Wine and Cheese Guide

Wine and cheese have been celebrated culinary companions for centuries, with their diverse flavors and textures enhancing each other in delightful and unexpected ways. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, enjoying a casual evening at home, or planning a sophisticated tasting event, understanding the principles behind wine and cheese pairings can elevate your culinary experience to new heights. In this guide, we'll explore the fundamentals of pairing wine and cheese, offering tips, insights, and recommended Beringer combinations to help you create memorable and harmonious flavor combinations.

Understanding Flavor Profiles

Before delving into specific pairings, it's essential to understand the basic flavor profiles of both wine and cheese. Wine encompasses a wide range of flavors, influenced by factors such as grape variety, region, and winemaking techniques. Key characteristics to consider include acidity, sweetness, tannins (in red wines), and fruitiness. Similarly, cheese boasts a diverse array of flavors, influenced by factors such as milk type, aging process, and production method. Common flavor profiles in cheese include creaminess, saltiness, tanginess, nuttiness, and earthiness.

Principles of Pairing

When pairing wine and cheese, the goal is to create complementary or contrasting flavor combinations that enhance the overall tasting experience. Here are some fundamental principles to keep in mind:

1. Match Intensity: Pair wines and cheeses of similar intensity levels to avoid overpowering one another. For example, light-bodied wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair well with delicate cheeses like fresh goat cheese, while bold red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement robust cheeses like aged Cheddar or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
2. Consider Texture: Pair wines and cheeses with complementary textures to create harmonious mouthfeel. Creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert pair well with buttery Chardonnay, while hard cheeses like Manchego or Gouda complement structured red wines like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.
3. Balance Flavors: Seek balance by pairing wines and cheeses with complementary or contrasting flavors. For example, the acidity of a crisp Sauvignon Blanc can cut through the richness of a creamy goat cheese, while the sweetness of a Riesling can balance the saltiness of a tangy blue cheese.
4. Regional Pairings: Explore regional pairings by matching wines and cheeses from the same geographic area. For instance, pair Italian Sangiovese with Parmigiano-Reggiano or Pecorino Romano, or enjoy French Champagne with creamy Brie or aged Comté.

Top Cheese Pairings for your Favorite Beringer Wines

Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

Private Reserve Cabernet shows fragrant perfumed floral aromas alongside red and dark berry fruits that presents as expressive, layered, and elegant. The wine opens plush and inviting with dark, ripe blueberries, blackberries, and black plum alongside hints of black pepper spice and lifted rose petal, violet, and wild sage. On the palate, black cherry, black currants and crushed earth notes interweave seamlessly, supported by the fine, balanced tannins, while baking spice notes, from the well-integrated oak.

Aged Cheddar: The bold and complex flavors of aged Cheddar complement the expressive, layered, and elegant characteristics of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The rich, nutty notes of the cheese harmonize beautifully with the ripe blueberries, blackberries, and black plum flavors in the wine. Additionally, the well-integrated oak and baking spice notes in the Cabernet Sauvignon enhance the depth and complexity of the aged Cheddar, resulting in a satisfying and indulgent pairing.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The savory and full-bodied nature of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese pairs wonderfully with the dark berry fruits and crushed earth notes in the Cabernet Sauvignon. The bold flavors of the cheese complement the fine, balanced tannins and generous core of bright acidity in the wine. Furthermore, the hints of black pepper spice and lifted floral aromas in the Cabernet Sauvignon add complexity to the pairing, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures on the palate.

Gorgonzola: The creamy and pungent flavors of Gorgonzola cheese provide a delightful contrast to the plush and inviting nature of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The tangy notes of the cheese complement the black cherry, black currant, and baking spice notes in the wine, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors. Additionally, the lifted rose petal, violet, and wild sage aromas in the Cabernet Sauvignon add an aromatic dimension to the pairing, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

St. Helena Home Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon

This beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon from Beringer’s home estate vineyards is full of ripe red berry fruit on the fragrant and aromatic nose. On the palate, layered flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and red currant come through with earthier notes of black truffle, cedar, and vanilla. Full-bodied with rich, round, savory tannins, finishing with generous concentration and energy all the way through the lengthy, mouthwatering finish.

Aged Gouda: The nutty sweetness and rich flavor profile of aged Gouda complement the ripe red berry fruit notes and earthier undertones of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The creamy texture of the cheese enhances the full-bodied nature of the wine, while the savory tannins provide a balanced structure. Additionally, the earthy notes of black truffle and cedar in the wine are accentuated by the complex flavors of the aged Gouda, resulting in a harmonious and satisfying pairing.

Manchego: The semi-firm texture and nutty flavor profile of Manchego cheese pair beautifully with the layered flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and red currant in the Cabernet Sauvignon. The savory and round tannins of the wine are complemented by the richness and depth of the cheese, creating a balanced and elegant tasting experience. Furthermore, the earthier notes of black truffle and cedar in the wine are enhanced by the complexity of the Manchego, resulting in a nuanced and flavorful pairing.

