Pairing cheese with wine is often a matter of personal preference. However, you should consider the strengths of the flavors when you match wine with cheese so that neither will overpower the other. For example, don't pair a strong Cabernet with a mild, fresh mozzarella because the delicate flavors of the cheese would be overpowered by the dominant flavors of the wine.
Instructions
1. Determine the type of wine you will drink. The cheese you choose is dependent upon the type of wine you choose. Stronger cheeses should be paired with stronger wines, such as Bordeaux or Cabernet. Lighter cheeses are best paired with delicate wines such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
2. Pair drier white wines such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc with fresh mozzarella, Brie, Gouda, Baby Swiss and mild cheddar cheeses.
3. Match sweet white wines, such as Riesling or a wine from Sauternes, with Fontina, Roquefort, Stilton and Provolone.
4. Choose aged cheeses for Cabernet Sauvignon. Go with an aged Gouda, Cheddar, Provolone or Le Moulis when you are drinking Cabernet.
5. Pair smoked Gouda, creamy Gorgonzola, Havarti, Gruyere, smoked Swiss or smoked Cheddar with spicier wines, such as Zinfandel, Syrah, Shiraz and Pinot Noir.
6. Select aged Cheddar, aged Swiss, Asiago, Pont l'Eveque and Taleggio for Merlot.
7. Go with a triple creme cheese for Champagne and sparkling wine. Triple creme cheeses are similar to cream cheese in texture and body. Look for Boursin, Cambozola and Explorateur.
Tags: wines such, fresh mozzarella, paired with, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc