Cheese Lovers Snacks and Wines Pairing

Finca Los Principes El Rihuelo Rioja 2021

• ABV: 13.5%
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 75cl

This stunning Finca los Principes release was crafted by a super-talented winemaker from an outstanding single vineyard of old Tempranillo vines. It's a Rioja that pays homage to the traditional style of Rioja but one with a spring in its step. This smooth raspberry and cranberry-kissed wine is a beauty with lithe fruit notes and no ugly lingering tannins or woodwork. If you like unruffled, languid reds with silky notes and haunting mulberry and fresh herb flavours then this is your wine.

Aguila Chillando Tempranillo 2023

• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 75cl

These high-altitude vineyards have a unique feature that many others cannot boast. It's not uncommon to hear the screech of an eagle that can be seen soaring above the vines, searching for prey. The altitude here gives a freshness to an otherwise dark-fruited Tempranillo with hints of chocolate and spice. It's an ideal red to drink on a cool evening, but stands up very well to stews and casseroles too.

The Black Pig McLaren Vale Shiraz 2022

• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 75cl

The name comes from the winemaker's latest venture, the rearing of big black pigs for making his very own version of Iberico bellota ham. Using fruit sourced from his personal contacts in the McLaren Vale, winemaker Steve Grimley's team has produced a smooth, mouth-filling wine that's vegan-friendly. A revelation if you're more used to the thumping, ostentatious style typical of the more traditional Aussie fare.

Perez Cruz Winemaker's Selection 2021

• ABV: 14%
• Vintage: 2021
• Size: 75cl

It's a source of immense excitement that this wine is probably the best Perez Cruz creation that we have ever tasted. It's the very best that Maipo can produce, the region itself being one of the best in Chile for Bordeaux varietals (which this contains aplenty). A wonderful accompaniment to red meat dishes - enjoy it with your Sunday roasts. Get in there before everyone finds out about this gem.

Les Arbousiers Reserve Malbec 2023

• ABV: 13%
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 75cl

Malbec's birthplace and spiritual home is in the south of France. In recent times, the wines from Argentina's Mendoza region have been getting all the attention, but we've always looked to include some excellent French offerings when the value and quality are on point. That's exactly what the wines from this vintage were and this reserve-quality bottling is an absolute banger and, like its Argentinian cousin, makes an ideal match for grilled and griddled meats, where the glossy sweet fruit and juicy tannins come into their own.

Senti Prosecco Extra Dry NV

• ABV: 11%
• Vintage: NV
• Size: 75cl

Veneto is home to a number of Italy's classic wine regions but it is the sparkling wines from Prosecco that currently have a buzz surrounding them. The best sparkling wines have both delicacy and intensity, something we nailed on a recent trip out to see top Prosecco winemaker Umberto Menini. A lovely style of fizz packed with apple and pear fruit and a little leafiness adding to its charm. A citrus-led palate and excellent intensity make Senti the perfect aperitif and celebratory sparkler.

Ca' Vegar Custoza DOC 2022

• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 2022
• Size: 75cl

At its price, this Northern Italian white punches well above its weight. Thanks to scrupulous fruit selection at harvest and careful lees contact during fermentation, you'll be amazed by the depth of flavour, complexity and concentration. Tropical fruit notes underpinned by almonds with a welcome freshness from the vineyard's proximity to the picturesque Lake Garda. A serious wine at a great price.

Bendico Terre Siciliane Vermentino 2023

• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 75cl

There's something very appealing about this wine style to a wine drinker with all kinds of preferences. It has a moreish cakey sweetness to the aromatics, but a seriousness too with some complex herbal notes on what is actually a ripe but dry and fresh palate. It's a great rack-filler, an easy-drinker, but very competent on the dinner table with all kinds of food. One to have a play around with!

Tu Yo Tres Sauvignon Blanc 2023

• ABV: 12.5%
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 75cl

This charming white was born from the friendship between winemaker Hernan Amenabar and the Virgin Wines' team of buyers. After trying 2 different plots of Sauvignon Blanc, one with joyful tropical fruits and the other with peachy elegance and finesse, it was decided that the buyers would create their own bespoke blend, combining the best of both worlds. After much taste-testing, they settled upon what they believe is the perfect balance of exuberance and poise. A wine that lovers of this grape will enjoy exploring, whilst also feeling right at home.

Albacore Reserve Barossa Valley Semillon Fiano 2024

• ABV: 11%
• Vintage: 2024
• Size: 75cl

Our Albacore range has grown in popularity over the years and so when we decide to add a wine to it, it needs to be something that little bit special. That's exactly what we have here: an exhilarating blend of zingy lemon-filled Semillon which is teamed up with a tropical fruit-filled Fiano, bringing a little bit of additional weight to the palate and help give the finish a little extra texture. Perfectly suited to a wide range of food styles, this dry aromatic white wine is raring to go now and will drink well anytime over the next few years.

Lekker Chenin Blanc 2023

• ABV: 13%
• Vintage: 2023
• Size: 75cl

This is no ordinary Chenin. In true Lekker fashion, there’s a twist of fun in this wine that sets it apart from its peers: a dash of skin-contact Chenin, giving it a touch of structure that props up the abundance of ripe pear and peach fruit flavours. Delicious alone, served very cold, or with dishes that include a rich and creamy element.

Onion Chutney

Dark, sticky and rich. Serve with hard cheeses such as Comté, cheddar and Cantal. From The Fine Cheese Co.

Ingredients: Sliced onions (92%), cane sugar, balsamic vinegar, spices, sea salt.

Allergens: N/A.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Sea Salt Crackers 125g

Intentionally subtle, so as to never overwhelm the cheese. Flavoured with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt. Serve with Pecorino or any hard cheese. From the Fine Cheese Co.

Ingredients: WHEAT flour, extra virgin olive oil (11%), autolysed yeast, sea salt (5%), raising agent (sodium bicarbonate).

Allergens: WHEAT. May contain traces of NUTS.

West Country Legends Smoked Cheddar Cheese Straws 100g

Irresistible, melt-in-the-mouth, all-butter cheese straws made with only the finest dairy, including oak-smoked cheddar that gives the most enchanting, subtle smoky flavour on the tongue.

Ingredients: Flour [WHEAT flour, calcium carbonate, iron, niacin, thiamine], cheese (23%) [MILK], water, butter [MILK, contains colour: beta-carotene], salt, MUSTARD powder.

Allergens: WHEAT, WHEAT, MUSTARD. Contains GLUTEN. Produced in a factory that also handles EGG, SOYA, NUTS and FISH.

The Wine and Cheese Board Deck -50 Pairings to Sip and Savour

Expert food stylist and author of The Cheese Board Deck Meg Quinn has curated 50 delicious food and wine pairings for those who love to host, learn, or simply show off a little. Each card in this beautiful deck features detailed photography to guide your culinary presentations alongside well thought-out and thorough wine pairing information. Quinn details how and why each pairing works so well, exactly what you'll need, along with other ingredients with which to adorn your cheeseboard, not forgetting the all-important wine tasting notes. This truly is a one-stop shop for becoming a master pairing aficionado.