Pecorino Romano: The sharp and tangy flavors of Pecorino Romano cheese provide a delightful contrast to the ripe red berry fruit notes and savory tannins of the Cabernet Sauvignon. The salty and slightly nutty characteristics of the cheese complement the generous concentration and energy of the wine, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors on the palate. Additionally, the earthier notes of black truffle and cedar in the wine are balanced by the bold flavors of Pecorino Romano, resulting in a bold and memorable pairing.

Nightingale Botrytised Dessert Wine

Nightingale opens with enjoyable and enticing aromas of jasmine, citrus blossom and clover-based honey, before giving way to an unctuous treat that tastes of preserved Meyer lemon, burnt caramel and honey, with further aromas and flavors of apricot and melon framed with touches of spice. Full and rich, it will serve well as a closing aperitif on its own or as a spectacular companion to a cheese course or crème brûlée.

Blue Cheese (e.g., Roquefort or Gorgonzola): The rich and unctuous qualities of the Nightingale Botrytised wine complement the bold and pungent flavors of blue cheese. The aromas of jasmine, citrus blossom, and clover-based honey in the wine enhance the complexity of the cheese, creating a harmonious and indulgent pairing. Additionally, the preserved Meyer lemon and apricot flavors in the wine balance the saltiness and intensity of the blue cheese, resulting in a luxurious and flavorful combination.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty and savory characteristics of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese pair beautifully with the burnt caramel and honey notes of the Nightingale Botrytised wine. The rich and full-bodied nature of the wine complements the depth and complexity of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying pairing. Additionally, the aromas and flavors of apricot and melon in the wine enhance the richness of the Parmigiano-Reggiano, resulting in a delightful and indulgent tasting experience.

Brie: The creamy texture and mild flavor of Brie cheese provide a delightful contrast to the rich and full-bodied qualities of the Nightingale Botrytised wine. The aromas of jasmine, citrus blossom, and clover-based honey in the wine complement the buttery richness of the cheese, creating a luxurious and elegant pairing. Additionally, the preserved Meyer lemon and apricot flavors in the wine add brightness to the pairing, balancing the richness of the Brie and enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Knights Valley Alluvium Blanc

With a pale straw color in the glass, the Alluvium Blanc’s aromas of key lime and gooseberry are immediately apparent, clean, and energetic. Awapuhi ginger flower blossoms, wet stone, and Himalayan salt notes leap out of the glass and help support lifted floral aromas of white flower blossom. On the palate, fresh acidity on the entrance helps to keep the fruit flavors focused and makes for a mouth-watering experience evolving into saline, juicy Asian pear and oyster shells.

Fresh Goat Cheese: The clean and energetic aromas of key lime and gooseberry in the Alluvium Blanc complement the tangy and creamy flavors of fresh goat cheese. The fresh acidity of the wine enhances the brightness of the cheese, creating a refreshing and lively pairing. Additionally, the saline and wet stone notes in the wine are balanced by the subtle tanginess of the goat cheese, resulting in a harmonious and palate-cleansing combination.

Brie: The lifted floral aromas and white flower blossom notes in the Alluvium Blanc harmonize beautifully with the creamy texture and mild flavor of Brie cheese. The delicate acidity of the wine enhances the buttery richness of the cheese, creating a luxurious and indulgent pairing. Furthermore, the saline and wet stone characteristics of the wine complement the earthy undertones of the Brie, resulting in a balanced and elegant tasting experience.

Gruyère: The saline and wet stone notes in the Alluvium Blanc pair wonderfully with the nutty sweetness and rich flavor profile of Gruyère cheese. The fresh acidity of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors on the palate. Additionally, the juicy Asian pear flavors in the wine complement the savory qualities of the Gruyère, resulting in a satisfying and complex pairing.

Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon

The Knights Valley Reserve is full of richness and depth, with a very present, earthy minerality. The nose and palate are full of ripe red currant, black cherry, and blackberries. The fruit is vibrant and juicy, supported by warmer spiced notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and clove from well-integrated oak aging.The texture is silky and plush with a fine-grained, softer mouthfeel and velvety, polished tannins that lead to a long finish.

Aged Gouda: The richness and depth of the Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon pair wonderfully with the nutty sweetness and complex flavors of aged Gouda cheese. The earthy minerality in the wine is complemented by the savory notes of the cheese, creating a harmonious balance of flavors. The warmer spiced notes of cinnamon, vanilla, and clove from oak aging in the wine enhance the richness and depth of the Gouda, resulting in a luxurious and satisfying pairing.

Parmigiano-Reggiano: The vibrant and juicy fruit flavors of ripe red currant, black cherry, and blackberries in the Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon complement the nutty and salty characteristics of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. The silky and plush texture of the wine enhances the richness of the cheese, creating a well-balanced and elegant pairing. Additionally, the dark concentrated black plum flavors and notes of black pepper and anise in the wine are complemented by the bold flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano, resulting in a complex and flavorful tasting experience.

