Pairing Wine and Mexican Cheeses

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It’s summer! Are you loving all the outdoor fun as much as I am? We have been doing quite a bit of grilling and entertaining. Cheese platters are great because they’re easy and always a crowd pleaser. But, have you ever heard of a wine and Mexican cheese pairing?! It’s something not too many people have seen and so much fun to put together. These wines by Clos Du Bois go so well with these Mexican cheese classics too. Let me show you what to do.

Most people when pairing Mexican food with wine will go for the reds. Reds pair better with the robust flavors in Mexican dishes. Since it’s summer and cheese platters are served as appetizers, I decided to buy whites.

Tell your guests to start with Queso Panela. A smooth cheese you often see in Mexican salads and appetizers. The Clos Du Bois Pinot Grigio is very light and pale in color. A taste of lemon and a crisp finish. Then take a bite out of the Queso Panela to round out the crispness. Panela is also great with our next wine, Clos Du Bois Chardonnay.

You might know Clos Du Bois. It recently changed its packaging, but it still has the same great taste. Their chardonnay goes perfectly with creamy and mild Queso Fresco. Literally translated, queso fresco means “fresh cheese.” It is probably the most well-known Mexican cheese. You might have seen it sprinkled on you refried beans. Slice or cut into small pieces of this soft cheese and taste it with the Clos du Bois Chardonnay. A sweet and light wine with tastes of apple. That’s why I highly recommend adding apple slices to your cheese platter as opposed to other fresh fruits.

Last but not least, this is Queso Chihuahua. Named after the location where it comes from, the Northern Mexcain State of Chihuahua. Semi-hard and mild in taste and has the texture of Monterey Jack or white cheddar. It goes great with the bright and silky Clois du Bois Chardonnay. There’s a hint of nuttiness to this cheese. That’s why adding some sort of nuts to the platter is a good idea. I tried to use Mexican cheeses that should be easily found at your local grocery store. However, if you can’t find this cheese, you can use Monterey Jack. We often use Queso Monterey (or Monterey Jack) to substitute Queso Chihuahua.

Here’s a great tip about Mexican cheeses: They are A LOT cheaper than the cheeses from the cheese section at the grocery store. Look for them where the cream cheese, sour cream, or packages of shredded cheeses are located in the store. Plus, I can almost guarantee you that your guests will be blown away with something as unusual as wine and Mexican cheese pairing. Or enjoy this on the porch. It’s simple and easy summer entertaining! Cheers!