Cheese and wine have gone hand in hand for centuries. We thought it would be fun to share some of our favorite pairings with the products we sell at Miceli Dairy Products Company.

Although pairing up wine and cheese can appear to be a daunting task, choosing wines and cheeses from the same region is a good, "safe" place to start your combinations. For example, a light Italian Chianti and a potent Parmigiano will provide a fascinating mix. Keep in mind that the harder types of cheese can handle the more tannic wines, while the creamier cheese, typically pair better with more acidic wines, like Chardonnay.

Miceli's flagship product is our ricotta cheese. With its soft texture and natural low fat content, the sweet freshness of ricotta is uniquely intensified when accompanied by a red wine such as fruity Beaujolais. For a unique experience, pair the pillowy lightness of our Ricotta with the effervescence of a sparkling wine like Asti Spumante or Prosecco.

Part skim mozzarella can be cubed along side your favorite crackers, or shredded on top of salads, pizza, and pasta dishes. This mild and likable cheese can enhance just about any dish. The buttery texture of Mozzarella would be complimented nicely with a lesser oaked chardonnay. You can also try a glass of Pinot Noir with your next slice of wood-fired pizza for a heavenly combination.

The pure, clean flavor of our fresh mozzarella is enhanced when melted on pizzas, breads or casseroles and its gentle freshness can be further drawn out when paired with a cool climate, fruit-driven or woodsy red like a Zinfandel. Fresh mozzarella also pairs well with light-bodied whites, such as a crisp Pinot Grigio.

Our award winning mascarpone cheese is rich, creamy and slightly sweet in flavor. It is most often known for its use in tiramisù, however its popularity in recent cuisine has given us a tremendous number of both sweet and savory uses for mascarpone cheese. A light, refreshing Moscato works wonderfully with the richer cheese.

Provolone, like mozzarella is a smooth and creamy semi-soft cheese that when aged gives it a distinct sharp flavor. It goes wonderfully on sandwiches or baked pasta dishes. Try pairing provolone with a medium-bodied Merlot for a winning combination.

The possibilities are endless. These are just a few suggestions. We say, go ahead - have fun experiment and see what works for you. Always remember, there are no right or wrong pairings when it comes to wine and cheese. Follow your palate and you're sure to have a delicious treat!

Buon appetito!