The Role of Tannins in Wine and Cheese Pairing: What You Need to Know
If you have ever participated in wine and cheese pairing, you may be familiar with the term "tannins." Tannins are naturally occurring compounds found in various plants, including grapevines and tea leaves. Tannins play an essential role in wine by providing structure, mouthfeel, and flavor. In cheese, tannins can also affect the taste, depending on the source of the cheese.
What are Tannins?
Tannins are a group of plant-based compounds that give drinks like wine their distinctive taste and texture. They are found in the skin, seeds, and stems of grapes, as well as in tea leaves and other plants. Tannins are responsible for the bitter, astringent taste that you may experience when drinking red wine or tea. They also provide structure and mouthfeel to these drinks, giving them body and texture.
When it comes to cheese, tannins may be present in the cheese itself or in the accompaniments, such as crackers or fruit, consumed alongside it. Tannins can have a significant impact on the flavor and overall experience of a cheese and wine pairing.
How Tannins Affect Wine and Cheese Pairing
The presence of tannins in wine can affect how it pairs with cheese. For example, tannins can make the wine taste bitter or astringent, overpowering the delicate flavors of a mild cheese. Alternatively, pairing a full-bodied, tannic wine with a strongly flavored, aged cheese can bring out the cheese's complexity and depth of flavor.
When pairing cheese with red wine, it is essential to consider the tannin levels in both the wine and cheese. High-tannin cheeses, such as aged cheddar or parmesan, pair well with full-bodied red wines because the tannins complement each other, creating a rich, complex flavor profile. Low-tannin cheeses, such as brie or goat cheese, pair better with lighter red or white wines to avoid overpowering the cheese's more subtle flavors.
The Bottom Line
Tannins play a crucial role in both wine and cheese, affecting their flavor, structure, and texture. When pairing wine and cheese, it is essential to consider the tannin levels in both to create a successful pairing. When in doubt, look for wine and cheese pairings that complement each other's flavors, rather than overpowering one another. Happy pairing!