How to pair wine and cheese this Christmas
If you’re planning on serving Christmas cheese to your friends and family over the festive season, or putting together a delicious Christmas cheese board, there’s something else to consider – having some perfectly paired wine alongside. When it gets to that sleepy time in the afternoon of the big day, cheese and wine are the ideal post-Christmas dinner treat.
Why are wine and cheese paired together?
So, why are wine and cheese such an unbeatable combination? The simple answer is it’s because wine and cheese occupy opposite ends of the food taste scale. The utterly contrasting tastes of protein and fat in cheese, and tannin and acidity in wine create a balanced, complementary effect.
In essence, the acidity of wine makes a perfect palette cleanser for fatty, protein rich cheese. This is why the two are so often paired together – but there are many different types of wine and cheese. So, the next question is: how do you pair wine and cheese?
Cheese and wine pairings
How to pair cheese and wine this Christmas is really up to you, but there are a few handy guidelines to follow if you want to select a wine and cheese that really go well together.
Red wine and hard cheese
Red wine really comes into its own when paired with hard, firm cheeses. It is also great alongside pungent, flavourful cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar. Godminster’s deliciously smooth Vintage Bruton Beauty is an award-winning cheddar perfect to enjoy alongside a rich glass of red wine.
Our Cheese and Wine Hamper Bag comes with everything you need for the perfect cheese board, plus a bottle of Le Petit Caboche red wine.
Sparkling wine and soft, creamy cheese
Who doesn’t like a glass of bubbly at Christmas? If you want to enjoy a perfectly paired cheese alongside your glass of prosecco, soft, creamy cheeses like our Organic Vintage Truffle Cheddar are the way to go. Brie is also a great sparkling wine accompaniment.
Grab a Godminster Cheese and Fizz Hamper Bag for a delicious bottle of De Chanceny Saumur sparkling wine, plus all you need for your Christmas cheese board.
Port and strong cheese
If you’re a fan of strong (some might say stinky) cheese, treat yourself this Christmas and try it alongside a glass of port. The sharp, saltiness of strong cheeses such as Stilton or our Cheyney’s Fortune Oak-smoked Cheddar deliciously offsets the sweetness of a red dessert wine like port.
Order our After Dinner Cheddar and Port Selection for a mouthwatering addition to your Christmas evening snacks – it makes for a great Christmas gift too.
White wine and soft cheese
A glass of crisp white wine is best enjoyed chilled alongside a selection of delicious soft cheeses. Think a round of melted Camembert with assorted bread for dipping, or a few slices of creamy Brie on top of a tasty cracker. A range of flavourful chutneys wouldn’t go amiss either.
Need cheese? Godminster are here to help
Whether you’re planning a Christmas cheese board or sorting out a gift for the cheese lover in your life, Godminster have got you covered. If you have any questions about our products or delivery times, get in touch with the Godminster team.
