Choosing the Correct Wine Pairing for Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have become a delightful alternative to traditional sweet cakes, offering couples a savoury and tasteful option. 

This guide explores the art of creating the perfect cheese wedding cake and pairing it with complementary wines, creating an unforgettable culinary experience for your wedding.

The Rise of Cheese Wedding Cakes

Cheese wedding cakes have gained tremendous popularity as couples seek unique and personalised alternatives to traditional sweet cakes. 

These creations of artisanal cheeses reflect a shift towards more savoury options and align with the rising costs of weddings, as cheesecakes can be a cost-effective and waste-reducing choice.

Cheese wedding cakes offer endless possibilities for customisation, allowing couples to showcase their favourite varieties and regional specialities. From creamy Bries to sharp Cheddars and pungent Blue cheeses, these cheeses create a spectacular and delicious focal point at the reception.
 

Crafting the Perfect Cheese Wedding Cake

Creating a memorable cheese wedding cake is an art that combines flavour, texture, and visual appeal. 

The key to a successful cheesecake lies in variety. Include a range of cheese types to appeal to different palates, such as a soft cheese like Brie or Camembert, a hard cheese such as Cheddar or Gouda, a blue cheese like Stilton or Roquefort, and perhaps a goat's cheese or flavoured variety.

When constructing your cake, consider the structure carefully. Start with a larger, firmer cheese as the base and work your way up to smaller, softer cheeses. This approach ensures stability and creates an attractive tiered appearance.

Consider incorporating elements from luxury cheese gifts into your cake design for an extra touch of elegance.

The Art of Wine Pairing

Selecting the perfect wines to accompany your cheese wedding cake can elevate the entire tasting experience. The world of wine and cheese pairing is vast and exciting, with countless combinations to explore.

Sparkling wine, such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava, pairs beautifully with soft, creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert. The bubbly nature and acidity of these wines cleanse the palate between bites, balancing the cheese's rich, creamy textures.

Consider a dry or semi-dry Riesling for various cheeses, from aged Gouda to Blue cheese. Its crisp, fruity notes complement a variety of cheese flavours, while the wine's inherent sweetness elegantly combines with the cheese's savoury saltiness.

If you prefer red wine, Pinot Noir is an excellent match for softer cheeses. Its light body and fruit-forward character won't overpower delicate flavours, while its subtle tannic notes provide structure and balance to the pairing.

A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon can stand up to the intense flavours of stronger, aged cheeses like mature Cheddar or robust Blue varieties. The wine's abundant dark fruit flavours elevate the cheese's richness while its tannins artfully navigate its complexities.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings

Plenty of delightful alternatives exist for guests who prefer non-alcoholic options. Tangy fruit juices or apple cider can provide a refreshing contrast to rich cheeses, mimicking some of the palate-cleansing properties of wine.

Various teas, from black tea to green tea, can complement different cheese flavours. Like wine pairings, tea offers a range of options that can be tailored to match specific cheese types.

Craft soft drinks with unique flavour profiles can offer exciting pairings with certain cheeses. These beverages often have complex flavour notes that can interact with cheese in surprising and delightful ways.

Tips for a Successful Cheese and Wine Experience

To ensure the best possible experience for your guests, pay attention to the details of serving your cheese wedding cake and accompanying wines. Both cheese and wine should be served at optimal temperatures to ensure the best flavour profiles. Provide a variety of cheese knives and serving utensils to make sampling easy for your guests.

Clear labelling is crucial. Provide small labels or a menu detailing the types of cheeses and suggested wine pairings. This will help guests navigate the selections and add an educational element to the experience.

Consider the timing of your cheesecake presentation. If you also have a traditional cake, you might serve the cheesecake later in the evening as part of the buffet.
 

Want to Become a Cheese and Wine Pairing Expert?

The Chuckling Cheese Company offers over 40 flavoured cheddar barrels, wax coated cheese truckles, and an expanding selection of accompaniments. 

From mastering the art of cheesecake construction to discovering new and exciting wine pairings, your path to becoming a proper cheese and wine connoisseur starts here. 

We also offer a subscription service for those who want to explore new cheeses regularly. For corporate gift ideas or business gifts, consider our cheese hampers or get well soon hampers featuring a selection of our finest cheeses. We even offer high-protein snacks like pork scratchings to complement your cheese selections.

Visit our stores or explore our online selection to deepen your knowledge and find the perfect combinations for your special day or corporate gifting needs!