A Guide to Pairing Wine and Cheese with Dried Figs

• February 04 2023
• 5 min reading time

Wine and cheese have been enjoyed together for centuries, offering unique flavours and textures that can complement each other in perfect harmony. Wine and cheese pairing is not just about selecting any random combination, but rather about understanding how different flavour profiles can interact with each other to create a truly memorable experience. In this guide, we will explore the art of pairing wine and cheese with dried figs, a fruit that adds a sweet and nutty flavour to the equation. Dried figs bring a new dimension to the traditional wine and cheese pairing, offering a delightful sweetness that can balance out the sharpness of cheese and the tannins in wine. Whether you're a seasoned wine and cheese connoisseur or just starting to experiment with different pairings, this guide will provide you with everything you need to know to create a delicious and memorable wine and cheese platter with dried figs.

Understanding the flavours and Textures of Dried Figs

Dried figs are a unique and versatile fruit, with a chewy texture and a sweet, nutty flavour that can enhance any dish. They are typically made by drying fresh figs in the sun or in a dehydrator, which concentrates the fruit's natural sugars and intensifies its flavour. The flavour of dried figs can range from sweet to slightly tangy, with notes of honey, caramel, and nuttiness. Their texture is chewy and dense, making them a satisfying snack on their own or as an ingredient in baked goods, salads, and other dishes. In terms of wine and cheese pairing, dried figs offer a natural sweetness that can balance the sharpness of strong cheeses and the tannins in red wines. They can also complement the creamy, buttery flavours of soft cheeses and the crisp acidity of white wines.

The Perfect Wine Pairings for Dried Figs

When it comes to pairing wine with dried figs, there are several options that can complement the fruit's sweet and nutty flavours. Here are a few of the best wine pairings for dried figs:

• Port: Port is a sweet, fortified wine that can bring out the natural sweetness of dried figs. The wine's rich, caramel-like flavours and nutty notes make it a perfect pairing for figs.
• Moscato: Moscato is a light, sweet white wine with a fruity aroma and flavours of peaches and apricots. The wine's natural sweetness makes it a great match for dried figs, especially when served with a cheese platter.
• Riesling: Riesling is a sweet or semi-sweet white wine that is light-bodied and crisp, with notes of peaches, apples, and honey. Riesling's natural sweetness and fruity flavours make it a good match for dried figs, particularly when paired with a mild cheese.
• Zinfandel: Zinfandel is a medium to full-bodied red wine with a spicy, fruity flavour. The wine's bold, spicy notes can complement the sweet and nutty flavours of dried figs, especially when paired with a strong, sharp cheese.

How to Choose the Right Cheese to Accentuate Dried Fig Flavours

Cheese can add an extra layer of flavour and texture to wine and dried fig pairing, but it's important to choose the right cheese to enhance the flavours of the figs. Here are a few cheese options that work well with dried figs:

• Brie: Brie is a soft, creamy cheese with a mild, buttery flavour. Its rich, velvety texture can complement the sweetness and nuttiness of dried figs, especially when paired with a sweet wine like Moscato.
  Gorgonzola: Gorgonzola is a blue cheese with a sharp, tangy flavour and crumbly texture. The cheese's bold flavour and sharpness can balance the sweetness of dried figs and pair well with a bold wine like Zinfandel.
  Feta: Feta is a tangy, crumbly cheese with a salty flavour and a firm texture. The cheese's sharp flavour can complement the sweetness of dried figs and work well with a light, crisp wine like Riesling.
  Goat cheese: goat cheese is a tangy, creamy cheese with a mild flavour and a soft texture. The cheese's tanginess can complement the sweetness of dried figs, and its creamy texture can work well with a sweet or semi-sweet wine like Moscato or Riesling.

When selecting cheese for wine and dried fig pairing, consider the cheese's texture, flavour, and intensity. Choose cheeses that complement the flavours of the dried figs and the wine you're serving, and mix and match different cheese and wine combinations to find the perfect pairing for your taste buds.

Tips for Serving Wine and Cheese with Dried Figs

When serving wine and cheese with dried figs, there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure that the flavours are accentuated and the pairing is enjoyable:

• Serve at the right temperature: Wine and cheese should be served at the optimal temperature to bring out their full flavours. Red wine should be served slightly below room temperature, while white wine should be served chilled. Cheese should also be served at room temperature for best flavour.
• Pair with complementary flavours: When selecting wine and cheese to pair with dried figs, choose flavours that complement each other. Sweet wines can balance the sharpness of strong cheeses, while tangy cheeses can balance the sweetness of sweet wines.
• Cut the cheese correctly: When serving cheese, make sure to cut it into bite-sized pieces for easy snacking. Additionally, cut different varieties of cheese in different shapes or sizes to help distinguish between them.
• Provide variety: Offer a variety of wine and cheese options so that your guests can try different combinations and find their favourite. Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavours and textures, and have fun with the pairing process!
• Offer accompaniments: Offer accompaniments like crackers, bread, and nuts to enhance the wine and cheese experience. Dried figs can also be served with honey, balsamic vinegar, or nut butter to add extra flavour and texture.

By following these tips, you'll be able to serve a delicious and memorable wine and cheese pairing with dried figs. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a night in, wine and cheese with dried figs is a perfect way to unwind and indulge.

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