Wine to Dine – Loch Arthur Creamery

Wine columnist James Robertson selects five bottles to pair with Scottish cheeses.

Don’t miss our latest food feature on Loch Arthur Creamery in the July issue of Scottish Field magazine and then check out the full reviews of James Robertson’s matching wines.

Loch Arthur Creamery Farmhouse Cheddar

Tempest Armadillo IPA – There is something classical about having a beer with Cheddar. The light hops, citrus notes and refreshing acidity are perfect with this cheese. I have been a big fan of the Tempest Brewery, based in Galashiels, for sometime now. Dangerously good and at only 3.8% alcohol it lives up to its name as a session IPA. £3 per can Tempest Brewery.

Hebridean Blue

Kopke Reserve Tawny Port – Served slightly chilled this delightful Tawny has a subtle richness to balance with the soft, punchy creaminess of this cheese from Mull. Kopke claims to be the oldest Port House having been founded in 1638, with their hand painted bottles Tawny Port is their flagship wine. £14.99 Waitrose

Bonnet

Elixir Blanc, Bruno Andreu 2021 – With its slight citrus and nutty notes this cheese is a perfect foil for the tropical fruit notes and acidity of this wine. When you blend Viognier and Roussanne together it really is a marriage made in heaven. Bruno is a modern winemaker who has a nod to tradition and heritage and this delicious wine proves that beyond all doubt. £11.69 de Burgh Wines

Elrick Log

Ramón Bilbao Rosado 2022 – A touch of light summer fruit and balanced acidity matches surprisingly well with this citrusy goats cheese and its buttery and earthy flavours. To many people Rioja is all about full on red wines, however Rosado from this region is fantastic. Ramón Bilbao back in 1924 knew this when he started his Bodega and this wine highlights the fact that he wanted to make different wines with an individual style. £8.99 Tesco

Minger

Spier Signature Pinotage 2020 – This oozy, nutty, pungent cheese is fabulous with the spicey black cherry fruit and soft tannins of this wine from Stellenbosch. I have to front up here I have never been a fan of Pinotage but this surprised me. Dating back to 1692 this winery makes an array of wonderful wines with this one being a good example. £10.95 Slurp

Read more of James’ reviews on his drinks blog, The Grape & The Grain.