Each of these pairings was given by a producer for a named cheddar or style of cheddar, so start from the grade, age or style printed on your piece.
In This Article
What Goes with Sharp, Extra Sharp and Seriously Sharp Cheddar?
Cabot gives an age for three of its cheddar grades and pairs each with its own drink or snack.
| Cabot cheddar | Age Cabot gives | What Cabot pairs it with |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Sharp | 7 to 9 months | Lager; peanuts |
| Extra Sharp | About 12 months | Pale ale or Cabernet Sauvignon; pears |
| Seriously Sharp | 12 to 14 months | Cashews |
Those ages are Cabot's bands for its own cheddars. Another brand's extra sharp cheddar may be aged for a different time, so check the age on its label rather than going by the strength word alone.
What Wine Goes with Mature Clothbound or Farmhouse Cheddar?
Quicke's has matched both a red and a white with its own mature clothbound cheese. It pairs its Mature Clothbound Cheddar with Sharpham Pinot Noir, and it paired the same cheese with Lyme Bay Chardonnay 2018.
The Chardonnay match is tied to the 2018 vintage, so check the vintage on any Lyme Bay Chardonnay you buy.
If you would rather pour a Port with a farmhouse cheddar, Taylor's suggests its aged tawny styles with full-flavoured cheeses, farmhouse cheddar among them.
How Do You Build a Small Cheddar Board?
Cabot's board for two sets cheddar with fruit, nuts, crackers and bread, with charcuterie as an optional extra. For the fruit and nuts, the table above gives Cabot's pick for the grade you are serving.
For a hot sandwich, our grilled cheese choices favour young cheddar sliced thin, often blended with American or Jack, because a mostly aged cheddar can let the bread brown before the middle has fully melted.
