Why I Absolutely Love Cheese – and How You Can Too
If you’re looking to deepen your appreciation for cheese, cheese tasting is the perfect way to explore new flavors, textures, and aromas. Whether you’re a seasoned cheese lover or just beginning to discover the world of artisanal cheeses, participating in a cheese tasting near me can open up a world of culinary experiences. From the creamy softness of Brie to the bold sharpness of aged cheddar, cheese tasting offers something for every palate. If you’re ready to take your passion for cheese to the next level, consider joining a Murray’s Cheese tasting class, where you can learn from experts and enhance your cheese knowledge. In this blog post, I’ll share why I love cheese, how to taste it like a pro, and why cheese pairs so beautifully with wine.
Tasting cheese is not just about indulging in food—it’s a sensory experience that engages all of your senses to fully appreciate the intricate layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make each cheese unique. For over a decade, I had the joy of making artisanal cheeses, and it’s been one of the most rewarding and creative parts of my journey. My passion for cheese was the foundation of my approach to food, wine, and flavor. But it wasn’t just the craftsmanship of cheese making that captivated me—it’s how perfectly wine and cheese pair together, creating an experience unlike anything else.
If you’re someone who enjoys wine, you’ll probably agree that pairing wine with food can elevate your dining experience. But what if you could take that pairing one step further? What if you could combine wine with something that complements and enhances its flavors—something as rich in history and culture as wine itself? Enter cheese. The marriage of cheese and wine is a timeless duo that has been perfected over centuries, and it’s something that, when done right, can bring your wine experience to a whole new level.
In this blog post, I’m going to share why I love cheese, how wine and cheese make such an amazing pairing, and how you can learn to appreciate cheese in the same way I do. Whether you’re an experienced cheese lover or someone just beginning to explore the world of artisanal cheeses, I hope this post will inspire you to dive deeper into this world of flavor.
My Journey with Cheese
Before I became a Level 3 Sommelier and immersed myself in the world of wine, I spent over a decade making a wide range of artisanal cheeses. This hands-on experience gave me a deep appreciation for the complexity of cheese making—from the careful selection of milk to the intricacies of aging. Cheese is not just a food; it’s a craft, a form of artistry that connects culture, history, and the land.
I began making cheese in my own kitchen, experimenting with different styles, textures, and flavors. The process fascinated me. Each step—culturing, curdling, draining, pressing, and aging—was an opportunity to create something uniquely delicious. From the tangy freshness of goat cheese to the nutty, complex flavors of aged cow’s milk cheeses, the range of flavors you can experience in cheese is as broad as that of wine.
I learned early on that cheese is not just a food to eat; it’s an experience to be savored, much like wine. And just like wine, the right pairing can elevate both the cheese and the wine to new heights. This is one of the main reasons cheese has such an important place in my brand, Food, Wine, and Flavor. I see them as interconnected elements that form a complete sensory experience.
The Sensory Experience of Tasting Cheese
When you taste cheese, you’re engaging all of your senses in an exploration of flavors, textures, and aromas. The process is deliberate, and while it may seem simple at first, it’s an art form in its own right. Let’s break down how you can approach cheese tasting to get the most out of the experience.
1. Choose Your Cheese
The first step is to choose a cheese that you want to taste. Whether you’re going to a cheese shop or selecting from your own cheese drawer, pick a variety that excites you. Try something you’re unfamiliar with or something you haven’t had in a while. The world of cheese is vast, with over 1,000 varieties available worldwide. Each cheese has its own story, and tasting them is like reading a chapter in the book of cheese-making history.
2. Let the Cheese Come to Room Temperature
Cheese is best enjoyed at room temperature. Cold cheese straight out of the fridge can have muted flavors and an unappealing texture. Allow your cheese to sit out for at least an hour before tasting. Room temperature helps release the full spectrum of flavors and allows the natural oils in the cheese to come alive.
3. Use the Right Tools
To enhance the tasting experience, use a proper cheese board or plate to present your selection. A neutral-colored board allows you to fully appreciate the colors of the cheese. When cutting the cheese, use a separate knife for each variety to avoid cross-contaminating flavors. A neutral cracker or slice of bread can be used to cleanse your palate between cheeses, ensuring you don’t overwhelm your senses with one flavor.
4. Observe the Cheese
Before diving into tasting, take a moment to observe the cheese. Notice the color, texture, and any distinctive features such as the rind, eyes (the holes inside the cheese), or the surface characteristics. For example, a crumbly texture might indicate a well-aged cheese, while a creamy, soft cheese might be younger and fresher. Visual cues provide valuable insights into what to expect from the cheese in terms of flavor and texture.
5. Smell the Cheese
Next, bring the cheese to your nose and take a deep breath. Smelling cheese is one of the most important steps in the tasting process, as it reveals much about the cheese’s character. Each cheese will have its own aroma, ranging from floral and fruity to earthy, nutty, or even pungent. Allow the aroma to inform your expectations. A strong, pungent odor might signal a rich, full-bodied cheese, while a mild aroma could indicate something more delicate.
