Heavenly Harmony: Ideal Wine Complements for Cheese Wedding Cakes
By: Lily Meyers
Wedding cakes often embody sweetness and tradition, but for couples seeking a more savoury and sophisticated option, the rise of cheese wedding cakes has been nothing short of delightful. These unique creations, crafted from layers of diverse cheeses adorned with fruits and herbs, have taken the spotlight as an elegant centrepiece during receptions. However, these culinary marvels don’t stand alone; they find their ultimate partner in wine. The task at hand? Selecting the ideal wine to complement the flavours of each cheese, an endeavour that promises to elevate the gastronomic experience to new heights.
The Rise of Wedding Cheese Cakes
Over the years, weddings have seen a shift from traditional tiered cakes to more unique and alternative options. One such trend that has gained significant popularity is the rise of alternative cakes. One reason for this is the overall price of weddings rising. The average cost of a wedding in the UK rose from £15,171 the year before to £16,001 in 2021.
Cheese cakes have emerged as a popular choice for couples who appreciate savoury flavours and want to offer something different to their guests. They are typically made up of several tiers of assorted cheeses, stacked on top of each other to create a visually striking centrepiece.
Another reason for the popularity of cheese tiers is the endless possibilities for customisation and decoration. Couples can choose from a wide variety of types, from mild and buttery brie to pungent and aged blue cheese. To enhance the visual appeal tiers can be adorned with fruits, nuts, herbs, or even edible flowers, adding to the aesthetic charm of the cake.
Wine Pairings
Sparkling Wine
The enchanting world of sparkling wine beckons, offering an impeccable accompaniment to any cheese wedding cake. The effervescence and invigorating acidity cleanse the palate between each sumptuous bite of cheese, a harmonious rhythm that balances the richness of the dairy. When faced with a cheese cake boasting velvety brie and zesty goat cheese, the likes of dry champagne, Prosecco, or Cava step forward as exquisite dance partners in this culinary waltz.
Riesling
The dry or semi-dry Riesling presents itself as a fitting harmony. Its crisp, fruity notes find kinship with an array of cheese flavours, while the wine's inherent sweetness elegantly intertwines with the cheese's savoury saltiness. Imagine aged gouda, blue cheese, or Swiss cheese gracing the stage, their flavours twirling gracefully with the nuanced symphony of Riesling.
Pinot Noir
For those favouring the allure of red wine, the distinguished Pinot Noir emerges as a premier choice for cheese cake pairings. Particularly when the cake boasts supple, creamy cheeses such as brie. The
wine's delicate body and fruit-forward character dance seamlessly with the cheese, neither overshadowing nor overpowering. Subtle tannins step in, providing structure and equilibrium to this harmonious duet.
Cabernet Sauvignon
A bold Cabernet Sauvignon, with its full-bodied presence, steps into the limelight as a complement to select cheese wedding cakes. Especially those crowned with aged cheddar or robust blue varieties. The wine's opulent dark fruit flavours elevate the cheese's piquancy, while its tannins artfully navigate the cheese's complexities, unfurling a truly delectable experience.
Non-Alcoholic
In a world where personal preferences, dietary considerations, and cultural values converge, non-alcoholic pairings with cheese have risen in prominence.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juices, particularly those with a tangy or subtly acidic profile, step onto the stage to embrace the cheese's richness. Citrus juices like orange, grapefruit, or lemon provide a vivacious counterpoint to creamy cheeses, while apple or pear juices gracefully partner with milder and fruity cheese counterparts.Tea
Tea's vast range of flavours and fragrances may provide cheese with intriguing and complimentary overtones. A hot or iced tea may be a good option depending on the type of cheese. Aged cheeses go well with bold-flavoured black teas, while softer or herbal cheese flavours go well with green teas or herbal infusions.Cider
Ciders, whether sparkling or still can find their niche as great cheese mates within the world of non-alcoholic options. Ciders natural sweetness and vivacious acidity blend well with cheese tastes, especially those that include a hint of tanginess or nuttiness.The Evolution of Cheese Wedding Cakes
Pairing cheese and wine together has a long history, dating back centuries. The practice originated in Europe, where both cheese and wine were staples of the diet and had been produced for generations.
Historically, wine and cheese were often produced and consumed in the same regions, allowing for a natural synergy to develop between the two. In France, for example, certain wines and cheeses are named after the regions where they were traditionally produced, such as the pairing of Port wine with Stilton cheese from England.
The idea of pairing cheese and wine together gained popularity in the Middle Ages, as wine was considered a luxury product and a sign of status. Cheese, which was often less expensive, became a popular accompaniment to wine, as it was able to balance out the flavours and provide a more satisfying experience.
In the 20th century, pairing cheese and wine became more sophisticated, with wine connoisseurs and gastronomes advocating for the pairing of specific cheeses with specific wines. Books and articles were published, pairing guides were created, and the practice became more refined.
Sources:
https://forbetterforworse.co.
https://www.chucklingcheese.
https://www.lovetoknow.com/
https://www.bakehoney.com/
