We say it a lot, but it’s true: Sheep milk is hard to pair. The flavor is delicate yet complex, the texture rich, the cheese often tart. A Pinot Noir rosé with more skin contact has the perfect amount of tannin to stand up to the Sogn’s richness. The Teutonic’s fresh, fruity notes brighten the cheese and provide a perceived sweetness that balances the earthier notes of the cheese. The duo is light and optimistically sunny, with enough heft to be comforting during the grayer Minnesota days.
Alpine Pairing Guide
Alpine style cheeses are rich in their flavor. A mellower style might be rich in flavors of cream, butter, and savory nuttiness. Another, like Gruyere, might have stronger flavors of beef stock and caramelized onions. Some smaller wheels might get funkier, with distinct barnyard notes. Older wheels concentrate in flavor, amplifying their richness. The bottom line is: even milder Alpine cheeses have an intensity which a pairing will have to match. Wines with good acidity, strong aroma and flavor, and good structure should be able to handle a rich Alpine style cheese.