W3 Wine School

Parmigiano Reggiano (Italy)

Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian Cow Cheese.

Parmesan Reggiano

Wine Pairing Parmesan

Parmesan (Parmigiano-Reggiano) pairs best with structured red wines like Chianti, Barolo, or Merlot, which complement its savory umami, or with nutty, aged Chardonnay to match its rich, crystalline texture.

For a traditional approach, enjoy it with Italian sparkling wines like Prosecco or Lambrusco, which cut through the saltiness.


About Parmesan

Parmesan is the most popular cheese in Italy, and also one of the world's top Connoisseurs cheeses.

Parmigiano is perfect grated over Pasta, Salads, and Soups and is also good Alone.

Excellent Wine Pairings

Barolo

This robust red wine from the Piemonte region in Italy, has intense flavors of cherry, leather, and earthiness. Barolo wines are full-bodied with strong acidity and high tannins that complement the richness and sharpness Parmesan.

Barbaresco

Made from Nebbiolo grapes in the Piemonte region, Barbaresco is a complex and structured red wine with floral, fruity, and earthy notes. Its acidity and tannins can enhance the nutty and savory flavors of Parmesan.

Chianti Classico Riserva

Chianti Classico Riserva is a well-balanced red wine with flavors of tart cherry, earth, and herbs. Its acidity and medium body make it a versatile pairing option for a variety of aged cheeses.

Soave Classico

This dry white wine from the Veneto region is made primarily from Garganega grapes. Its crisp acidity and floral notes can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of Parmesan.

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, with its aromatic profile of lychee, rose petals, and spice, can pair nicely with Parmesan. Its floral and slightly sweet notes can enhance the cheese's flavor while providing a refreshing contrast.

Oaked Chardonnay

A full-bodied oaked Chardonnay is a match made in heaven with an aged cheese like Parmesan. Its moderate acidity and citrus notes let the flavors of the cheese shine without becoming overpowering. The finish of Parmesan wraps it in a sweet balance with the oaky, buttery elements of an oaked Chardonnay.

Sparkling Wines


Franciacorta

Franciacorta is considered the superior pairing for aged Italian cheese.

Its complex, yeasty, and structured nature (produced in the traditional method) stands up well to the intense flavors and fat content of hard, aged cheeses, acting as an excellent palate cleanser.


Prosecco

With its lively bubbles and flavors of green apple and citrus, Prosecco can provide a delightful contrast to the richness of Parmesan.

Lambrusco

This slightly sparkling Italian red wine from Emilia-Romagna, offers a touch of sweetness, bright acidity, and fruity flavors that can balance the richness of Parmesanwhile cleansing the palate.

Dessert Wines


Vin Santo

Vin Santo is a sweet dessert wine from Tuscany, often made from dried grapes. Its honeyed flavors and nutty undertones can pair beautifully with Parmesan, particularly when served as a dessert pairing.

Marsala

Marsala is a fortified wine from Sicily with flavors of dried fruits, nuts, and caramel. Its sweetness and richness can complement the nuttiness of Parmesan, making it a delightful pairing.


Aged Port

Aged Port, a Tawny or Ruby, can be a delightful pairing with Parmesan.

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.

Personal Preferences

Wine and Cheese

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

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 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.


France Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.


France Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.


France Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.


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