Wine-pairings for mature cheeses

Advertising promotion

Woolworths continues to collaborate with South Africa's top cheese experts to create aged cheeses that consistently earn accolades. Among the standouts are its Cheddar and Gouda, which go through a meticulous maturation process that imparts rich flavours and distinctive textures. These cheeses are perfect for cheeseboards or pairing with carefully selected wines. Why not gift a loved one a cheese-and-wine basket?

Expert evaluation for top-quality cheese

To ensure only the best cheeses are available in the dairy aisle, expert evaluators consider several key characteristics:

Flavour: The dominant taste and underlying notes play a major role. Aged cheeses such as Cheddar and Gouda are often saltier, while younger cheeses tend to have a sweeter flavour profile.

Aroma: From mild and buttery to strong and pungent, a cheese's aroma offers a preview of its flavour and reflects its ageing process, milk type and microbial activity.

Balance: Aged cheeses typically showcase a balanced blend of sweet, salty and savoury notes.

Aftertaste: The lingering flavour can vary from sharp and intense to smooth and mellow, depending on the cheese.

Mouthfeel: Aged cheeses such as Cheddar and Gouda are denser with a firm, crumbly texture that contrasts with younger, softer varieties.

Colour: Cheddar and gouda get their colour mainly from annatto, a natural colouring from the achiote tree, which gives them that yellow or orange look. Fat content also plays a role, as cheese with more fat tends to absorb more of the natural pigments in the milk, making it look more yellow. In some cases, the grass the cows gaze on can produce milk with carotenoids—pigments that add to the colour.

Shape: The shape of the cheese influences its texture and ripening process. Gouda’s round shape, for example, facilitates even ageing.

Surface: Evaluators check for a smooth surface, cracks, mould or other signs indicating the cheese’s condition.

The ageing process: crafting the perfect cheese

Gouda’s traditional ageing method involves ageing the cheese specifically on shelves with ventilation, which helps develop its rich, nutty flavour. The porous wood ensures the cheese loses water slowly and evenly while promoting airflow that allows beneficial moulds and bacteria to thrive on the rind. This process adds layers of depth to the cheese’s flavour. As Cheddar and Gouda mature, they naturally develop white calcium lactate crystals, creating delightful crunch and texture.

Perfect pairings for aged cheeses

Looking to create the ultimate gift or treat yourself? Put together a cheese-and-wine basket featuring Woolworths' expertly aged cheeses. Here are some pairing suggestions:

12-month matured Cheddar

This Cheddar offers a slight sharpness with bold, savoury flavours, complemented by subtle sweet and nutty undertones. Its firm, crumbly texture may include crunchy crystals, providing a creamy, buttery finish.
Pair with: Kaapzicht Granietkop Chenin Blanc

18-month matured Cheddar
A favourite among cheese connoisseurs, this matured Cheddar presents robust savoury notes intertwined with sweetness and nuttiness. Its dry, crumbly texture is enhanced by crystals that provide a unique bite.
Pair with: Saronsberg Life is Fine Shiraz

10-month matured Gouda
This Gouda strikes a harmonious balance between savoury and sweet flavours, with caramel-like, nutty notes that linger. Its firmer texture offers a smooth, melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Pair with: Steenberg Sauvignon Blanc

20-month matured Gouda
A sharp, tangy delight beloved by connoisseurs, this Gouda features strong savoury and earthy notes, with hints of fruity sweetness. Its crumbly texture is elevated by crunchy crystals.
Pair with: Silverthorn The Genie Rosé Brut Cap Classique

more cheese recipes

Photography: Jan Ras
Videography: Romy Wilson
Recipes and production: Abigail Donnelly
Cheese expert: Rene Groenwald
Food assistant: Bianca Jones

Woolworths is committed to collaborating with expert suppliers to create and curate award-worthy dairy. It continues to receive recognition for its diverse range of cheeses, yoghurts, milk, butter, cream and ice cream, cementing its position as the crème de la crème of the dairy world. You’re spoilt for choice with what’s on offer in store and online. 

shop at Woolworths