An interesting read ahead of our wine-filled, cheesy, "Super Session" Thursday:
The Science Behind Wine and Cheese Pairing
This piece in Time explores the science behind wine and cheese pairings. The article describes a scientific study published in Journal of Food Science in which a food scientist used a group of 31 volunteer subjects to test various wine and cheese pairings. Subjects sampled different pairings over five hour long tastings held over the course of a week. The wines tested were a sweet white Pacharenc, a dry Sanceerre, a red Burgundy, and a red Madiran. Cheeses sampled were Comte, a hard cheese (Crottin de Chavignol), a creamy Epoisses cheese and a Roquefort.
The researchers found that the cheeses actually influenced the "dominant taste" of each wine in a different way. They found this effect was consistent across subjects. For instance, the Roquefort reduced the tannic notes of the Burgundy wine it was served with due to how the cheese's fat coated the subject's mouths.
One issue the article alludes to regarding testing the science behind wine and cheese testing is the suitability of laboratory style experiments for a decidedly nonclinical experience. That is, the experience of wine and cheese pairing and tasting is rather idiosyncratic insofar as how it naturally and diversely unfolds at dinner parties. It is hard to replicate the spontaneity of pairing in a laboratory setting, where control is key to success.
More on the science of wine and cheese pairing:
Mapping the Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairing
Wine and Cheese Pairings Have Scientific Basis
Why Wine Goes with Cheese
Thanks for sharing, James! As a lover of all things cheese (and food in general), I do love a good wine and cheese pairing, especially with all of the right fixings. In addition to the articles that you found, I found this more illustrative guide to wine and cheese pairings that was very effective and eye catching.
ReplyDeleteSome of my favorite pairings include:
Gruyere - Chardonnary because a melty cheese bodes well with a fruity white wine
Ricotta - Reisling because a sweet cheese deserves a sweet wine
Aged Cheddar - Malbec because a chocolaty Malbec helps with the sharpness of the cheddar
Can't wait to try some of these combos on Thursday!
https://vinepair.com/wine-blog/an-illustrated-guide-to-pairing-wine-and-cheese/