Smoked Gruyère
(Switzerland)
Gruyère is a semi-hard cheese that originated in the Fribourg, Vaud, Neuchâtel, Jura, and Bern cantons in Switzerland.
Gruyère is named after the town of Gruyères in Fribourg.
Wine Pairing Smoked Gruyère
Smoked Gruyère pairs best with medium-bodied, fruity red wines (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Zinfandel) to match its smoky intensity and nutty richness, or aromatic white wines (Riesling, Gewürztraminer) for a high-contrast pairing.
The smoky, complex nature of the cheese also balances well with spicy, full-bodied reds like Shiraz.
Excellent Wine Pairings
Oaked Pinot Noir
Bright acidity balances the creaminess, while red fruit notes complement the smoky flavor.Grenache & Zinfandel
These fruity and spicy reds stand up to the robust, smoky nature of the cheese.Merlot
Merlot offers soft tannins and ripe fruit flavors that complement the smooth, nutty profile of the Gruyère without overpowering it.Malbec
Its bold, concentrated fruit notes (blackberry, plum) complement the smoky, salty cheese profile. And its good acidity stands up well to the strong, intense flavors of a smoked Gruyère.Syrah (Shiraz)
The spices in a rich Syrah echoes the smoky, savory notes of the cheese.Oaked Chardonnay
The buttery, woody, and complex notes complement the creamy, salty, and intense flavor of a smoked cheese.Roussanne
This white varietal is specifically noted for working well with the intensity of smoked varieties like smoked Gruyère.Gewürztraminer
Aromatic, floral notes pair beautifully with smoked cheese.Riesling Spätlese
A slightly off-dry Riesling with vibrant acidity can balance out the strong flavor of a smoked cheese. Look for a German or Alsace Riesling Spätlese with some residual sugar to contrast the cheese's intensity.
Sparkling Wines
Champagne
A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of smoked cheese and elevate the tasting experience.Prosecco
The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of the cheese, making it a delightful pairing option.Cava
High acidity cuts through the fat.Lambrusco
This slightly sparkling red wine from Emilia-Romagna, Italy, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of smoked cheeses while cleansing the palate.
Dessert Wines
Aged Port
Vintage Port, or a Tawny Port, can be a delightful pairing with smoked Gruyère.
The wine's rich flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel, along with its sweetness and smooth texture, will enhance the nuttiness and savory notes of any cheese.
Sherry Amontillado
Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of smoked Gruyère. Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.
Madeira
The rich and caramelized flavors of Madeira can complement the nutty and savory notes of smoked cheeses, making it a great pairing option.
Personal Preferences
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Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!
Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.
Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:
- Crusty Bread and Crackers
- Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
- Grapes and Berries
- Olives and Garlic
- Figs and Rasins
- Apple and Honey
- Sliced Pear
- Dark Chocolate
- Rosemary and Thyme
Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615
If it Grows Together
If it grows together it goes together.
Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:
France
Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.
Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.
French Sauternes with French Roquefort.
Italy
Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.
Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.
Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.
Spain
Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.
Alpine
Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.