The Montepulciano and Montgomerys Cheddar paired well together only to our fellow taster Zeke, whose favorite cheese happens to be Montgomerys Cheddar. Close in style to Parmigiano-Reggiano and also originating from northern Italy, Grana Padano is an unpasteurized cows milk cheese. Valpolicella and Montepulciano can be found cheap and often deliver better than expected flavors. Valpolicella wines come from the province of Verona, located east of Lake Garda and in the overarching region of Veneto in northern Italy. The resulting wines are concentrated, full-bodied, and pack a serious punch. Black cherry, herbs, and spicy fruit dominate Valpolicella Classico, as does its high acidity. Perfect for last-minute entertaining that needs to look like you planned for weeks! The Ripasso wines generally have a juicy sweetness and are often good value. Another creamy, mildly sweet cheese is Buratta, a cows milk and comes from Italys southeast Puglia region. Other fresh cheeses: Mascarpone, Stracchino, Boursin, very young Selles sur Cher, Other bloomy cheeses: Chaource, Coeur du Neufchatel (both cow), Crottin de Chavignol (goat), Other washed-rind cheeses: Langres, Chaume, Livarot, Munster, Vacherin de Mont dOr, Other semi-soft cheeses: Provolone, Edam, Morbier, Mimolette, Other hard cheeses: Manchego, Grana Padano, Beaufort, Cantal, Emmenthal, Sbrinz, Comt, Other blue cheeses: Fourme dAmbert, Bleu dAuvergne, Cabrales, Casa S 2021 Maximus Cuve Pinot Noir (Willamette Valley), Matchbook 2020 The Herdsman CAB Giguiere Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Dunnigan Hills), Tekstura 2021 Redford-Wetle Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Eola-Amity Hills), Rutherford Ranch 2019 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Rutherford Ranch 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Rombauer 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Rombauer 2020 Twin Rivers Single Vineyard Zinfandel (El Dorado), Clos de Napa 2020 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Whitehall Lane 2019 Leonardini Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa Valley), Roots Run Deep Winery 2020 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon (Napa County), Viberti 2021 Filebasse Chardonnay (Piemonte), Bodegas Bianchi 2019 IV Generacin Single Block Gran Malbec (Los Chacayes), Daou 2020 Soul of a Lion Cabernet Sauvignon (Adelaida District), Morgan 2021 Highland Chardonnay (Santa Lucia Highlands), Samuel Louis Smith 2021 Escolle Vineyard Gamay Noir (Santa Lucia Highlands), Gmez de Segura 2018 Finca Ratn Reserva (Rioja), Vias Leizaola 2019 Caminos de Sacramento (Rioja), Casa Primicia 2018 Carravalseca Crianza (Rioja), Infinito 2020 Winemaker's Selection Malbec (Mendoza), David Paige 2021 RPG Vineyard Pinot Blanc (Eola-Amity Hills), Castle Rock 2021 Pinot Noir (Mendocino County), Middleridge 2021 Beshke Family Pinot Noir (Palos Verdes Peninsula), Castle Rock 2021 Cuve Pinot Noir (California), By continuing to use our Services and/or submitting the above information, you agree to our use of cookies and the terms of our A bottle of Classico will be similar to regular Valpolicella, but it will usually have a wider array of aromas, more depth of flavor, and a longer finish. Its creamy texture balanced the rough wine and together they tasted hearty, robust, and nutty; like the best pecorino youve ever had. whites as well as with champagne or prosecco and some of the This 240-square-kilometer area in northern Italys Veneto region is located in the foothills of the Alps, which provide its northern border, and in and around the descending valleys of the Lessini Mountains. Some cheeses like Gouda are semi-soft in younger styles, while when aged, their texture turns hard. Many of the regular Valpolicella and Valpolicella Classico Superiore wines are now labeled Ripasso. Crucolo , a young Italian cow milk cheese, only paired moderately until a tasty finish. Valpolicella Superiore is Valpolicella Classico that has been aged at least one year in wood, and is a minimum of 12% alcohol. Valpolicella Classico is fantastic with pasta with a red sauce as the herbs and cherry flavours blend in perfectly with the tomato sauce. Expect flavors of black cherries, vanilla bean, and a touch of cinnamon. The more fruit-filled wines act somewhat like the cherry preserves served with Basque ewes-milk cheese (and now the host of other sweets served with other cheeses). Many