Pairing Vegan Cheese with Wines: The Ultimate Guide
Finding the perfect wine to complement your cheese has been a tradition for centuries. With the rise of veganism and plant-based diets, many people are looking for delicious, ethical alternatives to traditional cheese and wine pairings. Fortunately, vegan cheese, such as the handcrafted varieties from Tyne Chease, pairs beautifully with a range of wines. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply indulging in a quiet night in, pairing the right vegan cheese with the right wine can elevate your experience. Here’s the ultimate guide to help you create the perfect vegan cheese and wine combinations.
1. Cashew-Based Vegan Cheeses and White Wine
Cashew-based vegan cheeses, like many of the offerings from Tyne Chease, are creamy, tangy, and often have a slight sweetness that makes them incredibly versatile. These cheeses pair particularly well with white wines, which have a lighter, more delicate profile that complements rather than overpowers the flavours of the cheese.
•Recommended Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc’s crisp acidity balances the richness of a creamy cashew-based vegan cheese, while a lightly oaked Chardonnay enhances the nutty undertones without being too bold. These wines are especially good for pairing with soft, mild cheeses like Tyne Chease’s Original or Garlic varieties.
2. Aged Vegan Cheeses and Red Wine
Aged vegan cheeses, which have a sharper, more intense flavour profile, need a wine that can stand up to their boldness. These cheeses have been matured for longer, developing deep, complex flavours. Red wines, with their rich tannins and body, are perfect for these types of vegan cheeses.
•Recommended Pairing: Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
Merlot’s smooth, fruity notes pair excellently with a sharper, aged vegan cheese, offering a balance between acidity and creaminess. For a more robust option, Cabernet Sauvignon’s full body and bold tannins can enhance the depth of an aged vegan cheese, making it an ideal partner for a mature Cashew Blue.
3. Herbed Vegan Cheeses and Rosé
Herbed vegan cheeses, infused with ingredients like rosemary, thyme, or basil, offer a fresh and aromatic twist to traditional vegan cheese flavours. These types of cheese pair wonderfully with a dry or semi-dry rosé, which often carries floral and berry notes that complement the herbal qualities of the cheese.
•Recommended Pairing: Provence Rosé
A crisp Provence Rosé, known for its bright acidity and notes of red fruits, is a perfect match for herbed cheeses. The delicate flavour of the wine balances the herb-infused cheese without overpowering the fresh, savoury notes. This combination is ideal for a summer picnic or light appetiser.
4. Spicy Vegan Cheeses and Sweet Wines
Spicy vegan cheeses, such as those with chilli or peppercorns, create a unique pairing challenge. To balance the heat, you’ll want to opt for a wine with a touch of sweetness. The sweetness helps cool the palate and enhances the spiciness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast.
•Recommended Pairing: Riesling or Gewürztraminer
Riesling’s natural sweetness and acidity balance the heat of spicy vegan cheeses, creating a harmonious pairing. Gewürztraminer, with its floral and fruity notes, also works well, offering a refreshing counterpoint to the bold spices in the cheese.
5. Soft Vegan Cheeses and Sparkling Wine
Soft, spreadable vegan cheeses, which are often mild and creamy, are perfect for pairing with sparkling wines. The bubbles in the wine help cleanse the palate and cut through the richness of the cheese, making each bite feel light and refreshing.
•Recommended Pairing: Prosecco or Champagne
Prosecco’s light, fruity character pairs perfectly with soft vegan cheeses like Tyne Chease’s Smoked variety, offering a lovely contrast between the creaminess of the cheese and the crispness of the bubbles. If you’re looking for something a little more indulgent, Champagne’s complexity and acidity can enhance the delicate flavours of a soft vegan cheese.
6. Blue Vegan Cheeses and Dessert Wines
Blue vegan cheeses, such as Tyne Chease’s Cashew Blue, are bold, tangy, and slightly pungent. These strong flavours can be wonderfully offset by a sweet dessert wine, which provides a delightful contrast.
•Recommended Pairing: Sauternes or Port
Sauternes, with its rich, honeyed sweetness, pairs beautifully with the sharpness of a blue cheese. Alternatively, a robust, full-bodied Port can enhance the earthy, savoury flavours of the cheese, creating a luxurious end to any meal.
Conclusion
Pairing vegan cheese with wine is an art, and once you master the basics, you can experiment with new flavours and combinations. Whether you prefer a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a creamy cashew cheese or a bold Cabernet Sauvignon with an aged vegan variety, there’s a pairing to suit every palate. At Tyne Chease, we pride ourselves on offering a range of artisanal vegan cheeses that are perfect for wine pairings, ensuring that everyone can enjoy this timeless tradition, vegan or not.
So, next time you’re planning a cheese and wine night, be sure to try some of these pairings for a truly indulgent experience.