Tasting
Food pairings: which Savoyard cheeses to match with walnut liqueur?
Maison Sailler
October 2023
While white wine is often the automatic reflex for accompanying a cheese board, lovers of authentic flavours are now turning to bolder alliances. Sailler walnut liqueur, with its deep notes and aromatic complexity, offers exceptional scope for enhancing the treasures of our alpine pastures.
"Cheese and walnut share the same patience — both need time to reveal their soul."
A successful cheese-liqueur pairing rests on one simple rule: finding balance between intensities. The creamy richness of Savoyard cheeses envelops the natural tannins of the walnut, creating an absolute sensation of roundness on the palate. The woody and lightly roasted notes of Sailler echo the hazelnut and hay flavours found in long-aged pressed cheeses.
Our selection of Savoyard cheeses to accompany Sailler
Beaufort, nicknamed the 'Prince of Gruyères', is undoubtedly the best ally of walnut liqueur. Its floral and buttery notes pair marvellously with the woody character of Sailler. Bleu de Termignon offers a striking contrast with the liqueur's sweetness: the bitterness of the blue and the brou de noix converge for an intense finish. La Tome des Bauges, with its rustic character and distinctive grey rind, brings an earthy dimension that underscores the authenticity of the walnut.
"It is a terroir pairing — raw and unadorned."
— Our Cellar Master
For a successful tasting, take your cheeses out at least one hour ahead and serve Sailler ideally at 14 °C. Progress from the mildest — young Beaufort — to the most robust — aged Blue or Tomme. Offer sourdough or fig bread to add a touch of natural sweetness, and pour the liqueur into small tulip glasses to concentrate the woody aromas before tasting.
