Sip and Savour: A Guide to Ideal Wine Matches with Cheese Wedding Cakes
Traditional weddings have always featured a white, 3-tiered spectacle but modern couples-to-be are now looking for something more…unique. Cheese wedding cakes have had a phenomenal increase in trend after many are seen to prefer to pair their cake with crackers, fruit and of course wine.
But choosing the right wine to pair with your selection can make all the difference in giving your guests the perfect elegant tasting experience.
What is a Cheese Wedding Cake?
A cheese wedding cake isn’t actually a cake made of sweet dessert layers, but rather a creative arrangement of various cheeses stacked in tiers to resemble a traditional wedding cake. It's a popular alternative for couples who prefer savoury flavours over sweet ones. These "cakes" are often accompanied by crackers, fruits, nuts, and sometimes even chutneys or jams to complement the cheese flavours and provide a unique and sophisticated option for wedding receptions or other special occasions.
The Art of Wine Pairing: Finding the Perfect Match
Soft and Creamy Cheeses (Brie, Camembert): These types of cheese have a velvety factor that compliments wines that have a subtle fruitiness and slight acidity. Opting for choices like chardonnay or even a Pinot Grigio give a great pairing to cheeses like this.
Aged and Sharp Cheeses (Cheddar, Gouda): Because of the richness and sharpness of cheddars, red wines with a higher tannin match the eccentric flavour of mature cheeses. Go for Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot; their tannins and dark fruit flavours flawlessly complement aged options.
Blue Cheeses (Roquefort, Stilton): although not to everyone’s taste, the bold, intense flavours of blue cheeses couple flawlessly with sweeter, fortified wines like Port or Sauternes. Types like stilton have a concentrated, fudgy quality that invites complementary sweet flavours.
Semi-Soft Cheeses (Goats cheese, Manchego): If you’re looking for a blend of creaminess and tanginess, medium-bodied red wines like Pino Noir align seamlessly on your taste buds. With this coupling, the texture of the cheese doesn’t get lost in the bursting berry flavour of the wine.
Fruity Cheeses (Wensleydale, Gorgonzola) For those seeking something fruity, there’re plenty of cheeses packed with different berries- like a cranberry wensleydale, a pear gorgonzola or even an apricot cheddar. All of these become even more delightful when paired with an equally fruity wine- a rosé or even an orange wine would help to create a summery feeling.
Creating Memorable Pairings: Tips and Tricks
Consider Regional Pairings: Pairing wines and cheeses from the same region can often result in pleasant matches, as they tend to share complementary flavours and characteristics.
Balance Intensity: Strive for a balance between the intensity of the cheese and the wine. A powerful cheese might overpower a delicate wine, and vice versa.
Experiment: Don't be afraid to try unexpected pairings. Sometimes, the most surprising combinations lead to the most delightful experiences.
Personal Preferences: Keep in mind the preferences of the couple and the guests. While there are guidelines, personal taste should always be a priority. Many guests are opting for cheese wedding cakes as a way to reduce waste, as the cost of weddings are on an incline, so make sure you’re choosing flavours you know will be savoured.
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Article Written by Lily Meyers
