Italian cheeses offer a diverse array of flavours and textures, many of which pair exceptionally well with wine. Here`s a guide to which Italian cheeses are acceptable and pair well with wine, and which might be less ideal:

Italian Cheeses That Pair Well with Wine

1. Parmigiano-Reggiano

 

• Wine Pairing: Full-bodied red wines (e.g., Chianti, Barolo), sparkling wines (e.g., Prosecco), or dessert wines (e.g., Vin Santo).
• Why: Its nutty and savoury profile complements the tannins and acidity in these wines.

 

2. Pecorino Romano

 

• Wine Pairing: Bold red wines (e.g., Montepulciano, Chianti), or white wines (e.g., Vermentino).
• Why: The saltiness and sharpness of Pecorino balance well with the wines acidity and fruitiness.

 

3. Gorgonzola

 

• Wine Pairing: Sweet wines (e.g., Moscato, Sauternes), or robust reds (e.g., Amarone).
• Why: The strong, pungent flavours of Gorgonzola pair beautifully with the sweetness and richness of these wines.

 

4. Mozzarella di Bufala

 

• Wine Pairing: Light white wines (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc), or light red wines (e.g., Bardolino).
• Why: Its creamy texture and mild flavour are enhanced by the crispness and acidity of these wines.

 

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5. Taleggio

 

• Wine Pairing: Medium-bodied red wines (e.g., Barbera, Merlot), or aromatic whites (e.g., Gewürztraminer).
• Why: The tangy and earthy qualities of Taleggio are complemented by the fruit and floral notes in these wines.

 

6. Asiago

 

• Wine Pairing: White wines (e.g., Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc), or light to medium-bodied reds (e.g., Valpolicella).
• Why: The mild to sharp flavour of Asiago works well with the acidity and fruitiness of these wines.

 

Italian Cheeses That Might Be Less Ideal for Wine Pairing

1. Ricotta

 

• Reason: Its mild, creamy texture and subtle flavour can be easily overshadowed by wine. Best enjoyed
  with light, fruity, and sparkling wines if paired at all.

 

2. Mascarpone

 

• Reason: Primarily used in desserts, its rich, creamy nature is better suited to being enjoyed with coffee or dessert wines rather than as a standalone cheese with wine.

 

3. Provolone

 

• Reason: While it can pair with some wines, the varying degrees of sharpness can make it tricky to pair universally. Aged Provolone can be too intense for many wines.

 

4. Burrata

 

• Reason: Its delicate, creamy interior makes it best enjoyed on its own or with very light wines that wont overpower its subtle flavours.

 

Tips for Wine and Cheese Pairing

 

• Balance: Match the intensity of the cheese with the intensity of the wine.
• Acidity: Acidic wines pair well with creamy and fatty cheeses.
• Sweetness: Sweet wines balance salty and pungent cheeses.
• Tannins: Tannic red wines work well with aged and hard cheeses.

 

By considering these pairings and tips, you can enjoy the harmonious flavours of Italian cheeses and wines. Ready to take your cheese and wine pairings to the next level? Head over to www.salvo1968.co.uk to get the finest Italian cheeses delivered right to your business’s door. Cheers to perfect pairings!