How do you pair wine and cheese for a classy cocktail party?

2 Know your cheese types

Cheese can also be classified into different types based on factors such as texture, flavor, age, and origin. Generally, there are six main types: fresh, soft, semi-soft, hard, blue, and flavored. Each type has its own qualities and nuances, and can pair well with different styles of wine.

3 Follow some basic rules

While there are no strict rules for pairing wine and cheese, there are some general guidelines that can help you make better choices. For example, match the intensity of the wine and cheese, meaning that lighter wines go well with milder cheeses, and stronger wines go well with more flavorful cheeses. Another tip is to balance the acidity of the wine and cheese, meaning that acidic wines go well with creamy cheeses, and rich wines go well with tangy cheeses. A third tip is to contrast the texture of the wine and cheese, meaning that crisp wines go well with soft cheeses, and smooth wines go well with hard cheeses.

4 Experiment with different combinations

One of the fun aspects of pairing wine and cheese is that you can experiment with different combinations and discover new flavors and sensations. You can try mixing and matching different styles of wine and cheese, or you can try pairing wines and cheeses from the same region or country, as they often share similar characteristics and traditions. You can also try adding some accompaniments, such as crackers, bread, nuts, fruits, jams, or honey, to enhance the taste and texture of your wine and cheese.

5 Serve your wine and cheese properly

To make the most of your wine and cheese pairing, you need to serve them properly. This means that you need to store them at the right temperature, cut them in the right way, and present them in the right order. For wine, you should store it in a cool and dark place, and chill it before serving. For white wines, you should chill them for about two hours, and for red wines, you should chill them for about 20 minutes. For cheese, you should store it in the refrigerator, wrapped in wax paper or cheese paper, and take it out about an hour before serving to let it reach room temperature. For cutting cheese, you should use a separate knife for each type, and cut it in thin slices or wedges. For presenting wine and cheese, you should arrange them on separate platters or boards, and label them with their names and styles. You should also serve them in the order of intensity, starting with the lightest and ending with the strongest.