are excellent to melt and perfect to slice. However, it is also thin in flavour and will be crushed by heavier pasta and pizzas. The bigger-flavored cheeses (Gorgonzola) pair better with bigger . Red wines: Chianti, PARMIGIANO-REGGIANO Fontina is produced from cows milk in the far northwestern corner of Italy called Valle dAosta. White wines: Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Red wines: Big Tuscan reds, Valpolicella, California Merlot, California Zinfandel White wines: Pinot Grigio By using our website and/or subscribing to our newsletter, Impressively, the estate only uses 40% of their grapes to make wine, which ensures that only the highest-quality fruit makes the cut. Its soft texture and freshness make elegant white wines an ideal match. Valpolicella is the most famous red wine district in northeastern Italy's Veneto wine region. Traditional Venetian fare such as fegato alla Veneziana, sauteed liver with onions and potatoes, or grilled meats match well with Valpolicella Ripasso. 2. Like the wine, Parmigiano changes in flavor as it ages; it also becomes stronger and saltier. Entertaining & Holiday Tips, Our Favorite Products & Producers, Tags: caviar, new years, new years eve, petrossian, Your email address will not be published. 'Acidity works well to refresh the palate, as fat and salt together are quite dominant factors in tasting,' said Cannon. These textured and tasty bottles are made by taking valpolicella superiore wine and leaving them in contact with the leftover partially dried skins from amarone or recioto production. Young, Hard, salty Pecorino Romano is produced from sheeps milk, with younger versions making a fine appetizer. Lively, vibrant Valpolicella is redolent of refreshing sour cherry and aromatic herbs, and, like good Beaujolais, benefits from a slight chill. On the nose, youll find lots of red and black cherry, along with herbs that complement the tomato sauce spread across your pizza. Youll find that Valpolicella is also excellent with a Calzone, Panzerotti, or pizza bites. Amarone and Recioto are wines that can last for 10 years or more in the bottle and improve with age (although, lets be honest, both are also great upon release). An assortment of four cheeses that are typical of four distinct regions of Italy: Provolone Piccante, Grana Padano Stravecchio, Mountain Gorgonzola and Pecorino Toscano. She has a background as a wine buyer and consultant. Located on a sun-drenched hillside in the Veneto region of Italy, this producers cellar is nestled amongst 20 hectares of vines and 19 hectares of woods, olive groves, and cherry trees. Where the role of wine with cheese is usually to refresh as well as complement, here refreshment isnt the point. These are normally the most affordable of the Valpolicella wines, and they are good for everyday drinking. Follow The Gourmet Cheese Detective on Twitter: @The_Cheese_Tec. amarone, the full name of which is amarone della valpolicella, is made from late-harvested, dried red wine grapes, half of which must be corvina corvinone, rounded out with rondinella and other local varieties. Recioto is an absolute success with tiramisu, chocolate, and cakes.. With such a wide range of styles, Valpolicella wines speak to every palate preference. As you enter the world of Amarone and Ripasso, you can look for more seasoned cheeses, such as a well-aged Parmesan, Bra Duro, or Bitto Storico, pairing full-bodied and intense flavours with each other. Go to Pairing British Cheeses with Wine, Ales and Ciders. Let us know what wine and cheese youre pairing together by leaving a comment below. Marble and Solid Acacia Wood All-In-One Lazy Susan Cheese Board (14 Piece Set), Welcome to winemag.com! - G.C.D. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The Wine and Cheese Pairing Wheel features 40 cheeses and the wines to pair with them. Get the latest news, reviews, recipes and gear sent to your inbox. If you like powerful, fruity,yet dry red wines, Amarone is for you. History states it was initially made by Cistercian monks. Red wines: Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, Lambrusco, Chianti The best wine pairings for spaghetti puttanesca. The ripe and bone-dry valpolicella classico superiore is produced from 50% corvina and 20% corvinone, rounded out with rondinella and croatina. Red wines: California Pinot Noir -G.C.D. Of the four styles of Valpolicella wines, two have aging power and two