What if I told you that red wine and cheese don’t go well together? Yep, I know… Kinda hits like a frisbee on the head, doesn’t it? You didn’t see that coming and yet, here I come with my big mouth! Seriously though, what if we were told a big convenient lie and we simply took it for granted like the obedient consumers that we are? At the risk of starting a big controversy, I would like to address the reason why we always pair cheese with red wine. And to make matters worse, we do it without even questioning the epicurean legitimacy behind it. Hmm… Let’s ponder!
I think it is worth mentioning that I am drinking white wine whilst passionately scripting this article. For inspiration… You get it ;) I’ll talk about cheese and wine pairing in a bit but first, let’s get some facts and compare a few red vs. white stats.
Why Do People Always Favor Red Versus White Wines?
- Taste – I like going on wine forums and talking about wine with other wine people. The conversations are interesting and informative for the most part. Though sometimes, I’ll come across comments like “White wine tends to be boring” or “I want lots of taste in my wine, and that’s why I drink reds!” The authors shall remain unnamed. Not a very subtle comment, but educational nonetheless. I’m not one to discredit people’s opinions about such a subjective matter but white wines are NOT boring, and they have LOTS of taste! It’s such a shame that consumers will simply favor red over white based on unfounded beliefs. And that leads me to our next point…
- Lack Of Wine Education – Bordeaux varietals are by far the most popular in the wine industry. When the consumer doesn’t know very many types of wines, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel often become their first choice by default. If they knew about other (white) varietals, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Sauternes, etc., they might actually consider them.
- Convenience & More Mainstream – In many wine stores, you can clearly notice a vast difference between red and white real estate. The wine industry is well aware of the high demand for red varietals and will push reds more than whites. The selection is far more abundant and attractive with red wines than its alternatives: whites, rosés, and sparklings.
Price Difference Between Red and White Wines
Not too surprisingly, reds cost more than white wines. In every single winery I’ve been to, reds are consistently more expensive than whites by about 20 to 30%. While supply and demand and the age-ability of red wines contribute to uneven retail prices, the main difference is driven by the winemaking process. Many red wines are more labor intensive and will be aged longer before being bottled up, tying up money into prolonged storage.
On the other hand, white wine – especially varietals like Sauvignon Blanc are very economical to produce. The simple reason is “turns” – A winemaker can make this wine and have it ready for sale in 6 months. It doesn’t require filling up a large storage cellar for 2 years, like a red with the associated cost and labor or racking, topping off, and tying up expensive oak barrels. Additionally, most white wines don’t require fancy oak from France or Hungary, and many never see oak at all – just stainless steel.
Red Vs. White Wine Consumption
Now the good news… According to an article published on decanter.com last year, it would appear that whites, including sparklings and rosés, now account for more than half of global consumption. This means that wine drinkers from across the globe are starting to appreciate the subtle flavors of white varietals, as well as their pairing opportunities. I’m not sure if I believe those numbers, but they are promising.
How are red and white wines different?
Understanding the fundamental differences between reds and whites is the key to a successful wine pairing. It all starts on the vine with the grapes. White wine is generally made with light green, pink, or white grapes, while red wine is made with darker grapes. But there’s more to it! Once picked, the winemaking process for white and red wines is not the same. Red wines are fermented with all parts of the grape (skins and seeds included), while white wines are pressed to remove the skin and seeds before fermenting.
Why does this matter? The seeds and skin of the grape are what give red wines their prominent tannic characteristics. These tannins –albeit delicious– can make cheese pairing more of a challenge.
A Whimsical Journey Through Reds, Whites, and Curds
At last, the moment you’ve all been waiting for… Cheese and wine pairing. Technically speaking, cheese and red wine do not go together. [CUE CROWD GASP] According to French Sommelier & Public Figure Christian Martray, “The perfect pairing with 90% of cheeses is with white wine.” That’s quite a statement, and I’ll tend to agree with it! During a multi-course dinner, when it comes to cheese, we either stick with whichever bottle is already on the table, most likely a red, or we open yet another red. But in reality, it is white wine that goes perfectly with cheese. Milk proteins do not pair well with the tannins of a red wine. In fact, tannins will often cover the flavors of the cheese, especially the most delicate ones. Conversely, white wine with its acidity and freshness will enhance the flavors of the cheese and cut through the silky fat of the cheese.
For example, try a Chardonnay, a Champagne, or a Blanc de Blancs with a mature and creamy Camembert… It’s exceptional! A Chardonnay or a Sauvignon Blanc with goat cheese, it totally works! A Sémillon or a Sauvignon Blanc with blue cheese such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, you’ll ask for seconds! And for the hard cheese fans out there, a Vin Jaune or a white Arbois from the Jura region of France with Comté cheese is fantastically delicious! And I’m not just saying that out of thin air, those pairings have been personally tested by yours truly, and I stand behind them 100%.
So… Red Or White?!
Well, there’s no easy answer. According to professionals of the epicurean world, white wine is the way to go when it comes to cheese pairing. All that being said, it is perfectly fine to appreciate cheese with red wine. I know I do! Let’s remember that our palates are above all conditioned by our habits, even if our habits are not always based on a true harmony of flavors. If you have enjoyed eating cheese with red wine for 20 years, then take a nicely matured Saint Nectaire Fermier Affiné and pair it with a Cabernet Franc from the Loire region of France. A red wine and cheese pairing can also work especially if the wine is a little old (personal preference).
Those pairings are far from arbitrary. Take a moment to appreciate the subjectivity in the matters of wine pairings. Continue to enjoy your cheese with red wine if that’s what you’re into, but stay open-minded to the possibility that white wines might provide an entirely different experience. So next time, try pairing your cheese with a white wine instead and share your experience with us.
Happy pairing!
Make sure to check out our other wine pairing articles. I once paired Spaghetti Carbonara with a Chardonnay from Northern California. It was such a memorable dinner that featured two exceptional pairings… Same meal, same wine!
