There is something fun and delicious about pairing cheeses with a glass of something alcoholic and fruity.
Not only does it work as an after-dinner delight, but also with a small gathering of friends.
If Chardonnay is the drink of choice, then you will be happy to know that there are a plethora of cheeses that compliment the flavors nicely.
Understanding Chardonnay cheese pairing is easier than you might think. In this article, we shall take a look at 8 cheeses that taste delicious alongside a glass of Chardonnay.
What Cheeses Complement Chardonnay?
Unsurprisingly, Chardonnay happens to be a very popular white wine. People enjoy this delicious drink all over the world. Also, cheese is pretty darn good too!
When you put cheese and Chardonnay together – then you are only asking for amazing things to happen. The flavors join together in what could be described as the wedding of the year.
Okay, while that may sound a little dramatic, it all depends on the kind of cheese that you actually pair with the Chardonnay. Not every cheese is going to taste fabulous.
This is because, to make it simpler, there are two types of Chardonnay: unoaked and oaked.
Chardonnay itself uses a grape that is neutral in flavor. How it is harvested and then turned into wine is what changes its overall flavor.
Unoaked Chardonnay
The unoaked variety of Chardonnay is not put into oak to age. Instead, it becomes fermented within stainless steel tanks.
This creates a much lighter Chardonnay that is high in acidity. It also smells fresh, like lemons and apples.
Oaked Chardonnay
The oaked variety of Chardonnay is exactly what it sounds like. It is put into oak barrels to either ferment or age.
Going the oak route gives the Chardonnay texture, bold flavor, and body. You may have actually heard of people describing oaked Chardonnay as smelling spicey, like apples, or even vanilla.
It often also gets described as being creamy and buttery too.
The 4 Best Kinds Of Cheese For Unoaked Chardonnay Cheese Pairing
Firstly, let’s talk about unoaked Chardonnay. This kind of beverage has high acidity and is full of body compared to oaked Chardonnay.
Because this type of Chardonnay is put in a stainless steel barrel rather than an oak version, the fruity flavors come alive.
The flavor is less dramatic and not too intense, meaning you will want to steer clear of the stinky and strong cheeses. Instead, opt for mild cheeses that have a creamier finish.
Mozzarella
There are a few different styles of mozzarella cheese, from semi-hard cheese to softer cheeses. This makes finding the one you like best a fun and tasty experiment!
Mozzarella is the kind of cheese that is often paired with unoaked Chardonnay.
This is because they both have a milder flavor that goes well together. It is up to you whether the mozzarella cheese is on a pizza slice or not.
Feta
Feta is a famous Greek cheese that is known for its soft texture and salty flavor. Made using both goat and sheep’s milk, it is often put in salads to add extra oomph.
Feta cheese tends to have lemon juice squeezed into it, which makes it an even better pairing for unoaked Chardonnay.
This is because both will have a tart flavor, helping them to complement each other.
You can also use Halloumi instead if you would prefer. This cheese is another wonderful addition to unoaked Chardonnay.
Ricotta
Ricotta cheese is always a tasty treat alongside an unoaked Chardonnay. Often made from either goat or sheep’s milk, it is soft and often referred to as whey cheese.
If you are not the biggest fan of ricotta, give it a try with some unoaked Chardonnay. It may just change your mind.
Manchego
Lastly, the Spanish manchego cheese.
Made within the region of La Mancha, it is made using sheep’s milk and has a zesty flavor that adds a mild intensity to the tart-like flavor of an unoaked Chardonnay.
This makes both the manchego cheese and unoaked Chardonnay a classic and delicious pairing.
The 4 Best Kinds Of Cheese For Oaked Chardonnay Cheese Pairing
If you are wanting to eat cheese that has bold and intense flavors, then you are going to want to pair it with an oaked Chardonnay.
This is because both the cheese and the Chardonnay need to have a similar profile when it comes to boldness and intensity in order to create a balance.
If you don’t pair them this way, then you will lose the flavor of either the Chardonnay or cheese – basically the one that has less intensity.
