For tennis fans, it makes sense that Memorial Day weekend coincides with the preliminary rounds of the French Open. You’re probably planning your holiday activities around Djokovic’s first match and setting the DVR to the Tennis Channel. Make your tennis-watching extravaganza even more relaxing by picking up some bottles of wine and blocks of cheese for your coach-potato self. With a glass of Red Bordeaux in your hand it’s almost like you’re in Paris watching the real thing. Enjoy these perfect wine and cheese pairings for the French Open first round.
Rafael Nadal [6] vs. Quentin Halys
Rioja and Manchego
Enjoy this cherry-flavored wine and creamy goat cheese, both native to Spain, as you watch nine-time French Open winner and Spaniard Rafael Nadal go for his 10th. Pair with figs, dates or grapes.
Caroline Wozniacki [5] vs. Karin Knapp
Red Bordeaux and Havarti
Pair Red Bordeaux, a wine made from Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, with Havarti, a semi-soft Danish cheese made from cow’s milk, as you watch Denmark’s Caroline Wozniacki play Italy’s Karin Knapp.
Roger Federer [2] vs. Alejandro Falla
Sauvignon Blanc and Swiss
For the Swiss’ first-round French Open match, try Swiss cheese (of course) with Sauvignon Blanc. Savor with nuts, olives and pears for a classy meal of which Roger would approve.
Serena Williams [1] vs. Qualifier
White Zinfandel and Cream Cheese
Have this dry blush-wine, made in California, with cream cheese spread on crackers as you watch American Serena Williams try to redeem her run in the 2014 French Open. (She only made it to the second round if you don’t remember.)
Andy Murray [3] vs. Facundo Aguello
Reisling and Cheshire
This British cheese is hard and crumbly in texture and pairs well with a dry, semi-sweet Riesling. Have a bottle and a cheese board prepared for Andy Murray’s first-round match against 22-year-old Argentinian, Facundo Aguello. Double the fun and chug your glass every time Murray loses a set.
