What kind of cheese goes with cabernet sauvignon?

As a connoisseur of fine food and beverages, I have always been fascinated by the art of pairing wines with cheeses. The combination of Cabernet Sauvignon and cheese is a classic one, with the robust flavors of the wine complementing the rich and creamy textures of certain cheeses. When it comes to pairing Cabernet Sauvignon with cheese, there are several factors to consider: the intensity of the cheese, the type of milk used, the aging process, and the region where the cheese is made.

Cabernet Sauvignon is a full-bodied wine known for its deep color, rich tannins, and flavors of black currant, blackberry, and often hints of vanilla or oak due to the winemaking process. Given these characteristics, it's best to pair it with cheeses that can stand up to its boldness without being overwhelmed.

### Cheese Pairing Principles


1. Balance of Flavors: The cheese should have flavors that can complement the wine without dominating or being lost.

2. Texture: The texture of the cheese can enhance or contrast with the wine's body.

3. Intensity: Both the cheese and the wine should be of similar intensity to avoid one overpowering the other.

### Cheese Recommendations


1. Red Wines and Aged Cheeses: Aged cheeses like Cheddar can be a great match for Cabernet Sauvignon. The sharpness and complexity of the cheese can stand up to the wine's tannins and fruitiness.

2. **Full-Bodied Wines with Full-Bodied Cheeses**: Parmesan is another classic choice. Its nutty and slightly salty profile can balance the wine's acidity and tannins.


3. Consider the Region: Cheeses from the same region as the wine can create a harmonious pairing. For Cabernet Sauvignon, which is often associated with regions like Bordeaux in France or Napa Valley in California, consider pairing with cheeses from these areas.


4. Experiment with Blue Cheeses: Some might find that a strong blue cheese, with its pungent and salty notes, can provide an interesting contrast to the wine's fruit and oak flavors.


5. Avoid Overpowering Flavors: While you want a cheese that can stand up to the wine, avoid those with too strong or unusual flavors that might clash with the Cabernet Sauvignon.

### Specific Cheese Pairings

- Cheddar: As mentioned, a good match due to its ability to handle the wine's tannins and fruit.
- Parmesan: Offers a nutty and salty counterpoint to the wine's rich flavors.
- Goat Cheese: A soft, mild goat cheese can provide a refreshing contrast to the wine's robustness.
- Blue Cheese: A mild to medium-strength blue cheese can offer a unique and complex pairing experience.

### Pairing Process

When pairing, it's also important to consider the order in which you present the cheeses. Start with the milder cheeses and move towards the stronger ones to allow each cheese's flavors to be fully appreciated without being overshadowed by a more intense cheese that follows.

### Conclusion

The art of pairing wine and cheese is a delightful journey of discovery, where the goal is to find combinations that enhance and complement each other. With Cabernet Sauvignon, you have the opportunity to explore a variety of cheeses, from the sharp and tangy to the rich and creamy. Remember, the best pairing is one that pleases your palate, so don't be afraid to experiment and find the combinations that you enjoy the most.

Wine and Cheese Pairing ExamplesCheeseWineCheddarCabernet SauvignonParmesanChiantiDouble GloucesterZinfandelPecorinoValpolicella23 more rows