As the football finals (AFL & NRL) are fast approaching you’ll often be looking at snacks and drinks for the game. If you’ve got a mix of guys and girls coming around we are here to prepare you for the right cheeses matched with the right beverages. We have partnered with massive French cheese makers Président for their tips.
Red Wine
Fortified wines such as Port or Sherry are best suited to cheese such as Gorgonzola or Stilton. This is simply because the sweetness of these wines balance the tangy saltiness found within the blue cheeses.
Bold, dry red wines such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah or Shiraz however, balance equally well with intense, and highly flavoured cheeses such as a firm, aged Cheddar or a Gouda.
White Wine
Full-bodied reds often overpower all but the most robust of cheeses, therefore, contrary to popular belief, white wine, thanks to its light undertones, should be recognised as the preferred wine to pair with a wide variety of cheeses.
The creaminess of an artisanal soft cheese, such as Président Camembert or Double Brie, is delicious with buttery, oaky, dry white wines. If you prefer cheese with salty undertones like Feta or Gouda, a sweeter style of dessert wine such as a Sauternes would be perfectly suited as the salt heightens the perception of sweetness in the wine.
Beer
Wheat beers are often praised for its unique clove and fruity aromas, so its perfect counterpart would be cheese that embody salty, nutty flavours. These would include light and fresh cheeses like a young goat cheese or feta. Alternatively, if your wheat beer has a touch of spice such as The Grand Ridge Natural Blond, team it with the uncomplexity of Président Double Brie.
Meanwhile, with its palate cleansing capabilities, a lager won’t overpower your cheese variations – meaning it is quite versatile and will suit your lightest cheeses such as a Président Camembert or Blue Cheese, however, to play it safe, team lager with Colby, Cheddar or a Stilton.
Coke
Soft drinks such as Coca-Cola would work best with a mid-range cheese such as a Cheddar or Colby. However, mix things up a bit as with a melted cheese toastie. Try for instance squeezing in between two pieces of toast some Cheddar, Gruyere and Président Double Brie, and heat it up under the trusty sandwich press.
Overall
Cheese choices can be intimidating, there are SO many cheeses. With that said, stick to classic styles which aren’t all flavoured or blended with other ingredients. Cheese as the maker intended paired with the right beverage can be an amazing experience. Pick around four cheeses, lay them out with a couple of knives and crackers, add some quince paste for the la-de-da feeling and don’t be afraid to offer any beverage with cheese.
