Cigar and wine pairing is a complex and rewarding experience. It can be a way to relax and unwind or to connect with friends and family. Cigar pairings present a way to enhance the flavors for many cigar smokers. This guide looks at how to pair wine with the right cigar.
What is Cigar and Wine Pairing?
https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/cigar-and-wine-cups-gm163723895-23395858?phrase=wine%20and%20cigar
Cigar and wine pairing is choosing a cigar and wine that complement each other’s flavors. Wine and cigar pairings present the opportunity to create a harmonious experience where the flavors of the cigar and wine enhance each other rather than compete with each other. You’re seeking a delicate balance.
Why Pair Cigars and Wine?
We should instead ask, why not? There are a few reasons why people pair cigars and wine. First, both cigars and wine are complex and flavorful beverages. When paired correctly, the flavors of the cigar and wine can enhance each other, creating a truly memorable experience.
Second, it can be a great way to connect with others. Sharing a cigar and a glass of wine with friends or family can be a fun and social experience.
Finally, cigar and wine matching can be a great way to learn more about cigars and wine. By experimenting with different pairings, you can learn more about the flavors of both beverages and how they interact.
The Basics of Cigar and Wine Pairing
There are a few basic principles that can help you to pair cigars and wine.
The Five Senses
The five senses can all play a role in cigar and wine matches. When choosing a fine cigar and wine, consider both beverages’ appearance, aroma, taste, and feel.
Rule of Thirds
The practice of thirds is a concept that can help you to identify the different flavors in a cigar. The practice of thirds states that the taste of a cigar changes in three distinct phases: the beginning, the middle, and the end.
Different Types of Cigars
There are three main types of cigars: light-bodied, medium-bodied, and full-bodied. Light-bodied cigars have a mild flavor, medium-bodied cigars have a medium taste, and full-bodied cigars have a strong flavor. We’ve covered selecting the perfect cigar in a previous post – feel free to brush up before continuing reading.
Types of Wine
There are also three main types of wine. White, red, and sparkling. White wine is typically light-bodied, red wine is generally medium-bodied, and sparkling wine is usually light-bodied.
Wine Types and Their Characteristics
Red wine is well-known for its rich and complex flavors. They can vary from light and fruity to deep and tannic. Common red varietals include Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Malbec, and Syrah. These wines often offer berry, dark fruit notes and earthy undertones, which can complement or contrast with the flavors of different cigars.
White wines, on the other hand, are generally lighter in body and have crisp, refreshing profiles. Varietals like Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Grigio are popular choices. White wine may exhibit flavors of citrus, green apple, tropical fruits, and floral notes, providing a delightful contrast to cigars.
Rose wine offers a middle ground between red and white wines. They are usually light and fruity, featuring flavors of strawberries, watermelon, and sometimes a hint of spice. Rose wine can be a delightful option for matching with cigars, especially during warmer months.
Before we continue, please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the cigar taste wheel below.
Remember, the taste is a personal experience, and you may not taste the same elements another person tastes. The key to pairing wine and cigars is to experiment, have fun, and make notes of the combinations that work for you – this will help you develop your palate.
Pairing Light-Bodied Cigars with Wine
Light-bodied cigars are known for their delicate and subtle flavors. They typically have a milder tobacco taste, making them an excellent choice for beginners and those who prefer a more nuanced smoking experience. The smoke from light-bodied cigars tends to be smoother and less overpowering on the palate. They’re also perfect for a young wine.
Light-bodied cigars are a good choice for combining with white wine. The light flavor of the cigar will not overpower the delicate flavors of the wine.
