The lighter notes of a Pinot Noir make it a versatile wine for pairing with cheese. Try pairing Pinot Noir with the nutty flavours of a medium-firm cheese like Gruyere or a hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano. You can Also pair a bloomy Camembert cheese with Pinot Noir or a mild washed rind cheese like Fontina.
The Cheese that Loves It
New-world pinot noir, from Chile for example, shines when paired with cheeses that have a simple, soft complexion. Try Jasper Hill’s Moses Sleeper, a delightfully rich cow milk cheese from Vermont. Made in the bloomy-rinded style of Brie, the pliable interior has wonderfully approachable flavors of crème fraîche and toasted nuts. The wine’s soft edges and slight grip will meld with the cheese’s creamy feel seamlessly! (Add some fresh cherries for a mind-blowing wine and cheese pairing.)
Old-world pinot noir, especially those from Burgundy where the grape was first grown, usually has a bit more acidity and earthy flavors than it’s new-world counterparts. These wines love to see cheeses that have a little more character (I mean they are more aromatic, really) and tend to be more aromatic, especially if the aromas are savory. (Think chicken broth, roasted cauliflower, and caramelized onions.) For a robust experience, pair these wines with an aged Camembert from France. Funky meets earthy! Another great option is the washed-rind Taleggio from Lombardy, Italia. (Just don’t tell the French. Or the Italians. Best kept to yourself.) Speaking of caramelized onions, spread a spoonful onto your Camembert for a killer pairing.
More than any other wine grape in the world, Pinot Noir is at once lauded for it’s magnificence and cursed for it’s difficulty. It the top grape in Burgundy, France, where it makes some of the most expressive and perfumed red wines in the entire world, and is grown all over the winemaking globe. Those that love pinot noir do so almost to a point of obsession.
I love serving pinot noir from old-world producers in my wine and cheese events. These wines really exhibit ‘terroir’ – the sense of place a wine shows, reflecting the conditions in which the grapes were grown. Old-world pinots typically show aromas of red fruit like cherry or strawberry, as well as earthy tones and often mushroomy or meaty aromas as well. New-world wines tend to show more fruit, sometimes even bordering on smelling like jam. Both styles can have softer tannins and a silky texture. When well made, pinot noir has the potential to be one of the most delicious bottles of wine you’ve ever had.
Wine and Cheese Pairings | One on Wine
FAQ
What cheeses pair with Pinot Noir?
What not to pair with Pinot Noir?
Does Pinot Noir go with cheese and crackers?
What cheese goes well with Pinot noir?
Although it’s made with unpasteurized cows’ milk, Comte has the same sweet, nutty character that makes so many sheep’s milk cheeses pair well with Pinot Noir. Aged versions of Comté that have a stronger, sharper flavor might overwhelm some Pinots, but this French cheese is often just the thing with a glass of Pinot Noir.
Can I substitute gruyere cheese with cottage cheese?
Gruyere cheese is hard whereas cottage cheese is soft. Depending on what dishes you would like to make. They both have different textures and tastes. In terms of nutrients, cottage cheese has much lower calorie and fat content compared to Gruyere cheese. So, it will be dependent on the use of the substitution.
Does goat cheese go well with Pinot noir?
Goat cheese pairs exceptionally well with cherries or other tart fruits, which are often present in Pinot Noir. The richness of the cheese helps balance out any tannic notes from the wine. It also has a nice tang that complements both red and white wines made from pinot noir grapes.
What wine goes well with cheese?
Pinot Noir cheese pairing is a wonderful way to elevate your wine and cheese experience. Pinot Noir is a delicate and complex wine that pairs well with a wide range of cheeses. The subtle fruit flavors and smooth tannins of Pinot Noir make it a versatile wine that can complement a variety of cheeses, from creamy and mild to bold and pungent.