NOVEMBER 30th 2021
Whether it’s hosting your very own wine and cheese night, or even if you’re simply putting together a Christmas cheeseboard to accompany your favourite Whitehall wine, there’s a science to success. From White Wines to Reds and Stiltons to Bries, this article will give you the top tips on how to make your wine and cheeses work together to impress your guests.
Choose a range of cheeses
It’s quality over quantity when it comes to the cheeses for your get together. Of course, you’ll need a sufficiency for your guests but the common rule is around 3-5 cheeses differing in strengths and consistencies.
Make the most of this cheese tasting experience and select a strong blue cheese, a semi-firm option like a Manchego and then a soft, mild-tasting cheese.
If you want to add a few more tastes to your table, go for a strong and firm-favourite like Parmesan and then a softer party pleaser like a Brie or Camembert.
Choose wines you enjoy
Make sure you’ve done your research but don’t feel like you have to be the party sommelier!
Ensure you know which cheeses go with each wine but don’t feel as though you have to give the back story. Let the food and drinks speak for themselves.
Red Wine
Let’s start with the Red Wines, such as our Pinot Noir, delicately aged in French Oak, this wine is the ideal pairing for hard cheeses like Manchego and Pecorino.
Alternatively this specific wine is a standout contender for the best duo with truffle cheese; enhancing the deep flavours of the cheese.
Or maybe our Rondo & Pinot Noir blend, mixing the best characteristics of both of these fine grapes, this versatile wine will be a great accompaniment to velvety cheeses such as mature Cheddars or even Baby Swiss.
White Wine
Moving on to White Wine, take our fruity and crisp Madeline May White Wine, a Chardonnay with notes of citrus and stone-fruits, meaning it would pair perfectly with a harder textured cheese like a Comté or a Gouda.
How about our Bacchus White Wine, with elderflower aromas on the nose and herbaceous notes of green apple? Pairing perfectly with a soft, fresh Goats Cheese for an elevated cheese pairing.
Rosé Wine
Rosé Wine may not be the obvious choice when it comes to a winter wine and cheese night but due to its versatility, Rosé wine goes with many of our favourite cheeses.
Our Charlotte May Rosé will go with creamy blues such Cambroza, with the subtle Rosé flavours complimenting the mild creamy taste of the cheese.
Fresh cheeses like Burrata along with more salty cheeses like Hallumi are also great accompaniments to Rose. The cheese pairing options with Rose are truly endless.
Other cheeseboard choices
The devil’s in the details when it comes to cheeseboard snack pairings. Opt for fresh fruit such as grapes, figs and apples along with refreshing vegetables such as celery, swiss chard and radish.
Of course, biscuits are a must, with the choice of biscuits being down to personal preference, a broad selection is the safest bet, a crusty french stick will also be a winning addition.
Then comes the miscellaneous, such as chutneys, jams and nuts. Depending on the time of year this will be subjective but almonds and walnuts along with red onion chutneys and chilli jams are always a safe bet.
Need more wine and cooking advice? Read our guide on How To Cook With Wine here.
Or, want more wine-based drink inspiration? Read about how to make Wine-Based Cocktails here.
