The variety of cheeses in our country has nothing to envy from our French neighbors, and although there are countless types, Manchego cheese is undoubtedly one of the best.

While you can pair it with any wine of your preference, it's not the same to accompany it with red as it is with white. If you want to know what wine to pair with Manchego cheese and other cured cheeses to fully enjoy their flavor, you no longer need to worry because at Enrique Tomás, we'll explain it to you.

What is the best wine to accompany Manchego cheese

Manchego cheese is a sheep's cheese from Castilla-La Mancha, easily recognizable by its hard, light yellow rind and its compact, whitish interior. Its smell and, just like its taste, is strong. Once it touches your taste buds, your entire palate will be filled with its nuances!

To enjoy good Manchego, all you need is a bit of bread with olive oil and a glass of wine. It doesn't matter if it's for lunch or dinner; it's perfect at any time! Until now, it was most common to pair ham and cheese with some red wine since it was the most famous in our gastronomy. However, little by little, white wine is gaining more prominence over others like Rioja because its nuances are more delicate and allow the cheese and the curing aromas to have a stronger presence in the mouth.

So, what wine should you pair with Manchego cheese? Quite simply, among the different types of whites available, one of the most suitable pairings is a dry or slightly fruity semi-dry white wine. A good example would be a fresh Chardonnay white wine or any other from Castilla-La Mancha, the same region where the cheese originates.

If, on the other hand, you prefer red wine, you don't have to hold back because the soft ones, like Burgundy, for example, also make a good match for this dairy product. Regardless of the option you choose, one thing is clear: you'll enjoy two authentic delights.

What about sparkling wine?

This drink, so typical of our country, especially in Catalonia and along the entire Mediterranean coast, is very similar to white wine, but its slight sparkling touch helps cleanse the taste buds, allowing you to savor each cheese slice as if it were the first.

So, although sparkling wine can accompany virtually any type of cheese, including sheep's cheese like Manchego, it's undoubtedly ideal for the softer and creamier ones, such as Brie, for example. These types of cheeses pair perfectly with sparkling wine because its freshness will slightly remove the creamy flavor from your mouth, making each bite feel like the first.

However, to conclude, it's worth noting that, as the saying goes, "to each their own." Now that you know the different options available, you just have to choose the one that suits you or your guests the most and enjoy a unique experience in good company.

By following the advice of Enrique Tomás, you'll hit the mark!