For this reason, stinky cheeses are great. In fact, these kinds of cheeses are good with Chardonnay just in general. Here are some ideas:
Brie
Brie is a stinky cheese that is often compared to smelling like feet. However, do not let this put you off. It is also delicious and kind of creamy, yet intense.
It is made using cow’s milk, with the result being a soft cheese with plenty of flavor. It pairs well with a good oaked Chardonnay.
Gouda
Another great cheese to go with oaked Chardonnay is gouda. It hails from the Netherlands and has a firm texture without being too hard or too soft.
It is made using cow’s milk and offers a less intense flavor than some of the others on this list. For that reason, pair it with a middle-intensity type of Chardonnay.
Aged Cheddar
Aged cheddar is an English cheese that is made using cow’s milk. However, it is easy to come by as it is made across the globe, not just in England.
When cheddar becomes aged, the flavor starts to become extra intense. It also turns into a crumbly kind of cheese too!
When pairing Chardonnay and aged cheddar together, choose a cheese that has been aging for 6 months or more.
Raclette
Lastly, let’s talk about the Swiss cheese, raclette. It is made using cow’s milk and is completely full-fat, making it the kind of cheese that can melt very easily.
It is also rather indulgent and often turns into a gooey mess.
This kind of cheese is delicious either melted or grilled, and can be served with the likes of veggies, salami, and potatoes.
All of these food delights pair well with oaked Chardonnay, so why not give it a try?
Tips When Pairing Chardonnay And Cheese
When pairing cheeses with Chardonnay, there are a few things you should think about. Here are some quick tips to remember:
Make It Special
If you are looking to make the experience extra special, match both the Chardonnay and the wine to the same region.
It may take some research, but finding a cheese that is created in the same region as the Chardonnay can make the experience even more wonderful.
Match The Flavors
When pairing the cheeses with Chardonnay, think about the different elements when it comes to the flavors.
For example, a slice of gooey and creamy cheese will always taste delicious with oaked Chardonnay. This is because they both have a creamy undertone.
Cheeses that are nutty in flavor will pair nicely with a vintage Chardonnay. While unoaked Chardonnay that has acidic tones will pair well with tangier cheeses.
Match The Intensity
If you are looking for a cheese to pair well with an intense flavor of Chardonnay, match that intensity through cheese. Something like a stinkier blue cheese will pair well.
If you are in need of a budget pairing, then a simple Chardonnay will pair well with a milder cheese.
Final Thoughts
Chardonnay is a delicious white wine that is popular around the world. Unsurprisingly too, as it pairs with a lot of different flavors – including cheese.
However, you may be wondering how to pair such wonderful cheeses with the distinctive intensities and acidity or creaminess of Chardonnay.
Fortunately, it really is not that difficult, especially if you have a vague idea of which flavors of Chardonnay pair well with particular types of cheeses.
For example, you may want to pair a nutty cheese with an aged and vintage Chardonnay.
Oaked Chardonnay tastes delicious alongside cheeses that are bolder and more intense.
Hopefully, this article has helped you in pairing your favorite cheese with a glass of Chardonnay tonight!
Frequently Asked Questions
Having wine and cheese will always be a classic. However, because Chardonnay has high acidity and cheese has a delicious texture, they go together very well.
Yes, Chardonnay will taste delicious with seafood. Pair it with shrimp, crab, lobster, or even mussels. For a white, flaky fish, go with halibut.
Yes, like all white wines, Chardonnay should always be served chilled. However, you will not want it to be too cold, so avoid any temperature above or below 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
I can offer you articles and information about wine from a seasoned sommelier, and now a winemaker too! I hope that you enjoy some of our articles, and start thinking outside of the box when it comes to wine.
- Why Does Wine Taste Better With Age? - June 14, 2023
- What Does It Mean When A Bottle Of Wine Is Corked? - June 14, 2023
- Wine Fridge Vs Wine Cellar – Which One Should You Choose? - June 14, 2023