Chardonnay is one of the most beloved wines for a reason. Oaked or unoaked, with food or without, It drinks well. If you’re wondering what foods go best with It, read on for a rundown of the team at Jacques Scott’s thoughts on the matter.
Shoppers of Jacques Scott Wines & Spirits’s inventory find a treasure trove of top-shelf wines, beers, and spirits worldwide. With eight store locations throughout the communities of Grand Cayman, the best prices, excellent customer support, and online shopping paired with free delivery, we provide the best source for buying bar needs in the area.
Descriptions of Chardonnay will include notes of citrus or apple, bold aromatics, crisp acidity, and an oaked or unoaked tone. The plethora of food pairings possible will please practically everyone.
Wine and Cheese
What’s more fundamental than wine and cheese? Whether you’re laying out a few snacks or an elaborate charcuterie, consider the cheese choices that will showcase Chardonnay well.
The oakiness of the Chardonnay should influence the cheeses that you select. An unoaked wine will welcome milder cheeses like soft blue cheese, triple cream cheese, or Monterey Jack, while an oaked Chardonnay will pair better with shard cheddar and strong blue cheeses. Asiago, Swiss, Brie, and Parmesan are also cheeses that will complement Chardonnay.
BASIC RULES FOR PAIRING WINE AND CHEESE
Balance Body and Power
The density of the cheese and wine should parallel one another, as should the flavors. A bold cheese calls for a bolder flavored Chardonnay, and a mild cheese deserves a light, subtle Chardonnay, and so forth.
Avoid Clashing Characteristics
Common flavor combinations that work well include sweet wines with spicy and salty recipes and bitter wines with fatty recipes. Consider the fattiness of cream cheese. An acidic Chardonnay will cut through that fat, while a salty blue cheese will work better with an oaked Chardonnay with a fruitier profile.
Parallel the Acidity Level of the Wine and Cheese
Chardonnay wines are generally acidic, so a reasonably acidic cheese pairing, such as cottage cheese, mozzarella, or feta cheese, will be successful.
Match Textures
The texture of the wine and the cheese should match. A buttery oaked Chardonnay and a nutty cheese will play up one another, bringing complexity and layered flavors to the pairing. Consider pairing a dry Chardonnay with a hard, tarter cheese.
Balance the Acidity and Sweetness Factors
As with all pairings, balance is key, but the sweetness and acidity of Chardonnay paired with cheese is essential to success. A fruit-forward Chardonnay’s sweetness and acidity complement a tart cheese like Brie or blue cheese.
ADD ADDITIONAL FLAVORS
While making a cheese tray to go with Chardonnay, add a few flavors to make the experience even more enjoyable. Peppers, nuts, fresh herbs, and seasonings can further elevate your offerings.
Enjoy an afternoon with friends and a lovely Chardonnay like Antinori Tormaresca Chardonnay. A cheese tray, light poultry dishes, and even spicy fare go best with Chardonnay, and the best quality bottles are found here at Jacques Scott—order by 2:00 pm for free same-day delivery to any address here on Grand Cayman.
