December 1, 2019
There is something so festive and satisfying about enjoying cheese and wine at parties. The slightly astringent, yet fruity wine experience pairs perfectly with the smooth texture and full flavour of the cheese.
But there are as many types of both wine and cheese as there are ornaments in the New York Central Park Christmas tree. While most of us probably go for our old favourites when it comes to wine, and familiar cheeses, there are so many new tastes waiting to be explored. In fact, wine and cheese don’t always have to be the only party pairing. How about cheese with a complimentary beer?
Our Perfect Pairings for the Season!
We’ve picked three cheeses to try this season, and our expert sommeliers at Co-op Wine Spirits Beer have matched them with just the right tastes.
Bake up some Brie
Brie is a soft, very creamy cheese with a thick rind, which can (and should!) be eaten. The flavour varies greatly, depending on how it’s made.
A classic appetizer option for your next gathering is a beautiful, warm and melty baked brie (recipe below). Choose classic bries like Bel Haven Triple Cream Brie, Alexis de Portneuf Brie D’Alexis Double Cream Brie, or Alexis de Portneuf Camembert.
What to serve with it? Brie’s texture and body pairs best with acidic or lush beverages.
When it comes to wines, we suggest:
Baked Brie with Herbs and Red Wine
What to pair with Gruyere?
Gruyere cheese is an aged, hard, yellow cheese that originates form Switzerland (thus, a Swiss cheese). It is both sweet and salty, and it goes from nutty to earthy with age. What sips go well with Gruyere cheese?
Be Tempted by Tete de Moine
The name of this cheese literally means “monk’s head”, and was originally produced by monks in Bernese Jura, a French-speaking area of Switzerland. What is unusual about this cheese is the way that it’s eaten. It should be placed on a contraption called a girolle cheese curler that scrapes the cheese, rather than cutting it. This method allows the cheese to release its aroma and melting flavour. No special cheese cutter? No problem, use a sharp knife or even a vegetable peeler to carefully scrape thin slices.
What beverages pair well with Tete de Moine cheese?
These are no ordinary cheese and wine (and beer) pairings. These are carefully chosen to highlight the unique traits of both the beverages and the cheese. We suggest that next time you’re invited to a holiday party (or host one yourself) take along plenty of one of these cheeses, plus the matching white wine, red wine, or beer options that go best with them. There will be something for everyone, and it will let you introduce your crowd to a new taste that’s perfectly curated.
Any wine lover knows that, like food, wine tastes change with the season.
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