compliments the wine's sweetness, keeping the palate clean while balancing the creamy intensity of the cheese.

Most cheese and wine pairings wouldn't immediately come to mind with cream cheese, but it makes for a fantastic pairing with the Sauvignon Blanc wine. The bright, herbal flavours of the wine complement the subtle creaminess of the cheese. To make this pairing work, opt for a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley region in France or those from the Margaret River region in Western Australia. The weight of the citrus notes in these wines can accentuate the cheese's creaminess.

Gouda cheese, known for its nutty sweetness and creamy texture, pairs exceptionally well with a full-bodied Chardonnay. The buttery notes of the wine blend seamlessly with the cheese's flavour, creating a luxurious feel on the palate. Look for a Chardonnay from the Burgundy region of France, as its mineral finish allows it to cut through the Gouda's full-bodied texture without overpowering it.

Manchego cheese is a culinary treasure for those with a penchant for strong, salty flavours. Its bold, nutty, and salty profile compliments the robust and earthy character of Rioja, a renowned Spanish wine. When paired, the wine's tannins elegantly soften the cheese's saltiness, and the cheese brings out the fruitiness of the wine. The result is a balanced, exciting, and utterly delicious taste sensation that will teleport you to Spain. Look to Manchego and Rioja, a deeply satisfying cheese and wine pairing.

Havarti originated in Denmark in the mid-1800s, where a Danish cheesemaker experimenting with washed-curd techniques discovered this versatile melter. It Celebrated for its gentle and mild profile, which pairs well with a range of wines, but we suggest trying it with the elegant Pinot Noir. This wine, known for its red fruit flavours, notably cherry, plays a delightful role in complementing Havarti's mildness. The fruit-forward notes come to the forefront when you sip a well-chilled Pinot Noir, especially one from Oregon's Willamette Valley. It's a pairing that embodies elegance and finesse, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a refined and balanced culinary experience. 

While cheddar cheese is a household staple, you might have yet to consider pairing it with the bold and robust Cabernet Sauvignon. This unexpected combination is a revelation for the taste buds. The tannins in the Cabernet Sauvignon beautifully complement the sharpness of cheddar. For this pairing, seek out aged cheddar varieties such as the crumbly and intense 5-year-old Canadian cheddar or the nutty, mature English Cheddar. These cheeses stand up superbly to the richness of a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. When exploring this delightful pairing, you can venture beyond borders and discover full-bodied Cabernets from Australia's Coonawarra region, known for their exceptional quality and character, or an international example such as Napa Valley Cabernets. 

Soft French Cheeses like Boursin or Camembert can be tricky to pair with wine, but a lively Sparkling can do the trick. The tiny bubbles in the wine give a playful contrast, cutting through the creamy richness of the cheese. Whether having a fancy party or a romantic night in, bubbly will always help to uplevel the game. To keep the theme French, we wouldn't go past a good Champagne; however, Cava is an excellent alternative with half the price tag!

In culinary matches, pairing hard Italian cheeses such as Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano with Nebbiolo stands out as an Italian love story. These cheeses, renowned for their salty, nutty, and bold flavours, find their ideal companion in Nebbiolo. This red grape variety, celebrated for producing illustrious Italian wines like Barolo and Barbaresco, brings high acidity, bold tannins, and distinctive cherry and herbal notes to the table. Nebbiolo's edge acts as a palate cleanser, its tannins complement the cheese's richness, and its flavours harmonize beautifully with its nutty and salty qualities.

These two culinary gems work together like a dream, with complementary and contrasting characteristics. Originating from Alsace, Gewürztraminer, a fancy-sounding white wine, brings intense floral and exotic fruit flavours plus a little kick of spice, making it a killer match for goat's cheese's tangy and creamy goodness. The wine's slight sweetness adds a fun twist to the cheese's tang. If you want to impress your friends and show off your sophisticated and well-rounded palate - look no further than this combo! 

Blue cheese is bold, pungent, and somewhat intimidating for some palates. However, pairing it with a sweet port wine is nothing short of extraordinary. Port, a fortified wine from Portugal's Douro Valley, offers a unique sweetness and richness that beautifully complements the cheese's intensity. When selecting the perfect Port, consider a Tawny Port with extended ageing, or opt for Vintage Ports or Late Bottled Vintage Ports, each adding their own layers of complexity. 

There are countless cheese and wine pairings out there to explore, and these unconventional choices are a great place to start. Feel free to experiment, switch things up, and make unexpected pairings. You might discover a combination that elevates the wine and cheese to a sublime level, or at least one that brings you joy. Happy pairing!