Are you planning on putting together a charcuterie board or looking for a delicious evening snack? When it comes to choosing the right wine to pair with your cheese, there are a few things you should take into account. First, think about the overall flavour profile of the cheese. Is it sharp or mellow? Nutty or fruity? Then, consider what type of wine would best complement those flavours—red, white, or sparkling?
Locally made, Fresco’s traditional method of making cheese stands true with the methods that originated from Naples, Lombardy and Cyprus. The result is cheese made locally and originally, rich in flavour and texture. If you’re stuck on how to pair a sharp, salty cheese like fetta, or a rich and tangy cheese like mascarpone, we’ve put together a list of the best wine and cheese pairings to help you out.
Pairing cheese and wine for guests
When it comes to cheese and wine pairings, there are no hard and fast rules. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide what they feel tastes best. Whether you’re entertaining friends or want, some general guidelines can be helpful when trying to determine which cheese pairings will be a hit! Here are a few of our favourites.
Fetta
Fetta comes in a number of different textures, from firm and crumbly (Persian fetta) to creamy and smooth (Danish fetta). Fresh fetta cheese pairs perfectly with bright white wine, perfect to stand up to its salty flavour. Alternatively, if you’re thinking of combining fetta with eggplant or red meat for your charcuterie board, then a rosé would suit best.
Halloumi
Sometimes, there’s a magic to perfectly pairing cheese and wine. Take halloumi and a medium-bodied white, which, when together, evoke the Mediterranean landscape. Originating from Cyprus, halloumi is made from a mix of goat’s milk and sheep’s milk, and sometimes also includes cow’s milk. Haloumi cheese has a firm texture and a slightly salty taste and pairs well with white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Mozzarella
Hailing from Naples, Italy, mozzarella is a smooth-textured cheese with a mild flavour. Traditionally, mozzarella is made from buffalo milk, but you may oftentimes find some made from cow’s milk. Fresh mozzarella cheese is a versatile cheese and can pair well with white and red wines. If you prefer red over white, choose a lighter red wine such as Pinot Noir or Sangiovese; for a white wine pairing, try a Pinot Grigio or Trebbiano.
Bocconcini
Similar in many ways to mozzarella cheese, bocconcini, on the other hand, are small balls of mozzarella cheese, making them no bigger than an egg. Hailing from the Campania region of Italy, bocconcini are traditionally handmade from buffalo milk and have a soft, creamy texture with a mild, slightly sweet flavour. When it comes to wine pairings, bocconcini are versatile and can be paired with both red and white wines. For red wine, we recommend light-bodied Pinot Noir. This wine will enhance the natural sweetness of the bocconcini and bring out its delicate flavour profile. For white wine, we recommend a Sauvignon Blanc as it will refresh the palate and provide a nice contrast to the richness of the bocconcini.
Mascarpone
Revered for its thick and creamy texture, mascarpone originates from the Lombardy region of Italy and dates back to the 16th century. It has a sweet, slightly tangy flavour with hints of almond and is a great addition to savoury and sweet dishes. Mascarpone pairs well with dry white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc.
Ricotta
Thanks to ricotta’s versatile use in the kitchen, there are a few different ways to pair this cheese with wine, opening you up to a number of possibilities. Light and fluffy in texture, with a creamy flavour, ricotta cheese is an unripe soft cheese perfect for savoury and dessert dishes. If you’re looking to indulge in fresh ricotta with fruit, pair the cheese with a vibrant and aromatic Sauvignon Blanc for a sense of freshness on the palette.
Shop Fresco for your Cheese Pairings!
Enticed to start the journey of pairing cheese and wine? Explore Fresco’s foodservice cheese page or head directly to our cheese factory outlet. Get in touch with our cheese artisans by calling (07) 5520 1666 or reach out to our fresh cheese manufacturer via the online form.
