Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Red · Full · Dry

The benchmark for full-bodied red — structured, age-worthy, unapologetic. Black currant, graphite, and tobacco lead into firm tannins that demand protein on the plate. Decant young bottles; cellar the serious ones.

Works with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese · Which Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese? · Fire Roasted Corn And Hatch Green Chili Chowder With Ashe Country Mountain Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Lav

White · Medium · Dry

The most-planted white grape and the most chameleon-like. Crisp and steely from Chablis; rich, oaky, and tropical from California. Read the label, then match the style to the dish.

Works with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese · Which Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese? · Fire Roasted Corn And Hatch Green Chili Chowder With Ashe Country Mountain Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Lav

Red · Light · Dry

Burgundy's most temperamental grape, but the rewards are real — translucent ruby with a perfumed lift of red cherry, forest floor, and clove. Silken tannins and bright acid make it the most versatile red on the table; serve cool, around 58°F.

Works with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese · Which Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese? · Fire Roasted Corn And Hatch Green Chili Chowder With Ashe Country Mountain Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Lav

Fortified · Full · Sweet

Fortified red from Portugal's Douro Valley — sweet, warming, and surprisingly versatile. Ruby and LBV are for everyday; Vintage and Tawny are for serious occasions. Pair with blue cheese, walnuts, or just a fire.

Works with Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese · Fire Roasted Corn And Hatch Green Chili Chowder With Ashe Country Mountain Sharp Cheddar Cheese. Lav

Red · Medium · Dry

Tempranillo-based blend from northern Spain, traditionally oak-aged into something quietly profound. Cherry, dill, vanilla, leather; great with lamb, paella, and aged Manchego.

Works with Sharp Cheddar Cheese · With Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

White · Light · Dry

Citrus, cut grass, and a wire of acid. Marlborough makes it loudest; Sancerre makes it most refined. Either way, it cuts cleanly through goat cheese, herbs, and anything with shellfish.

Works with Sharp Cheddar Cheese · With Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

Red · Full · Dry

Old-vine Shiraz from Barossa or McLaren Vale: dark, peppery, and unembarrassed about its size. Black plum, smoked meat, licorice, and a finish that lingers like the last embers of a grill.

Works with Sharp Cheddar Cheese · With Varietal Pairs Best With Sharp Cheddar Cheese?

Fortified · Medium · Dry

Andalusia's fortified white — runs from bone-dry Fino through nutty Amontillado to syrupy PX. The dry styles pair brilliantly with tapas; the sweet ones replace dessert entirely.