The Art of Gifting: How to Create Wine and Cheese Pairings Like a Pro.

Welcome, fellow cheese and wine enthusiasts!

I’m Jessica Summer, the founder of Mouse and Grape, a boutique online store that specialises in pairing the best cheeses with the finest wines all wrapped up into an elegantly packaged hamper and delivered straight to your door! In this blog post, I’ll be sharing some of my favourite cheese and wine combinations that will make an exceptional gift for any occasion.

Cabernet Sauvignon and Aged Cheddar: Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold and full-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with aged cheddar. The strong, nutty flavour of the cheese complements the wine’s tannins, creating a complex and satisfying flavour profile. For an extra-special touch, look for an aged cheddar that has been cave-aged for several years.

Pinot Noir and Brie De Meaux: Pinot Noir is a light and fruity wine that pairs beautifully with brie. The wine’s acidity helps to cut through the creaminess of the cheese, while the cheese’s earthy flavours bring out the fruitiness of the wine. Artisan  Brie De Meaux often has flavours of mushrooms which perfectly compliments the earthy quality in a Pinot Noir.  This combination is perfect for a romantic evening or a cosy night in with friends.

Chardonnay and 2-year-aged Gouda: Chardonnay is a buttery and rich wine that pairs well with gouda. The cheese’s caramel-like flavour and nutty undertones complement the wine’s buttery notes, creating a luxurious and indulgent combination. This pairing is perfect for a sophisticated dinner party or a special occasion.

Syrah and Roquefort: Syrah is a spicy and full-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with the blue cheese Roquefort. The wine’s bold flavours complement the cheese’s pungent and salty notes, creating a deliciously complex flavour profile. This pairing is perfect for a bold and adventurous palate.

Champagne and Brillat-Savarin: Champagne is a light and refreshing wine that pairs well with Brillat-Savarin. This soft triple cream cow’s milk cheese is rich, mouth-coating and indulgent. The high-fat content in the brie coats your mouth in creamy goodness and then the ultra-fine bubbles of the sparkling wine cleanse the palate and set you up for another bite! This pairing is perfect for a special celebration or brunch with friends.

In conclusion, cheese and wine make a perfect gift for any occasion, whether it’s a romantic evening, a special celebration, or a cosy night in. By pairing the right cheese with the right wine, you can create a flavour profile that is truly exceptional.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed and not sure where to start, here at Mouse and Grape, I offer a wide selection of curated artisanal cheeses and fine wine hampers that will delight any palate. 

Happy pairing!

Jess