What Cheese Goes With Pinot Noir? A Harmonious Pairing Guide
Pinot Noir, with its bright acidity and earthy notes, finds its perfect match in cheeses that are not too overpowering. Generally, soft to semi-firm cheeses like Gruyère, Comté, Brie, and certain aged goat cheeses are excellent choices, complementing the wine’s delicate profile without overwhelming it.
Understanding Pinot Noir and Cheese Pairing
Pinot Noir, often referred to as the heartbreak grape due to its demanding cultivation, offers a unique tasting experience. Its flavors range from bright red fruits like cherry and raspberry to earthy undertones and subtle spice. Successfully pairing cheese with this complex wine requires understanding both the wine’s structure and the cheese’s profile. The goal is to create a harmonious blend where neither the wine nor the cheese dominates, but rather, enhances the qualities of the other.
Key Characteristics of Pinot Noir to Consider
The specific characteristics of a Pinot Noir will significantly impact the ideal cheese pairing. Factors to consider include:
- Region: Pinot Noir from Burgundy, France, will have different characteristics than Pinot Noir from California or New Zealand. Burgundian Pinot Noir often exhibits more earthy and mineral notes, while California Pinot Noir tends to be fruitier and bolder.
- Age: Younger Pinot Noir wines typically showcase vibrant fruit flavors, whereas older wines develop more complex earthy and savory notes.
- Body: Pinot Noir ranges in body from light to medium. Lighter-bodied wines pair better with delicate cheeses, while fuller-bodied wines can stand up to slightly more robust options.
Cheese Profiles That Complement Pinot Noir
The key to successful Pinot Noir pairings lies in selecting cheeses with complementary flavor profiles. Avoid overly pungent or intensely flavored cheeses, as these can easily overpower the wine’s delicate nuances. Instead, focus on cheeses with:
- Earthy Notes: Cheeses with earthy flavors, such as Gruyère or Comté, mirror the earthy undertones often found in Pinot Noir, creating a harmonious pairing.
- Nutty Flavors: Cheeses with nutty flavors, such as aged Gouda or Alpine-style cheeses, provide a complementary richness that enhances the wine’s complexity.
- Creamy Texture: Cheeses with a creamy texture, such as Brie or Camembert, balance the wine’s acidity and provide a luscious mouthfeel.
Recommended Cheese Pairings
Here’s a table summarizing some excellent cheese pairings for Pinot Noir:
| Cheese | Flavor Profile | Why it Works |
|---|---|---|
| Gruyère | Nutty, Earthy, Slightly Salty | Mirrors the earthy notes in Pinot Noir; the nutty flavor complements the wine’s fruitiness. |
| Comté | Fruity, Nutty, Caramel | Similar to Gruyère, but with a slightly sweeter profile that complements ripe Pinot Noir fruit flavors. |
| Brie | Creamy, Buttery, Mild | The creamy texture contrasts nicely with the wine’s acidity, while the mild flavor allows the wine’s nuances to shine. |
| Camembert | Earthy, Mushroomy, Rich | Richness works well with bolder Pinot Noirs, while the earthy notes create a pleasing synergy. |
| Aged Goat Cheese | Tangy, Earthy, Nutty | A well-aged goat cheese, with its complexity, offers a delightful contrast to the wine’s fruit, balancing the acidity and providing depth. |
| Emmental | Nutty, Mildly Sweet, Slightly Acidic | Offers a clean, nutty flavor that won’t overwhelm the Pinot Noir, and its slight acidity provides a refreshing counterpoint. |
Cheeses to Avoid
While many cheeses pair well with Pinot Noir, some are best avoided:
- Blue Cheeses: Their pungent, salty, and often sharp flavors will clash with the wine’s delicate profile.
- Sharp Cheddar: Its strong cheddar flavor will overpower the wine’s nuances.
- Spicy Cheeses: The spice will compete with the wine’s complex flavors.
Serving Suggestions
To enhance the cheese and Pinot Noir pairing experience:
- Serve at the Correct Temperature: Serve Pinot Noir slightly chilled (around 60-65°F) and bring the cheese to room temperature for optimal flavor.
- Offer a Variety: Provide a selection of cheeses with varying textures and flavor profiles to cater to different preferences.
- Accompany with Complementary Foods: Offer crusty bread, crackers, nuts, dried fruits, and charcuterie to enhance the overall tasting experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What if my Pinot Noir is particularly fruity?
For a very fruity Pinot Noir, consider pairing it with a cheese that has a slightly sweet or nutty profile. Aged Gouda or Alpine-style cheeses like Emmental can complement the wine’s fruitiness without overpowering it.
Does Pinot Noir pair well with vegan cheese?
Yes, vegan cheeses made from nut-based or cashew-based recipes can be a delightful alternative. Look for vegan cheeses with a creamy texture and subtle flavors that mimic Brie or Camembert. Avoid strong or pungent vegan cheeses.
Can I pair Pinot Noir with a hard cheese?
While soft to semi-firm cheeses are generally preferred, some aged hard cheeses, like a mild Comté, can work well if they have a nutty and slightly sweet flavor profile. Avoid overly salty or sharp hard cheeses.
What about pairing Pinot Noir with a cheese fondue?
A cheese fondue based on Gruyère or Emmental can be a delightful pairing with Pinot Noir. The nutty and slightly sweet flavors of these cheeses complement the wine’s fruit and earthy notes.
Does the region of origin of the cheese matter?
Yes, the region of origin of the cheese can influence the pairing. For example, a French Brie will have a different flavor profile than an American Brie, and therefore might pair slightly differently with the wine.
What type of crackers or bread should I serve with the cheese and Pinot Noir?
Crusty bread or plain crackers are ideal. Avoid crackers with strong flavors or spices, as these can interfere with the pairing.
Is it okay to pair Pinot Noir with a cheese plate that includes other wines?
Yes, but prioritize the Pinot Noir pairings. If you offer other wines, make sure they also complement the cheese selection. A light-bodied white wine can also be a good addition.
What if my Pinot Noir has a strong earthy flavor?
For a Pinot Noir with strong earthy notes, choose a cheese that mirrors those flavors. Gruyère and Comté are excellent choices, as their earthy undertones will create a harmonious pairing.
Can I pair Pinot Noir with a smoked cheese?
Generally, smoked cheeses are not recommended. The smoky flavor can clash with the wine’s delicate nuances. However, a very lightly smoked cheese might work if its flavor is subtle.
How does the age of the Pinot Noir affect the cheese pairing?
Younger Pinot Noirs with bright fruit flavors pair well with milder cheeses like Brie. Older Pinot Noirs with more complex earthy flavors can handle slightly more robust cheeses like Gruyère or aged goat cheese.
Is it necessary to decant Pinot Noir before serving it with cheese?
Decanting Pinot Noir is often recommended, especially for older vintages. This allows the wine to breathe and release its full aroma and flavor. It enhances the overall pairing experience.
What is the most common mistake people make when pairing cheese with Pinot Noir?
The most common mistake is choosing cheeses that are too strong or too pungent. Remember to select cheeses with subtle flavors that complement, rather than overwhelm, the Pinot Noir.