Why do we have wine and cheese together? Wine and cheese pairing
Why are wine and cheese just so good together? They're a power couple, an operatic duet, a right and left silk glove, a French and Saunders combo.
There is science behind the dreaminess.
The complex flavours of your wine can sometimes be tricky to coax out of your glass. With time, a quiet and reserved wine can reveal layers of fruit, spice, nuts, flowers, herbs, savouriness and so much more.
Salt is a handy magnifying glass that brings these flavours to the surface. Everything tastes a little more epic with salt. And cheese certainly has lots of that. One bite of cheese - and, madre mia, the complex flavours in your wine are suddenly so boisterous, loud and easy to taste.
When tasting wine you will also experience acidity- that tingling, mouth watering sensation on the sides of your tongue.
If drinking red wine, you will feel the furry and drying effects of tannin. It might feel like your gums and teeth have got little woolly jumpers on.
When you eat fatty foods (like cheese!), the fat forms a protective oily layer over your tongue, teeth and gums. This means the acid and tannin in your wine can't penetrate past the fat to your tongue and gums - making the wine appear as smooth as a silk.
Most wines and cheeses are pretty glorious together. But certain pairings can be out of this world. Finding those duos are all part of the fun or wine and cheese tasting.
Want to experience some killers combos? That's what we do on The Drink Talking events, so come along! Here's what's coming up