Planning a fancy get-together and wondering how you can impress your guests while relaxing and unwinding together? Salmon Arm and the Shuswap region of BC are picture-perfect vacation destinations and ideal places to celebrate life’s special moments surrounded by the peace and tranquillity of Canada’s great outdoors. Whether you’re a long-time local or find yourself visiting for the summer months, knowing how to pull out all the stops for a special night is essential for a memorable get-together.
Below, we’ll take a quick look at some of the most important aspects to keep in mind when selecting wine and cheese pairings, as well as a few basic pairing fundamentals to have in mind for the main course and beyond. Read on to learn how you can host your very own Gouda time!
What’s All the Fuss About Pairings?
People often think that food and wine pairings are high-class affairs reserved for fancy restaurants and extra special occasions. While an expert-level cheese plate and a good bottle of wine certainly do add an element of class to any get-together, they also help ensure that everyone gets the most enjoyment out of their meal. The perfect pairing elevates every course and helps each element stand out and shine for a food-driven experience that your friends are sure to talk about all summer long!
When creating a wine and cheese pairing, it’s important to remember the following:
Balance
Just like any other element of cooking or preparing a meal, balance is key to ensuring everyone is able to enjoy your pairing. Both wine and cheese have the potential to be a little too overpowering if you choose the right individual elements or a pairing that highlights too much of any one aspect of either. To avoid drowning out your food or leaving your wine tasting bland, air on the side of caution and focus on creating harmony with your flavour profiles while avoiding tastes that may be a little heavy-handed.
Regions are your Friend
Mother Nature has quite the knack for making sure flavours stay together around the globe, and paying attention to where your wine and your food come from can serve as a surprisingly easy cheat sheet when it comes to selecting the perfect pairing.
For example, rich and luscious red wines from the burgundy region pair exceptionally well with rich, nutty cheeses like Beaufort, which highlights the velvet undertones of your vino. Lighter whites like a sauvignon blanc pair well with creamy goat cheese, and manchego goes well with Tempranillo.
Consider Acid and Body
Every wine has a unique flavour profile, with some being more acidic and demanding on the palate. High-acidity wines are ideal for pairing with rich, creamy cheese, which allows the two elements to delicately balance each other for a “just right” combination. Champagne, for example, goes remarkably well with fattier food like truffle fries and camembert and for a more stand-out pairing, you could even consider an extra creamy gorgonzola!
Tie it All Together
Whether your wine and cheese pairing starts or finishes the evening, it’s important to remember that you must balance all elements of your meal to avoid overloading your guests’ tastebuds and leaving them feeling a tad overwhelmed with flavours. As a general rule of thumb, start with lighter, refreshing wines that open the palate and leave your heavy wine for the main protein pairing to allow things to meld together well. The exception to this, however, is when using cheese as a dessert course, where pairing blues or even sharp cheddars with a deep, luscious port, can be a truly elegant experience!
Don’t Be Afraid to Break the Rules
Not sure you’re up to the task of being “fancy”? Don’t be afraid to ignore the rules and go at your own pace! Everyone’s wine preferences are unique, and ultimately, your perfect pairing is whatever tastes best to you!
Wine and More at Setters Liquor
Need help planning for a special occasion or finding the perfect pairing for dinner? We’ve got you covered! Setters Liquor offers a wide selection of wine, beer, liquor and spirits of all kinds to make sure you’ll always be able to find your perfect fit. Visit us in beautiful Salmon Arm from 9am to 11pm today to learn more!