The Perfect Italian Wine and Cheese Pairings

Fancy trying some wine and cheese pairings but not sure where to start? It sounds like a rather fancy affair, doesn’t it? But the truth is, with a little guidance anyone can enjoy a wine and cheese night from the comfort of their own home.

So I am pleased to say you have arrived at the right place! In collaboration with Independent Wines, I have taken the homework out of the perfect wine and cheese night for you. Below I have listed some excellent Italian wines with tasting notes and a selection of cheeses that perfectly compliments each one. I have covered several wine varietals and therefore there is guaranteed to be something for everyone!

Disclosure: This is a partnered post

Sparkling White Wine

Lo Sparviere Brut Cuvée n.7 NV

This Italian dry sparkling wine is pale yellow in colour and has been produced using méthode classique (i.e. the way they make Champagne). It has elegant aromas of ripe peach, hints of honey, butter, toasted bread and almonds. This wine is full bodied, tangy and fresh, with a long, elegant finish.

Pungent cheeses should match deliciously with this wine, such as:

Blue Cheese,
Epoisses,
Gorgonzola,
Roquefort,
Stilton, and
Taleggio

PS – Almonds will also be terrific.

Sparkling Rose Wine

Francone Valsellera | Sparkling Rosé Brut NV

A sparkling rose from Italy which is fresh, dry and a pale ruby colour. On the nose, it is fruity, with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, vanilla and toasted bread. A perfectly refreshing drop which is ideal on a warm day.

Pair this wine with delicate and nutty cheeses such as:

Brie,
Compte,
Gruyere,
Havarti, and
Mascarpone.

White Wine

Maturum Chardonnay 2017

Mention Chardonnay and many people will screw up their noses. However this particular wine is likely to impress you with its complex flavors and intense aromas. Expect it to be light on the palate with notes of golden apple, vanilla and tropical fruits.

As this is an oaked Chardonnay, cheeses which would perfectly compliment this wine include:

Aged Cheddar,
Goats Cheese, and
Triple Cream Brie.

Red Wine

La Castellina – Squarcialupi Riserva 2015

This Tuscan red wine is dry, with a deep ruby colour. It is a bold and full bodied wine which exhibits pronounced aromas of red plum, raspberry, blackberry, chocolate and cinnamon.

This Chianti Classico wine offers high acidity and velvety tannins. Hence, hard aged cheeses will match perfectly such as:

Asiago,
Parmesan,
Pecorino, and
Toscano.

Preparing Your Platter

When preparing for your wine and cheese pairings, I also suggest putting together a platter to accompany your tasting. Think simple foods that don’t take a lot of effort to prepare – all you need to do is arrange them on a plate. They can also act as a great palate cleanser and help to line the stomach! Some of the staples required to make a delicious platter include:

Cold cut meats,
Assortment of nuts,
Fresh and dried fruits,
Marinated olives,
Bread and crackers,
Dips or chutneys, and
Something small but sweet.

And if you are feeling really adventurous, why not finish off your wine and cheese pairings with a tipple of limoncello.

About Independent Wines

Independent Wines offers premium wines, predominantly from Italy, from their online wine shop. The wines available have been expertly hand selected from ethical and fair trade vineyards. And best of all, they offer next day UK delivery – what more could you want?

So there you have it, the perfect Italian wine and cheese pairings. We hope it has provided you with a little inspiration to try out your own wine and cheese pairing at home. Let me know what is your favorite wine and cheese combination in the comments section below. Because we all know that there is nothing better than an evening filled with good food, great wine and excellent company. Enjoy – Shell x

Shelley Whittaker

Shelley is the Founder of Wander & Luxe. She is an award nominated blogger and has worked in the travel, motherhood and lifestyle space since 2016. Her mission is to inspire family wanderlust by showing her adventures and sharing her knowledge and know how when travelling with kids. All whilst she tries to conquer motherhood and indulge in life’s little luxuries.