The Art of Pairing Greek Wine with Cheese

Wine and cheese pairings are a cornerstone of culinary pleasure, and when it comes to pairing Greek wines and cheeses, the experience is elevated to an art form. Pairing is about understanding the essence of each cheese and listening to what the wine whispers. Although connoisseurs offer guidance, true pairing is an idiosyncratic dance of flavors, each step guided by individual palate and preference.

Greek Cheese and Wine Pairing: A Dance of Flavors

When we consider pairing wine with cheese, the focus is on complementing and contrasting flavors that enhance the sensory experience. Greek cheeses, with their diverse textures and flavors, present a delightful challenge for pairing with the equally diverse Greek wines, and there is something undeniably alluring about the complex dance of flavors that occurs when a rich, aged cheese meets its liquid counterpart.

The harmonious blend of feta cheese and wine

Iconic Greek feta cheese, known for its crumbly texture and salty flavor, pairs beautifully with the acidity and zest of Greek white wines. The dry minerality of an Assyrtiko balances the tang of feta, while a well-chilled Retsina subtly accentuates its salty profile.

Aromatic whites and soft cheeses: A delicate union

Aromatic white wines are a perfect pairing for softer Greek cheeses, such as the creamy Galotyri or the luscious Manouri. A fragrant Moschofilero complements these cheeses with its floral bouquet and hints of citrus, while a Malagousia, with its rich aromatic complexity, is a perfect choice to enhance the mild flavors of the cheese.

Red wines and strong yellow cheeses

The hearty yellow cheeses of Greece, like the aged Graviera or the piquant Kefalograviera, require wines with enough character to match their intensity. Maturation and aging give these cheeses their characteristic yellow hue and develop their texture from semi-hard to hard, and it elevates the flavors and aromas to a level of complexity rarely reached by white cheeses. With notes of nuts, butter, freshly baked bread, and caramelized milk, these cheeses are a flavor journey in and of themselves. But it’s the tannins in the red wines that truly unlock their potential, serving as the key to a treasure trove of flavors.

A full-bodied Agiorgitiko, with its ripe red fruit flavors and velvety tannins, is an excellent partner for these hard cheeses. Alternatively, a glass of Xinomavro, with its firm structure and notes of olives and sun-dried tomatoes, complements the nuttiness and texture of aged cheeses.

The spicier side: Robust Reds with Peppery Cheeses

With cheeses with a spicy edge, such as the fiery Tiromalama or a barrel-aged Feta, the wines need to hold their own. A robust Xinomavro, with its bold tannins and spicy palate, or a full-bodied Mavrodaphne, known for its dark fruit flavors and complex profile, can match these cheeses in both flavor and intensity.

White wines with yellow cheeses: Breaking the Mold

Contrary to popular belief, white wines can indeed pair beautifully with yellow cheeses. A youthful, vibrant Assyrtiko or an oak-aged Savatiano brings a freshness that can cut through the richness of semi-hard cheeses, creating a balanced and invigorating pairing.

Pairing Wine with Greek Cheeses: A Practical Approach

Feta: Greece’s Signature Cheese

• Pair with: Assyrtiko, Retsina
• Flavor Profile: Crisp, acidic wines that contrast the salty, tangy cheese

Aged Yellow Cheeses: The bold flavors of Greece

• Pair with: Agiorgitiko, Xinomavro, Cabernet
• Flavor Profile: Wines with bold, tannic structures that can stand up to the strong flavors of the cheese.

Less Aged Yellow Cheeses: One-year-old Graviera, Kaseri or Kefalograviera

• Pair with: Merlot, a fruity Nemea or a medium-aged Goumenissa
• Flavor Profile: These wines provide a backdrop that allows the cheese to be the star, supporting without dominating.

Smoked cheese: Metsovone or Vermion

• Pair with: Barrel-aged wines like a robust Roditis or an intense Limniona
• Flavor profile: Wines with woody, smoky notes that reflect the smokiness of the cheese

Peppery cheeses: The flavor explosion

• Pair with: Spicy and robust reds like Xinomavro
• Flavor Profile: Bold wines that echo the spiciness of the cheese without overpowering it.

Soft white cheeses: The creamy indulgence

• Pair with: Aromatic whites such as Moschofilero, Malagousia
• Flavor Profile: Floral and fragrant wines that gently enhance the subtlety of the cheese

Greek Wine and Cheese Pairing FAQs

What wines go well with Kasseri cheese?

Kasseri, with its semi-hard texture and slightly tangy flavor, can be paired with a medium-bodied Chardonnay or an elegant Vidiano from Crete. These wines offer a harmonious balance to the salty and buttery notes of the cheese.

Can red wine be paired with white cheese?

Yes, red wine can complement white cheese beautifully, especially if the cheese has bold flavors or a firmer texture. A young, vibrant red wine with moderate tannins, such as a Merlot, can pair well with a mature goat’s cheese.

What is the best Greek wine to pair with blue cheese?

Blue cheese, with its intense and pungent character, pairs well with sweet wines that balance its strong flavor. A sweet Muscat from Samos or a Vinsanto from Santorini, with their honeyed notes, offer a delightful counterpoint to the sharpness of the cheese.

Which wine goes well with Greek salad?

Greek salad, characterized by their fresh vegetables and white cheese, finds a seamless match in the crispness of Assyrtiko wine. The inherent minerality and zesty citrus undertones of this Greek varietal enhance the simple yet robust flavors of the salad. Such a pairing promises a delightful and refreshing start to any dining experience.

The key to a successful pairing is balance

Pairing Greek cheeses with their native wines is an exploration of heritage, tradition and taste. The key to a successful pairing is balance – allowing both the wine and the cheese to shine without one overpowering the other. Whether you’re a connoisseur or a casual enthusiast, experimenting with Greek wine and cheese pairings promises a journey of gastronomic pleasure. Enjoy the discovery, one sip and one bite at a time.

Read more:

• 15 types of Greek Cheese