Red Leicester (UK)

Leicester is an Eglish hard Cow cheese named after the city of Leicester. It is aged from 6 to 12 months, similar to Cheddar, but more moist.

Wine Pairing Red Leicester

Red Leicester is known for its orange color and mellow, slightly sweet flavor. It has a firm texture and a creamy, buttery finish. The deep orange color comes from a pigment called "Annatto". It is extracted from the seeds of the Achiote tree in South America, and used as body paint, dye, lipstick as well as spice in food.

The taste changes with ageing, from slightly sweet when young, to savory and nutty when mature. One reason is the loss of moisture and concentration of salt.

When selecting wines to pair with Leicester, it's essential to consider its mild yet slightly nutty taste and firm texture.

Below are some excellent wine options:

Ruby Port

Ruby Port is the ideal partner for a cheeseboard with full flavoured cheeses such as farmhouse Cheddar and Red Leicester. Ruby Port's rich and nutty flavors with hints of caramel and dried fruit can be a delicious pairing. The wine's sweetness and complexity complements the cheese's creamy texture and mellow sweetness.

Zinfandel

Being a hard cheese, Red Leicester matches best full-bodied red wines with the same intensity.

Zinfandel, with its bold fruitiness and hints of spice, can be an excellent pairing choice. Look for a Zinfandel with ripe berry flavors and a medium to full-bodied structure to complement the cheese's nutty undertones.

English Sparkling Wine

Sparkling wine from England, particularly those made using the traditional method, can be an excellent choice for pairing with a Red Leicester.

Look for English sparkling wines with crisp acidity and citrusy notes to refresh the palate and enhance the cheese's flavors.

Sparkling Wines

Champagne

A dry Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of a Red Leicester and elevate the tasting experience.

Cava

Cava, a sparkling wine from Spain made using the traditional method, can provide a refreshing contrast to the saltiness of a Red Leicester.

Cava's crisp acidity, fine bubbles, and citrusy notes make it an excellent choice for pairing with this cheese.

Prosecco

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

Dessert Wines

Aged Port

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

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.

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 a Red Leicester, making it a delightful pairing.

Madeira

The rich and caramelized flavors of Madeira can complement the nutty and savory notes of aged cheeses, making it a great pairing option.

Sherry Amontillado

Sherry Amontillado is a dry and nutty fortified wine that enhances the nuttiness of.

Its oxidative notes and complex flavors of almonds, caramel, and dried fruits create a delicious contrast with the cheese.

Personal Preferences

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: