Difference between natural cheese and processed cheese
Before we think about wine and cheese pairings, let's first talk a little bit about cheese. There are two types of cheese: ``natural cheese'' and ``processed cheese.'' "Natural cheese" refers to animal milk that has been solidified and the water removed. "Processed cheese" refers to one or more types of natural cheese that are crushed, heated, melted, and emulsified, and have a milk solids content of 40% or more.Tips for pairing cheese and wine
① Degree of ripening
Basically, young cheeses are easy to pair with fruit-flavored ones or fresh types of wine. Conversely, aged cheese is best paired with aged wine.② Match the production area
Cheese and wine made in the same country or region tend to have a good match in flavor. If you're not sure what to pair it with, try choosing a wine made in the same region as the cheese, or in a nearby region.6 categories of natural cheese
There are various classification methods for cheese, such as one based on the hardness of the cheese and another based on the method of ripening. This time, we will introduce cheese and wine pairings according to six commonly used cheese classifications. ≪6 classifications of natural cheese≫- Fresh type (non-aged type)
- white mold type
- wash type
- Chèvre type
- blue mold type
- Semi-hard & hard type
①Fresh type (non-aged type)
A fresh type with a high water content and a fresh, refreshing taste. It is eaten as is after the raw milk has been solidified and drained. It is also called the non-aged type because it is not aged. This cheese has a subtle sourness, natural sweetness, and refreshing flavor. As it has a refreshing taste, we generally recommend pairing it with white wine. Recommended wine for mozzarella "Mozzarella" is the representative fresh type of cheese. Mozzarella is delicious when eaten as is, or when mixed with tomatoes to make caprese, making it a great addition to cooking. Mozzarella is originally from Campagna, Italy. Pair it with a dry, crisp white wine from Campagna.
Vinosia Fiano di Avellino Le Grade [2021] 750ml White Wine
②White mold type
White mold cheese is a soft cheese with a creamy taste wrapped in pure white mold. As it ages, the taste and aroma will change uniquely due to the action of mold. In addition, products made using modern methods tend to undergo less aging and are often creamier and easier to eat. We recommend eating it with fresh vegetables and fruits. Recommended wines for Camembert Camembert is a white mold type cheese that originated in the Normandy region of France. It is characterized by its creamy and mild taste. This cheese is recommended for beginners as it has little taste, is reasonably priced, and is easily available at supermarkets. There are many ways to eat it, such as eating it as is, coating it and frying it, dipping it in bread, or eating it with fruit. It also goes well with light red or white wine, or sparkling wine.
③Wash type
Washed type cheese is a type of cheese that is aged by washing or rubbing the surface of the cheese many times with alcohol such as brandy or salt water. This type is recommended for cheese connoisseurs as it has a unique aroma. It has a rich body and habit, so it goes well with red wine. Recommended wines for Epoisses Epoisses is known as the "king of washed cheeses" and is native to the Burgundy region of France. Epoisses is a cheese that is aged while washing the surface with French local sake, Marle. Its rich, fragrant, complex, and rich taste pairs well with wine.
