My wine and cheese tasting in Paris
Diplomat.Today
As a lover of all things culinary, I have always dreamed of experiencing the legendary flavors of France for myself. So I jumped when the opportunity arose to attend a private wine and cheese tasting in Paris. Little did I know that this cheese and wine tasting workshop would not only tantalize my taste buds, but also deepen my appreciation for the artistry behind these iconic French delicacies.
The tasting took place at Paroles de Fromagers – La Ferme du Faubourg, just off Canal St. Martin in the heart of Paris. This cheese shop had an excellent selection of wine and cheese. It was hard not to go home with a box of each.
This wine and cheese tasting can be booked on Viator if you want to purchase tickets in advance. This foodie experience has great reviews, and I would like to endorse that. It was a well done tasting with a nice range of each.
Descending to a Parisian cheese cellar
My unique wine and cheese tasting adventure began when I descended the stairs into a charming Parisian cheese cellar. The air was cool and moist, scented with the earthy, nutty aromas of aged cheeses. My host, a passionate cheesemaker, greeted me with a warm smile and a glint in his eye that hinted at the delicious discoveries that awaited us.
As we sat around the tasting table, I couldn’t help but marvel at the cheeses. Just look at how fun this spread is.
From creamy breezes to sharp blues, every piece seemed to tell a story about French terroir and the generations of cheesemakers who perfected their craft.
The art of pairing wine and cheese
Our knowledgeable host started the tasting by introducing us to the basics of wine and cheese pairing. “The key,” he explained, “is finding a balance between the flavors and textures of the cheese and the characteristics of the wine.”
We started with a fresh, pale yellow Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley. As I swirled the wine in my glass, I noticed aromas of citrus, pineapple, and a hint of flint. Our host encouraged us to take a sip and let the wine coat our palates before introducing the first cheese.
Here are some of the most important principles of wine tasting that I already knew a little, but learned about in a little more detail during the tasting:
| Technique/principle | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual assessment of wine | Checking the wine color against a light background (in this case with an apple). |
| Aromatic review | Swirling wine to open flavors, noting initial and changing aromas (e.g. changes from pineapple to almond). |
| Tasting wine | Tasting with and without cheese to note changes in the flavor profile, especially how the fat content in cheese affects the acidity and flavor of wine. |
| Cheese review | Smelling and breaking cheese to release different flavors, noting changes from rind to center. |
| Coupling principle | Fat in cheese goes well with the acidity in wine and can reduce perceived sourness and enhance sweetness. |
A taste of French cheese heritage
The first cheese we tasted was a Maroilles, a sharp, washed-rind cheese from northern France. When I brought a piece to my nose, I was struck by the earthy, almost meaty aroma. The flavor was bold and complex, with a hint of nuttiness that lingered on my tongue.
Our host explained that Maroilles is one of France’s oldest cheeses, with a history dating back to the 10th century. “It’s a real testament to France’s cheese heritage,” he said, his eyes sparkling with pride.
We turned to a classic Comté, a nutty, buttery cheese from the Jura. As I enjoyed a bite, I couldn’t help but notice the small crystals that formed on my tongue as a result of the cheese’s long ripening process. Our host explained that these crystals are actually amino acid clusters, a sign of a well-aged cheese.
Exploring the Nuances of French Wine As we progressed through the tasting, our host introduced us to a range of French wines, each carefully chosen to complement the flavors of the cheeses.
We tasted a robust Syrah from the Rhône Valley, whose notes of black fruit and spice perfectly balance the creaminess of a ripe Camembert.
One of the most surprising combinations of the evening was a spicy goat’s cheese with sweet, honeyed Sauternes. The contrast of the flavors was stunning, the luscious sweetness of the wine taming the assertive flavor of the cheese.
During the tasting, our host shared stories about the wine and cheese makers behind each product, painting a vivid picture of the passion and dedication that goes into creating these French delicacies. It reminded us that behind every sip of wine and every bite of cheese lies a rich tapestry of history and tradition.
A renewed appreciation for French cuisine
As the evening came to a close, I found myself sated and inspired. This unique wine and cheese tasting in Paris opened my eyes to the incredible depth and complexity of French cuisine. Every cheese and wine we tasted represented generations of artisanal craftsmanship and an unwavering commitment to quality.
Looking back on my experiences, I realized that this was more than just a wine and cheese pairing workshop: a celebration of French culinary heritage. The flavors I encountered in that cozy Parisian cheese cellar will be forever etched in my memory, a delicious reminder of the magic that arises when passion, tradition and expertise come together.
When I emerged from the basement, I felt a newfound appreciation for life’s simple pleasures. A slice of perfectly ripened cheese, a sip of a well-made wine: these are the things that make life worth living. And there is no better place to enjoy these delights than in the gastronomic heart of France, Paris.
If you find yourself in the City of Light, I highly recommend seeking out a private wine and cheese tasting. It’s a chance to tantalize your taste buds and better understand the rich cultural heritage behind these iconic French delicacies.
