As our food culture evolves, the consumption of cheese has increased dramatically. People now enjoy cheese as an ingredient and on its own. This trend is linked to the growing number of people drinking wine domestically. After all, there’s nothing quite like cheese as a perfect accompaniment to wine. This article will explore different types of cheese recommended as wine pairings and their characteristics.
Brie Cheese
Brie is a quintessential French cheese known for its creamy texture and white mold rind. It is closely related to Camembert and offers a subtle tanginess and a flavor profile often described as having a woody aroma. While Brie pairs beautifully with bread or crackers, a popular trend is to bake it for an extra treat. For a delicious variation, make a small incision on the top of the Brie, drizzle it with syrup, and then bake it. This simple preparation can elevate Brie to a delightful, gooey indulgence.
Smoked Cheese
Smoked cheese is a great option for pairing with wine, especially for those who find traditional cheese aromas off-putting. As the name implies, this cheese is made by smoking it, resulting in a distinctive, robust, smoky scent. The exterior of smoked cheese has a brownish hue, while the interior maintains its original color. It’s delicious on its own but also pairs well with bread or crackers, making it a versatile and flavorful choice for various cheese platters.
Fruit Cheese
For those who do not like the intrinsic aroma of cheese, fruit cheese is a great alternative. It is infused with fruit, reducing the inherent smell of cheese and adding the sweetness and freshness of fruit. Popular brands include Ramos fruit cheese and Elf fruit cheese. Peach and almond, fruit and nuts, and other diverse flavors of fruit cheese are available in the market. Most people can enjoy them without any aversion, as they are fresh and delicious.
Burrata Cheese
Burrata cheese is often compared to mozzarella cheese for its similar texture. It’s usually sold in large chunks in cans or containers. It’s commonly served with salad and is often enjoyed with a sauce drizzle. The cheese is delicious when lightly drizzled with olive oil and served with a sprinkle of salt or pepper as a wine appetizer. Burrata cheese also pairs well with tomatoes, which enhances their flavor.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola cheese is one of the top three cheeses in the world. Along with its unique blue mold aroma, it offers the soft flavor of milk. Due to its distinctive aroma, many enthusiasts specifically seek out Gorgonzola cheese. In South Korea, Gorgonzola is often used in pizzas, but it’s also consumed beyond being used as an ingredient. It’s delicious when paired with sweet fruits, syrup, or honey.
Brown Cheese
Brown cheese can be considered a representative cheese of Norway. It has a salty taste with a sweet caramel undertone. It’s often served in small, round lumps, similar to small eggs. Brown cheese is made using the whey left over from making cheese, similar to ricotta cheese. The most basic way to enjoy it is by thinly spreading it on rye bread or crackers and adding a bit of strawberry jam.
Camembert Cheese
Camembert is a French cheese named after the village of Camembert in Normandy. It’s derived from Brie cheese, which has a shorter maturation period. While it lacks an intense aroma and flavor, it stands out for its pure milk taste. It has a cream-like interior that hardens as it matures and is ideal for those who prefer creamy cheeses. It should not be frozen for storage.
Gouda Cheese
Gouda cheese, known locally as Howda, originates from the southern region of Howda in the Netherlands. Gouda cheese has a very concentrated flavor and is used in pizzas, burgers, and french fries. It is familiar to many people and pairs well with fruits and wine, making it an excellent choice for cheese beginners.
Comté Cheese
Comté cheese is considered the most popular cheese among the French. It originated in the Comté region, which borders Switzerland in the eastern part of France. The cheese is hard; its hardness and robustness increase as it matures, and its taste deepens. Its versatility makes it suitable for gratin or fondue. Of course, it’s also known to pair well with wine.
Cream Cheese
Cream cheese is made to be easily spread on bread or biscuits. Since it’s not aged, its taste and aroma are smooth and tangy. Its fat content is higher than that of other cheeses. Cream cheese is more delicious when enjoyed with salad or yogurt or spread on crackers or bagels. However, it has the lowest shelf life, so refrigeration is essential.
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