Top 5 Mac and Cheese Wine Pairings
The Quintessential Quest: Pairing Wine with Mac and Cheese
Ah, the age-old question that haunts both connoisseurs and culinary novices alike: "What wine should I pair with my mac and cheese feast?" Kidding aside, it’s a common question because, let’s be honest, MAC AND CHEESE IS FANTASTIC!
Fear not, for I, your humble Culinary Storyteller, have braved the treacherous terrain of cheesy goodness and vinous delights to bring you the ultimate guide. Prepare yourself for a journey through the gooey lanes of macaroni paired with the nectar of the gods.
Top 5 Wine Pairings for Mac and Cheese
Chardonnay: Let's start with the classic, shall we? A buttery, oaked Chardonnay is like that friend who always brings out the best in you. Its creamy texture and hints of vanilla complement the rich, cheesy sauce, creating a harmony that's practically a culinary sonnet.
Our pick for this Mac and Cheese Chardonnay pairing would be a Swanson Vineyards Chardonnay out of Napa. Yes, I’m partial because of the name. Sipping the 2021 Salon Select Chardonnay from Napa Valley is akin to embarking on a vivacious journey through a verdant orchard, with each sip bursting with the zest of ripe citrus and the crisp bite of green apple. This Chardonnay shuns the cloak of heavy oak, preferring instead to strut its purity and focus, with a mineral backbone that's as refreshing as a brisk walk in the cool morning air. The acidity plays its part impeccably, ensuring that the wine's energy remains undiminished, while the modest alcohol content ensures that this experience is as graceful as it is exhilarating. Ideal for those who prefer their Chardonnay unadorned and unapologetically fresh.
Riesling: For those who prefer a touch of sweetness with their cheesy endeavors, a semi-dry Riesling is your ally. Its bright acidity cuts through the richness like a hot knife through, well, cheese. Plus, if your mac and cheese has a spicy kick, Riesling will be there to hold your hand (or palate) through it.
For an enchanting pairing with your mac and cheese, I recommend the Dr. Loosen "Dr. L" Riesling from the Mosel region. This semi-dry Riesling is a symphony of balance, weaving together the delicate dance of sweetness and acidity that Riesling is renowned for. On the palate, it unfurls layers of juicy peach and ripe apricot, with a whisper of honeysuckle and a zesty lime undertone that keeps the conversation lively. The wine's innate minerality and a subtle hint of sweetness provide a counterpoint to the creamy, savory richness of the mac and cheese, elevating each bite into a harmonious blend of flavors. The Dr. L Riesling, with its refreshing finish and playful complexity, is not just a wine; it's a dialogue with your meal, promising to turn a simple dish into an occasion.
Pinot Noir: Who says reds can't join the party? A light-bodied Pinot Noir, with its red fruit flavors and subtle earthiness, dances elegantly with the creamy texture, proving that opposites attract. It's the rom-com pairing of the wine and cheese world.
For a heartwarming companion to your mac and cheese, turn to the Belle Glos "Las Alturas" Pinot Noir from the cool, sun-drenched slopes of California's Santa Lucia Highlands. This Pinot Noir is a tapestry of depth and nuance, with a velvety texture that gently envelops the palate. It opens with a bouquet of ripe cherries and wild strawberries, delicately intertwined with whispers of lavender and a hint of earthy forest floor. As you delve deeper, subtle notes of vanilla and spice emerge from its well-integrated oak aging, adding layers of complexity. The wine's inherent brightness and soft tannins make it a graceful counterpart to the creamy, cheesy richness of the mac and cheese, creating a culinary duet that sings with each savory bite. The "Las Alturas" Pinot Noir is not just a wine; it's a narrative of elegance and harmony, ready to enhance the humblest of dishes with its refined character.
Sauvignon Blanc: For the herb-infused mac and cheese variants, bring in the zesty. Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp acidity and grassy notes, cuts through the richness while complementing any green herbs in the dish. It's like a fresh breeze on a cheesy day.
For a zesty twist to your mac and cheese, consider the Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand's Marlborough region. This Sauvignon Blanc is like a burst of sunshine in a bottle, encapsulating the vibrant energy of its coastal terroir. It greets the palate with a lively array of tropical fruits—think passionfruit and mango—complemented by the crispness of green apple and a squeeze of fresh lime. Herbaceous notes of freshly cut grass and a hint of bell pepper add an intriguing complexity, while the wine's razor-sharp acidity cuts through the creamy richness of the mac and cheese, bringing a refreshing balance to every bite. The Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc is more than just a wine; it's a refreshing dip into a cool, invigorating pool, making it the perfect foil to the comforting warmth of mac and cheese.
Sparkling Wine: Because why not add a bit of celebration? A brut sparkling wine, with its effervescence and acidity, acts as a palate cleanser, making each bite of mac and cheese as delightful as the first. It's the culinary equivalent of fireworks.
To add a touch of festivity to your mac and cheese, I recommend the Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut from California's North Coast. This sparkling wine is a delightful mosaic of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, offering a vibrant and sophisticated experience. It effervesces with lively bubbles, carrying aromas of crisp green apples, juicy pears, and a sprinkle of citrus zest, complemented by a subtle undercurrent of freshly baked bread and almond from its time on the lees. On the palate, it reveals a balanced acidity that dances gracefully with the creamy texture of mac and cheese, while its fine mousse provides a palate-cleansing effect that readies you for the next delectable forkful. The Mirabelle Brut is not just a sparkling wine; it's a celebration in a glass, ready to elevate your comfort food to new heights with its effervescent charm and complexity.
Join us at our next Paired Experience in Barolo, Piedmont, Italy this May!
A 5-course meal focused on local Piedmont cuisine made by a local chef.
A Beverly Hills Sommelier to walk you through a paired tasting menu alongside your meal.
A tour of the Monchiero Cellar with the winemaker, Luca Monchiero.
Lots of wine!
The Ultimate Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
8 oz elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk, warmed
8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz Gruyère cheese, grated
½ teaspoon paprika (for that subtle smoky hint)
Salt and pepper to taste
A dash of love (non-negotiable)
Instructions:
Pasta Prelude: Start by boiling your macaroni in salted water until it's just al dente. Remember, it's going to have a second round in the oven, so no mushy noodles, please!
Roux Routine: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and keep it moving for about 2 minutes. It's the base of your sauce, so give it the attention it deserves.
Milky Way: Gradually pour in the warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. This is not the time for multitasking. Focus on achieving that silky smooth béchamel.
Cheese, Please: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated cheeses until they melt into a pool of gooey delight. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Union of Elements: Combine the drained pasta and cheese sauce in a baking dish. It's like setting up a blind date between two soulmates.
Golden Finale: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and golden. Patience, my friend, for good things come to those who wait.
Serve with Gusto: Dish out your masterpiece with a flourish. Remember, presentation matters. A little garnish, perhaps?
Pair your culinary creation with one of the aforementioned wines, and brace yourself for an experience that transcends the ordinary. Mac and cheese with wine isn't just a meal; it's a voyage into the heart of comfort food, elevated to an art form. So, raise your glass (and fork) to the humble mac and cheese, a dish that continues to inspire and unite us in cheesy, wine-soaked bliss. Cheers!