Recommended Wines
| Tasting Notes | Recommended Cigars | |
| Sauvignon Blanc Pinot Grigio | Known for its crisp, citrusy flavors | Arturo Fuente Hemmingway Ashton Cabinet |
| Pinot Grigio (Gris) is usually floral and fruity | ||
| Chardonnay | Rich, buttery flavors | Davidoff Aniversario Nat Sherman Host Pilotico Pepe Mende |
Pairing A Mild Cigar with Wine
A medium-bodied cigar strikes a balance between light and full-bodied options. They offer more complexity and flavor depth than light-bodied cigars while remaining approachable. A medium-bodied cigar often has nuts, cedar, and spices notes, providing an enjoyable and versatile smoking experience. You can pair medium-bodied cigars with white, red, and sparkling wines. The key is to choose wines with flavor profiles as the cigar.
Recommended Wine and Cigar Pairings
| Tasting Notes | Recommended Cigar | |
|---|---|---|
| Riesling (Germany) | Sweet, fruity flavors like apple and pink grapefruit | Villiger Do Brasil Claro Camacho Nicaragua |
| Cabernet Sauvignon (California) | Rich, complex flavors | Macanudo Estate Reserve Flint Knoll San Cristobal |
| Grenache (France) | Leather, strawberry, dried herbs, blood orange, grilled plum | E.P. Carrillo Encore Majestic |
| Malbec (Argentina) | Fruity notes of plum, violet, and chocolate. When aged in oak, vanilla notes can be observed. | La Aroma de Cuba Noblesse Rocky Patel Decade |
| Mencía (Spain and Portugal) | Pomegranate, crushed gravel, black licorice, graphite | La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black Maduro |
| Merlot (France) | Cherry, chocolate, vanilla, plum, and bay leaf | Perdomo Champagne Noir My Father |
| Pinot Noir (France) | Fruit-forward and earthy notes like mushroom | Romeo y Julieta 1875 Arturo Fuente Hemingway Signature |
| Zinfandel (California) | Bold, jammy, dark fruit flavors | Oliva Serie V |
Wildcard Pairing Suggestions
Sparkling wine is an excellent all-purpose wine that pairs well with various cigars. It is perfect for matching cigars with creamy or nutty notes. Here’s an argument for Champagne and cigar pairings, and if you’re on a budget (or working towards a target with a reward), check out these Champagne options to suit any wallet. Remember, it can only be called Champagne if made in the Champagne Region of France.
Champagne and cigars are synonymous with celebrations. But the question is, which ones to choose will stand up to one another? Jonathan Wells at Gentleman’s Journal says rose champagne is the answer. A bottle of Moët & Chandon Brut Impérial Rosé provides “effervescent mineralogy [that] will heighten even further the dazzling flavors of your Honduran cigar — we’d go for a Camacho Corojo.”
Pairing Full-Bodied Cigars with Wine
Full-bodied cigars are a good choice for pairing with bold red wines. The intense flavor of the cigar will not overpower the flavors of the aged wine.
For example, a full-bodied cigar with earthy notes might be paired with a Shiraz, while you would pair a rich cigar with chocolate notes in a Malbec bottle. Both the wine and cigar will shine.
Suggested Wine Pairings
| Tasting Notes | Recommended Cigar | |
|---|---|---|
| Cabernet Sauvignon (California) | Rich, complex flavors | Cohiba Behike My Father |
| Shiraz (France)/Syrah (Australia) | Smoky and spicy character, leather, hints of fruit | Liga Privada No. 9 Archetype Crystals Robusto |
| Red Rioja (Spain) | Cherries, cedar, tobacco, dried fig, leather, and dill | La Gloria Cubana Serie R Black Maduro Ramon Allones Gigantes San Cristobal Revelation |
| Cabernet Franc (France) | Crushed gravel, pencil graphite, strawberry, bell pepper, | Panacea Black Maduro |
Regional Pairing Traditions
Different regions have long-standing wine and cigars traditions, often rooted in their cultural heritage and local produce. Exploring these traditions can provide a deeper appreciation for the art of pairing.
In Cuba, where some of the world’s finest cigars originate, cigar aficionados often enjoy their cigars with strong coffee or aged rum. The sweetness of rum or the bitterness of coffee can balance the cigars’ flavors.