are ready to drink in youth. Try it with a wine from the southern Campania region, where the cheese likely originated. With wine still staring at us from our glasses, we decided to try a few pecorinos to ensure that we hadnt overlooked the classic pairing. NV for young cheese, vintage for riper, more pungent cheeses). A regular Valpolicella can be overwhelmed by heavy, flavourful cuts of meat, like beef or game. The 10 rules of food and wine pairing Watch out for salt and fat Given the high salt content in cured meats, freshness is key when picking a wine. Here are eight delizioso cheese and vino pairings worth trying any time! Therefore, these wines have higher levels of sugar and lower levels of alcohol, around 12% on average. Amarone has just the proper amount of oomph to hold its own against these sharp Roquefort Cheese flavours without overwhelming the cheese. Click the image to order today! Are Valpolicella and Amarone the Same Thing? Part one of our series on Valpolicella and Amarone will help you to know what to expect from the various styles how they taste and some popular food pairings. Wine with beef with mushroom and onion gravy, Wine with ground turkey or turkey burgers. Wine and cheese are two of lifes great culinary pleasures, and finding the perfect match can be a delicious endeavor. For meatier pizza, such as a meat lovers pizza or pizza with sausage, Id go with Valpolicella Superiore. A slightly briny, salty cheese like feta or fresh . Your email address will not be published. But the two sets of flavors coexist in a remarkably respectful way. White wines: Sicilian Chardonnay, RICOTTA SALATA Go to Pairing French Cheeses and Wine A glass of fresh, easy drinking Pinot Grigio makes for an absolutely wonderful pairing. Red wines: Sicilian reds like Nero d'Avola (similar to a Shiraz) Cantina Valpantena Verona Tannin and Tomato sauce do not mix, as the sauce makes the tannin taste like tin. My best advise: Many of the cheeses listed above (and below) are available worldwide (like Parmiggiano, Grana Padano or Pecorino). supermarket aisles of wines don't despair. Theres a lot to love about this versatile Italian red wine blend. To avoid this, cut it in half (and hide the other half somewhere out of view). There isnt to me much synergy between the wine and cheese, the sort of interaction that transforms your perception of one or the other. Masi 06 Valpolicella Bonacosta: This typical Valpolicella was light-bodied and buttery. Thank You! If you don't have a local wine shop and have to depend on the long One of the small joys in life is purchasing a simple, tasty bottle of wine for under twenty dollars. Rarer still, all four wines are produced throughout the region. Close in style to Parmigiano-Reggiano and also originating from northern Italy, Grana Padano is an unpasteurized cows milk cheese. The food-friendly nature of this red wine also ensures it will go great with any veggies or herbs that might be tossed into your sauce. Its soft structure and rich fruit also make it pleasant to drink on its own. BRA Try them with Beef and Venison Tartare, Beef Pho, and Lamb Gyros. These sweet dessert wines have good acidity and a toothsome mouthfeel. The welcome pleasant bitter tones of a good Amarone will lift your palate and excite the senses while Ripasso is a great mid-meal companion, or the perfect thing to sip thoughtfully by the fireplace. Here are a few pairing ideas for best food with Valpolicella: Wine with Beef Stroganoff Wine with Chocolate-Covered Figs Wine with Beef with Broccoli Wine with Veal Campagnola Wine with stuffed mushrooms Part two in the series will explore the region, grapes, and winemaking techniques in more depth, to help give you a more complete understanding of one of Italys top red wines. Cantina Valpolicella Negrar The blend is most often dominated by the corvina grape variety, with the local varieties of rondinella and molinara playing backup roles; rosignola, sangiovese, barbera, bigolona, and negrara are also permitted as well. These are normally the most affordable of the Valpolicella wines, and they are good for everyday drinking. Required fields are marked *. Theyre not aged and have a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Here are a few pairing ideas for best food with Valpolicella: If you'd like find what wine goes with what food, you can use the Hello Vino tool on this page, or view our large list of food and wine pairing