6. Taste the Cheese
Now comes the fun part: tasting. Take a small piece of cheese and place it on your tongue. Don’t rush. Let it melt in your mouth, coating your tongue with its flavors. Take note of the texture—whether it’s creamy, crumbly, smooth, or firm. Pay attention to the different flavors that unfold as the cheese moves around in your mouth. Do you detect hints of earthiness? Is there a tangy or nutty element? Taste is a complex experience, and each cheese offers its own unique combination of flavors.
7. Consider the Finish
The finish refers to the lingering aftertaste that stays with you after you’ve swallowed the cheese. Does the flavor leave a pleasant, savory taste? Or is it sharp, tangy, or even a bit bitter? The finish is an essential component of the tasting experience and can tell you a lot about the aging process and the milk used in the cheese.
8. Pair With Complementary Flavors
Cheese is best enjoyed with complementary flavors, which is where wine comes in. The right wine pairing can elevate both the cheese and the wine itself. For example, a rich, creamy Brie pairs wonderfully with the acidity of a crisp Chardonnay, while a sharp blue cheese complements the boldness of a full-bodied red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite pairings. The possibilities are endless.
Why Cheese Pairs So Well with Wine
Now that you’ve learned how to taste cheese, let’s talk about why wine and cheese are such a perfect match. The marriage of these two culinary delights has been enjoyed for centuries, and for good reason. When paired correctly, cheese and wine complement each other in ways that enhance their individual flavors, textures, and aromas.
1. Contrast of Flavors
When pairing wine with cheese, one of the key principles is finding a balance of contrasting flavors. A rich, creamy brie pairs wonderfully with a crisp, acidic white wine like Chardonnay. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, while the smooth texture of the brie allows the wine’s fruitiness to shine. Similarly, a sharp blue cheese can be paired with a bold, tannic red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s tannins help balance the strong, pungent flavors of the cheese.
2. Enhancing Each Other’s Flavors
Just as a cheese’s finish can linger on the palate, wine can act as a flavor enhancer. The right wine will amplify the cheese’s best qualities, whether it’s the creaminess, saltiness, or tanginess. For example, a sweet dessert wine like Sauternes can pair beautifully with a salty blue cheese, creating a delicious contrast that highlights the richness of both.
3. Regional Pairings
Many of the world’s most iconic cheese and wine pairings come from the same regions. Take, for instance, the pairing of Bordeaux wines with French cheeses such as Brie or Roquefort. These regional pairings have evolved over centuries, with local cheese and wine makers honing their craft to complement the flavors found in their terroir. Exploring these regional pairings offers a deeper understanding of both the wine and the cheese.
Cheese as Part of My Brand: Food, Wine, and Flavor
As a wine educator and lover of all things culinary, cheese is a huge part of my brand, Food Wine and Flavor. It isn’t just about wine—it’s about the holistic experience of enjoying food, wine, and flavor in all its forms. Cheese is a sensory delight, and when you pair it with the right wine, you enter into an experience that connects you to the land, the history, and the artistry behind each creation.
For me, cheese represents more than just food; it’s an invitation to slow down, savor the moment, and appreciate the craft that goes into each piece. It’s about connecting with the flavors, the textures, and the culture of the cheese. It’s about learning to taste in a way that goes beyond the surface and into the heart of what makes something truly special.
How You Can Fall in Love with Cheese
If you’re reading this and thinking, “That sounds amazing, but I’ve never really been into cheese,” don’t worry—you’re not alone. Cheese, like wine, can feel intimidating at first, especially with all the different types and styles out there. But the beauty of cheese is that there’s no right or wrong way to enjoy it. The more you explore, the more you’ll find your favorites. Here are a few tips for discovering the magic of cheese:
1. Start Simple
If you’re new to cheese, start with the basics. Try a few different types of cheese—perhaps a soft cheese like Brie, a semi-soft like Gouda, and a harder cheese like Parmigiano-Reggiano. These three will give you a range of textures and flavors to get started with.
2. Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment
Cheese is meant to be enjoyed, so don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it’s a goat cheese from the south of France or a sharp cheddar from England, try a few cheeses you haven’t tasted before and see what resonates with your palate.
3. Pair with Wine
When you’re ready, start pairing your cheeses with wine. This is where the magic happens. Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with a tangy goat cheese, or a rich Cabernet Sauvignon with a firm cheddar. Explore the combinations, and notice how the flavors evolve when the two come together.
4. Take Your Time
Remember, cheese tasting is about savoring the experience, not rushing through it. Take your time, enjoy the journey, and savor each bite. Over time, you’ll learn more about your own preferences and develop a deeper connection with the flavors and textures of cheese.
Wrapping Up
I’ve spent more than two decades immersed in the world of cheese, and I can say without hesitation that cheese is a journey worth taking. Whether you’re just starting to explore it or have been enjoying it for years, there’s always something new to discover in the world of cheese. And when you pair it with the right wine, it becomes even more extraordinary.
So, why do I love cheese? Because it’s an adventure in taste, texture, and history. And I want to share that with you. So, start your cheese journey today—savor, pair, and, most importantly, enjoy!
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