Maó / Mahón (Spain)
Maó in Catalan, Mahón in Spanish is a semi-hard cheese made from Cow milk.
It is named after the port of Mahón on the island of Menorca.
Mahón is considered one of the most versatile cheeses of the Spanish gastronomy.
Wine Pairing Mahón
When selecting wines to pair with Mahón it is essential to consider the different salt and taste profiles:
Young Mahón (4 months) is semi-firm and has a mild, buttery flavor.
Aged Mahón (4-12 months) is saltier and have a more complex flavor.
Old Mahón (min 12 months) have a Parmesan type texture and a salty and intense taste.
Our best pairing suggestions are:
Rioja Crianza pairs best with young Mahón.
Rioja Reserva pairs best with aged Mahón.
All semi-hard or aged cheeses like a good sherry.
Young Mahón likes Fino Sherry.
Aged Mahón likes the smoked versions Amontillado or Oloroso.
Below are some excellent options to complement Mahón:
Red Wines
Aged cheeses pair best with bold red wines.
The fat content in aged cheeses do well to counteract the tannins in these wines.
Tempranillo
Spanish Tempranillo wines pair well with many types of cheese Mahón, mountain cheeses, goat cheeses, sheep cheeses, cow cheeses, semi-hard, and aged cheeses.
Look for a Tempranillo from Rioja or Ribera del Duero.
Rioja Reserva
Spanish Rioja wines offer complex flavors of red and dark fruits, vanilla, and spice, along with a smooth texture and firm tannins. A well-aged Rioja Reserva can provide a satisfying contrast to the sharpness of an aged Mahón, enhancing its rich and nutty character.
Ribera del Duero
These medium to full body wines, with red fruit flavors, and earthy undertones complements the nuttiness and enhance the savory character of Mahón.
Garnacha
Garnacha, another prominent Spanish red grape, offers ripe berry flavors, soft tannins, and a hint of spice.
A fruity Garnacha can provide a delicious contrast to the saltiness of Mahón while complementing its nutty and slightly sweet taste.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon with its rich dark fruit flavors, firm tannins, and hints of spice can provide a bold complement to Mahón.
The wine's structure and intensity can balance the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its nutty undertones.
Syrah/Shiraz
A bold and fruity Syrah/Shiraz can be a delicious pairing with Mahón.
The wine's dark fruit flavors, spicy notes, and firm tannins complements the cheese's robust flavors.
Oaked White Wines
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.