Cheese and Wine, the perfect combination

Wines and cheeses are part of the tradition of any typical Portuguese table! The cold weather brings good news for wine and cheese lovers. Now is one of the best times to enjoy these two delicacies!

Cheese and wine are really the perfect match for cold and convivial evenings, but there's a secret. Did you know that cheese calls for a special wine? It's true, it's not a rule, but in order to harmonise the flavours you should bear in mind that there are special combinations. In&Out Cooking reveals which are the affinities of these life partners.

Intensity
A strong cheese like Roquefort which has an intense aroma and flavour goes well with Porto and other sweeter wines. Sparkling wines can also harmonise well with this type of cheese.
Another strong cheese, Gorgonzola, should be harmonised with a dry and incorporated wine like Malbez or Cabernet Sauvignon. Sweet wines also go well with this cheese, reinforcing its salty aroma.
Serra Cheese with its intense aroma and smooth taste asks for a Porto or a silky white wine.

TIP: One thing to keep in mind is that the flavour of the wine should never overpower the cheese and vice versa.

Creaminess
Camembert and Brie cheeses known for their softness and creaminess go well with incorporated white wines and light reds. Pairing with Chardonnay white wines or more delicate red wines such as Pinot Noir and Merlot is a good suggestion.

Hardness
Hard cheeses such as emmental, grana padano, gruyère and island have a very complex, striking flavour and a hard texture. For a perfect pairing with these cheeses, the wine should be red, hard and incorporated, with an intense and striking aroma. An example is Chianti or Bordeaux. When served as an aperitif, they may be accompanied by a dry sparkling wine.

The freshness
Fresh cheeses and curd cheeses are very moist, with a mild aroma and this is what distinguishes them from all other cheeses. They go very well with light, dry, fruity and refreshing white wines, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Albariño, Muscadet or sparkling wines.

These are some suggestions that you should try until you choose your favourite combination. Surprise your other half or your friends and don't forget, the best combination is the one you really enjoy.