Classic Cheese Pairings

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Feta and Assyrtiko

I think I’m making up a new classic pairing, you got a problem with that?

Why it works: These are two forms of silky, encapsulate saltiness, brushed with minerality. The real excitement comes from the clash of creamy feta with the incisive cut of Assyrtiko’s minerality and acidity.

How to make the most of it: Chiles Rellenos

Yes, this is one of those cliché Greek/Mexican dishes you’re seeing all over the place! Seriously though, the feta explodes in a chile rellenos recipe and the slightly smoky, piquant nature of a freshly roasted poblano goes crazy with Assyrtiko. Add in some epazote for an even more authentic dish. Opa!

Try This Recipe

Wines to try: Assyrtiko, there’s not really a substitute.

Hatzidakis Assyrtiko Santorini

Argyros Atlantis

Photo courtesy of artizone via Flickr/cc

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Comments

amateriat

618056 9

Sigh...interesting wines, paired with every single cheese I <i>don't</i> like. I suppose it's because, when the livin' is (relatively) easy, my go-to pairing is Gouda (regular or smoked) and a nice Garnacha (and a locally-baked baguette, which thankfully is once again easier to find in my neck of Gotham). Sometimes you want to foxtrot rather than waltz, yes?

- Barrett

Jun 08, 2012 at 1:25 PM
envchemist

340946 18

That's a very short unusual list. Maybe they were trying to show unusual pairs. My favorite is Baked Brie with Tawny Port --great dessert or Sharp cheese with Merlot.

Nydia

Jun 08, 2012 at 2:39 PM
Kerryloves-
2travel

859210 78

Sounds like a reason to have a cheese/wine party! Wine & cheese are like PB&J..meant for each other. Interesting list...I'm sure you could go on & on with combinations.

Jun 09, 2012 at 9:16 AM
williamsim-
pson

120201 213

Thats fine until youre presented with a cheeseboard - when you say "Dry White Port please" as its versatility copes well with varied cheeses.
An other surprise - cheeses tend to go with their local wines. Eg Chignin de Savoie with the Vacherin Mont D-Or cheese

Jul 04, 2012 at 7:08 AM
Calamus

1121277 305

Breaking the 'rules', I really like a Sauterne with Romano-Parmesan or a Sauterne with a 7 year old Quebec cheddar. Heaven!

Jul 24, 2012 at 7:53 PM
williamsim-
pson

120201 213

I wonder if Calamus's finding of Sauternes and mine of dry white port (still rather rich and sweet) add up to making sweet wine a good - and certainly under-rated -bet with salty cheese.
Anyone else out there with sweet wine findings or pairings with specific cheeses?

Jul 26, 2012 at 6:06 AM
Calamus

1121277 305

Willamsimpson, There must be others! Cremant and hard French cheese with apples and a few grapes is delicious. On the other side of the palate, A Syrah with cheese curd or gouda is a great Friday night snack. I think I am going to work my way through the pairings, on this list, that I haven't tried yet.

Jul 26, 2012 at 7:50 AM
SharonAnde-
rson

1337338 34

woww... so sweet.. & nice

Aug 31, 2013 at 5:00 AM

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Classic Cheese Pairings

Why they work and how to make the most of them this summer