Spain is the home of Sherry, so let’s explore a few options. Often it is the most popular wine to enjoy after dessert.
Suggested Sherry Pairings
| Sherry Style | ABV | Tasting Notes | Recommended Cigar |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fino | 15—17% | Pale yellow color. Notes of bread, almonds, citrus, and sometimes herbs. | Cohiba Siglo I Rafael Gonzalez Perlas |
| Manzanilla | Lighter in color than Fino. | Cohiba Siglo I Rafael Gonzalez Perlas | |
| Oloroso | 20—24% | Dry. Dried fruits, nuts, tobacco, balsamic | Trinidad Coloniales H. Upmann Magnum 46 La Aroma de Cuba Mi Amor Padrón 1964 Anniversary Maduro |
| Amontillado | 16—20% | Hybrid of Fino and Oloroso. Dried fruit, nuts, and a hint of yeast. | San Cristobal Quintessence |
| Pedro Ximénez | 12% | Concentrated, extremely sweet. Balanced with high acidity. Figs, licorice, and coffee. | Bolivar Belicosos Finos Partagas Serie P No. 2 My Father Le Bijou 1922 |
Port, renowned as one of the most famous dessert wines worldwide, hails from the Douro Valley in Portugal and holds a protected designation similar to Champagne.
Although available in its basic form, Tawny Port undergoes brief aging in wooden casks before bottling. Despite its resemblance to red wine, Tawny Port boasts a significantly sweeter and more viscous profile. However, for those seeking an even more extraordinary experience, aged Ports such as the 10-, 20-, 30-, and 40-year-old aged wines offer unparalleled flavors that develop over time.
Suggested Port Pairings
| Tawny Port Age | Tasting Notes | Recommended Cigars |
|---|---|---|
| 40-Year-Old | Honey, figs, walnuts, and apricots. | Ashton VSG |
| 30-Year-Old | Vanilla, candied almonds, chocolate, and spices. | Arturo Fuente Anejo Indian Motorcycle |
| 20-Year-Old | Hazelnuts, raisins, dried plum, and sometimes mushrooms. Lingering butter caramel aftertaste. | San Cristobal Ovation La Aroma de Cuba Reserva Camacho Nicaraguan Barrel-aged |
| 10-Year-Old | Pepper, wood, fruit cake, plum, and nuts. | Rocky Patel Sun Grown Maduro Southern Draw Rose of Sharon Toro Ashton Maduro No. 40 |
General Guidelines How to Pair Wine and Cigars
While regional traditions offer valuable insights, cigar and wine pairing depends on personal preference. Here are some general guidelines to consider when selecting your pairings:
1. Seek Balance: Aim for a harmonious balance between the cigar’s strength and the wine’s body. Avoid combining an overpowering cigar with a delicate wine and vice versa.
2. Consider Complementary and Contrasting Flavors: Complementary pairings enhance similar flavors, while contrasting pairings create exciting and diverse taste experiences. You can experiment with both to find what appeals to your palate.
Pairing cigars and wines is an art; the experience is as much about savoring the moment as the flavors.
3. Experiment and Explore: The beauty of matching lies in endless possibilities. Don’t be afraid to venture outside your comfort zone and try new combinations. Keep a journal to record your experiences and track your favorite pairings.
Conclusion
Wine and cigar pairing is a captivating journey that combines sensory pleasures with the art of balance. It isn’t a difficult task either! Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned enthusiast, discovering the perfect pairing is a gratifying experience that enhances the enjoyment of cigars and wines. As you explore the world of cigar and wine pairings, remember that the true magic lies in personal preference and the joy of discovering the perfect match. So, indulge in the luxurious realm of rich flavor profiles. Kick back and enjoy smoking cigars while drinking wine, and let your taste buds embark on a delightful adventure of flavors.