Roquefort: The dense core of dark fruit and underlying brightness of acidity in the Knights Valley Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with the bold and tangy flavors of Roquefort cheese. The velvety and polished tannins in the wine are complemented by the creamy texture of the cheese, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors on the palate. Additionally, the notes of black pepper and anise in the wine are balanced by the pungent and savory qualities of Roquefort, resulting in a bold and memorable pairing.

Knights Valley Mountain Rosé

Displaying a bright salmon pink hue with a shiny rose gold rim, the Mountain Rosé leaps out of the glass in both scent and color. Aromas of flinty-ripe starfruit, marshmallow, watermelon taffy, and cotton blossom emerge and intertwine to create a delightful sensory experience. Upon tasting, the wine reveals a plush mouthfeel with a bright acidity, showcasing flavors of Alpine strawberry cream, Casaba melon, and finishing with ripe feijoa.

Fresh Chevre (Goat Cheese): The bright acidity and vibrant fruit flavors of Alpine strawberry cream and Casaba melon in the Mountain Rosé complement the tangy and creamy qualities of fresh Chevre (goat cheese). The plush mouthfeel of the wine enhances the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing and indulgent pairing. Additionally, the flinty-ripe starfruit aromas and cotton blossom notes in the wine add complexity to the pairing, resulting in a delightful and harmonious tasting experience.

Feta: The bright acidity and plush mouthfeel of the Mountain Rosé pair beautifully with the salty and tangy flavors of Feta cheese. The refreshing fruit flavors of watermelon taffy and ripe feijoa in the wine complement the brininess of the cheese, creating a dynamic interplay of flavors on the palate. Furthermore, the flinty-ripe starfruit aromas and marshmallow notes in the wine add depth to the pairing, resulting in a balanced and satisfying combination.

Manchengo: The plush mouthfeel and bright acidity of the Mountain Rosé complement the nutty sweetness and semi-firm texture of Manchego cheese. The fruity flavors of Alpine strawberry cream and Casaba melon in the wine enhance the richness of the cheese, creating a well-balanced and elegant pairing. Additionally, the flinty-ripe starfruit aromas and cotton blossom notes in the wine add complexity to the pairing, resulting in a nuanced and flavorful tasting experience.

Recommended Pairings by Varietal

1. Chardonnay & Brie: The buttery notes of Chardonnay complement the creamy texture and mild flavor of Brie, creating a luxurious and indulgent pairing.
2. Pinot Noir & Gruyère: The cherry and earthy flavors of Pinot Noir harmonize beautifully with the nutty sweetness of Gruyère, offering a refined and elegant tasting experience.
3. Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese:The bright acidity and herbal notes of Sauvignon Blanc contrast with the tangy and earthy flavors of goat cheese, creating a refreshing and vibrant pairing.
4. Cabernet Sauvignon & Aged Cheddar: The bold tannins and dark fruit flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon complement the sharpness and depth of aged Cheddar, resulting in a robust and satisfying combination.
5. Prosecco & Parmigiano-Reggiano: The crisp effervescence of Prosecco cleanses the palate and enhances the nutty flavors of Parmigiano-Reggiano, offering a delightful and palate-refreshing pairing.

Hosting and Serving Tips

Serving cheese at a party can be a delightful experience. Here are some tips to ensure your cheese spread is a hit.

1. Variety is Key: Offer a diverse selection of cheeses to cater to different tastes and preferences. Include a mix of textures, flavors, and intensities. A typical cheese board might include a combination of soft, semi-soft, hard, and blue cheeses.
2. Know Your Cheeses: Familiarize yourself with the cheeses you're serving. Be prepared to answer questions about their origins, flavor profiles, and suggested pairings.
3. Room Temperature: Allow your cheeses to come to room temperature before serving. Cold temperatures can dull flavors and textures, so take them out of the refrigerator at least 30-60 minutes before your guests arrive.
4. Presentation: Arrange your cheeses on a clean, wooden board or slate platter. Leave some space between each cheese to prevent flavors from mingling.
5. Accompaniments: Offer a variety of accompaniments to complement the cheeses. This could include fresh and dried fruits, nuts, honey, chutney, olives, crackers, and bread. These additions can enhance the flavors and textures of the cheeses.
6. Labeling: Provide labels for each cheese so that guests know what they're tasting. Include the name of the cheese, its origin, and any pertinent details such as milk type or aging period.
7. Cutting and Serving: Pre-cut some of the cheeses to make it easier for guests to serve themselves. For others, provide cheese knives and encourage guests to slice off pieces from the larger blocks.
8. Pairings: Consider offering wine or beer pairings alongside your cheese selection. Lighter cheeses like fresh goat cheese pair well with crisp whites, while bold cheeses like aged cheddar or blue cheese can stand up to robust red wines or strong ales.
9. Visual Appeal: Create an attractive presentation by incorporating garnishes such as fresh herbs or edible flowers. Play with colors and textures to make the cheese board visually appealing.
10. Rotate and Refill: Keep an eye on your cheese board throughout the party. Rotate or replenish cheeses as needed to ensure freshness and variety.