suggestions. Amarone is extremely full-bodied and rich, with high alcohol and very concentrated fruit flavors, including blackberry, cherry jam, plums, raisins, chocolate, and vanilla. Expect floral, spice-forward flavors of morello cherry, chocolate, and a hint of menthol. The Italian Cheese and Wine Pairing Guide Mozzarella, provolone, ricotta, pecorino, parmesan, and even mascarpone, are all from the sunny southern regions, beginning in Emilia Romagna and moving down. Amarone, whose name translates to great bitter, is made by letting those same dried grapes fully ferment. Burrata: A mozzarella exterior gives way to a luscious, milky center of mozzarella scraps mixed with cream. Theyre rich and creamy, and they can be soft or semi-soft in texture. With hot spicy sauces such as arrabbiatta, aglio olio e peperoncino (garlic, oil and chilli) and puttanesca (anchovies, capers and olives) try either a sharply flavoured dry white wine or a rustic Italian red: a Primitivo or Sicilian red, Zinfandel or Valpolicella Ripasso. White wines: Gavi from Piedmont region, Northern Italian Chardonnay or California Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc Red wines: Lambrusco, Barolo, Barbaresco, Brunello, MOZZARELLA DI BUFALA CAMPANA Valpolicella Classico is also surprisingly delicious with Lemon Chicken served over a bed of warm pasta. Fruit is hand-harvested, spontaneously fermented, and aged in large oak vats. Valpolicella wines span the flavor profile and style spectrum, ranging from light to full-bodied. hello@hellovino.com. But Valpolicella comes in diverse forms from dry to sweet, including the rare sparkling sweet red called Recioto Spumante. Share your experiences in the comments below. White wines: Fum Blanc A glass of fresh. When wine lovers consider red wines from northern Italy, their thoughts may go directly to the esteemed wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, made with the prestigious Nebbiolo grape. Valpolicella has some interesting notes of peppercorn and warm baking spices in its profile, so we recommend pairing like with like. Wine and cheese are natural partners, and with hundreds of Italian options of both to pick from, we want to make the choice easier for you. Mark Your Calendars: Magnum Marathon Returns May 9 with Large-Format Wine Savings, Perfect Wines to Gift for Mothers Day and Their Flower Pairings, 5 Lesser-Known Wine Regions Making Excellent and Affordable Wines. suggestions here to guide you. This way, you can compare the differences of their styles. 1. Risotto all'amarone (a favourite of the River Caf) Beef braised in amarone. Valpolicella is a famous wine region in Verona, Italy, home to a renowned red wine that is also called Valpolicella. To simplify the strategy, cheeses can be divided into six categories. The only thing wrong with a breakfast burrito is that eating the whole thing at once can result in a "food coma.". Thus a lighter red that is refreshing in acidity is all you need. Lighter red wines pair with leaner cuts and red meats that are served closer to the raw form. In addition, Amarone della Valpolicella has a complex palate with notes of cherry, spices, such as cinnamon and cracked pepper, chocolate and almond. that are great partners for the cheeses, and which fit your budget too. Copyright 2011-2023 by The Gourmet Cheese DetectiveAll rights reserved. Santi Accordini Valpolicella Classico Superiore Ripasso, Buglioni lImperfetto Valpolicella Classico Superiore, Domini del Leone Valpolicella Classico Ripasso, Tommaso Bussola Valpolicella Superiore Ripasso Ca' del Laito, Sancerre: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try, Chenin Blanc: What to Know and 7 Bottles to Try, Muscadine: What to Know and 6 Bottles to Try, Gewurtztraminer: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try, Verdejo: What to Know and 5 Bottles to Try, Your Guide to Sparkling Wine: The Main Types and More, Albario: What to Know and 6 Bottles to Try, Chillable Red Wine: What to Know and 7 Bottles to Try. selections. Fortified/Dessert wines: Port, Dry Sherry Rather than complicating the topic with exotic matches like Garrotxa and Meursault, weve broken the art of wine and cheese pairing down, so you can create your own. For Valpolicella Ripasso or heavily structured Amarone wines, the best temperature to serve Amarone is around 63F (17C). Milder blue cheeses like Cambozola share the same potential matches as bloomy cheeses.