Skip to main content

Wine and Cheese

Albertina Roca
  |   August 27, 2024   |  

Although there are few things greater in life than a good hunk of smoky Gouda paired with a hearty Black and Tan, the best wine and cheese pairings can elevate your tasting experience to a whole new level. Wine is the perfect partner for a sophisticated cheese board, and understanding how to pair wine with cheese can be a game-changer. Wine and cheese pairings are tricky; no two cheeses are the same, and matching the perfect cheese to its perfect wine calls for much care and thought. Cheeses that go with red wine need to complement the boldness of the wine, while cheeses that pair with white wine should harmonize with their lighter, crisper notes. Wine and cheese pairings are selected like color in interior design, you can either match or contrast, but the flavor and textures have to complement each other in your palate.It is also a matter of taste…your own. Do you love a good Pinot Grigio, but are having Roquefort? Hey, rules were meant to be broken! Enjoy it!

To make wine selection easier for you, we’ve broken it down so you can choose by wine type, cheese category, and most popular cheese. But because a little education doesn’t hurt, your wine and cheese tastings will be helped by these recommendations. For example, using a wine pairing chart can simplify your choices and enhance your overall experience.

Sommelier Tips: When in doubt, follow these simple rules

Whether you’re hosting a sophisticated soirée or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master the perfect pairing.

A close up view of a hard cheese and a glass of red wine, photo by Gourmet Food Store

Matching Intensity

When pairing wine and cheese, balance is key. Lighter wines like Pinot Grigio pair well with delicate cheeses such as fresh mozzarella, while robust wines like Cabernet Sauvignon complement aged cheeses like sharp cheddar. The idea is to ensure neither the wine nor the cheese overwhelms the other. This approach can be easily visualized using a cheese board wine pairing guide.

Consider Texture & Acidity

Textures play an important role in pairing. Creamy Bries match beautifully with spirits with a bit of acidity, like Champagne or sparkling wines. The bubbles and acidity cut through the richness, providing a balanced taste experience.

Try Flavor Contrast

One of the most delightful pairings is the contrast of sweet and salty. A Port pairs wonderfully with salty blue cheese. The sweetness of the spirit mellows out the sharpness of the cheese, creating a harmonious combination that excites the palate.

Age Matters

Age can guide your pairing choices. Younger wines with fresh, fruity flavors tend to pair well with younger, creamier cheeses. Conversely, aged wines, with their complex flavors, match best with mature cheeses that have deeper, more intense flavors. This consideration is key when choosing the best cheese to have with wine.

Regional Pairing

Often, wines and cheeses from the same region will naturally pair well together. For example, a French chevre Crottin de Chavignol pairs excellently with a Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc. Regional pairing works because they both often share the same terroir, resulting in complementary flavors. Explore regional pairings that have stood the test of time. In Italy, Pecorino Toscano pairs naturally with Chianti and in France the classic combination of Brie and Bordeaux highlights the harmony between local culinary traditions. Regional pairings not only offer a taste of the culture but also ensure that the flavors are in perfect balance.

Balance Flavors

Balancing strong flavors is key to a successful pairing. If you’re serving a pungent pick like Stilton, pair it with a sweet choice like Port to create a harmonious contrast.

Tried and True Combinations

While general rules are helpful, specific examples make pairing easier and more enjoyable. For instance, pairing a rich Brie with a crisp Champagne creates a luxurious balance of creamy and effervescent textures. Aged Gouda’s caramel notes pair beautifully with a bold Merlot, while a tangy blue complements the sweetness of a Port.

Uncommon Companions

Don’t shy away from exploring less common combos! For example, Ossau-Iraty from the Basque region pairs wonderfully with a medium-bodied Pinot Noir. Another option is Mahón, a Spanish cow’s milk cheese that pairs perfectly with the citrusy notes of an Albariño. These lesser-known pairings can surprise and delight your guests, offering a break from the usual choices.

These tips provide a solid foundation for your pairing adventures, allowing you to mix and match different kinds of fromages with confidence. Experimenting with different combinations is part of the fun, so don't be afraid to try new pairings that suit your personal taste.

Cheese Pairing Charts

By Type of Wine

Type of Wine Example Cheese Type Example
Dry White Wines, light to med-bodied Auxerrois, Travigne White and Rose, Chardonnay Riesling Reserve, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio Riesling and Late Autumn Riesling Cream based Fresh no rind, Most Goat's cheeses Bluish-gray natural rind Crème fraîche, mozzarella, Fontina, Chèvre, Crottin, Feta, Havarti, St-Marcellin, Tete de Moine, Emmental, Ricotta
Dry White Wines, Full-Bodied Chardonnay Reserve Chardonnay Single Vineyards Founder's Reserve Chardonna Semi-softGrey-pink thick rind Soft cheeses w/ bloomy rind Brie; Camembert; Port-Salut, Chaource, Livarot, Pont l'Eveque, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie, St-Nectaire, Taleggio
Dry White Wines, Full-Bodied Chardonnay Reserve Chardonnay Single Vineyards Founder's Reserve Chardonna Semi-softGrey-pink thick rind Soft cheeses w/ bloomy rind Brie; Camembert; Port-Salut, Chaource, Livarot, Pont l'Eveque, Reblochon, Tomme de Savoie, St-Nectaire, Taleggio
Dry Red Wines, Light to Med-Bodied, Fruity Merlot Pinot NoirCabernet Franc Fresh with no rind Soft cheeses with bloomy rind Some colored thick rinds Brie, Edam, Emmental, Gouda, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Jarlsberg
Dry Red Wines, Medium-Bodied, Complex   Soft w/ washed rindSticky orange-red, brownish rinds Vacherin, Munster, Langres, Mature Epoisses, Maroilles, Raw milk Brie, Coulommiers Morbier, Reblochon
Dry Red Wines Full-Bodied Cabernet Franc Reserve,Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon Hard Cheeses, waxed or oiled Parmigiano Reggiano, Ricotta Salata, Romano, Asiago, Pont l'Eveque, Manchego, ComteOld Gouda, Beaufort, Chèvre NoirMahon, Roncal

By Type of Cheese

Type Example Wine
Soft Cheeses Munster, Boursin, Brie Light Reds, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet, Côtes du Rhône, Bourgeuil, Brouilly, Saint-Émilion Pinot noir d'Alsace
Semi-Soft Bel Paese, Swiss Chardonnay
Downy/Bloomy Rind Cheese Camembert, Brie Light Reds
Pressed Cheese Mimollette Light Reds
Fresh Cheese Ricotta, Cottage, Fresh chèvre Light and fruity wines, served cool
Goats Milk cheese / Chevres ValencayCrottin de Chavignol Light Reds, dry fruity whites, Herbal acid whites, Sancerre, Mâcon, Côtes du Rhône
Chinon
Soft, Washed Rind Munster, Reblochon AOC Robust Reds, Côtes de Nuit, Saint-Émilion, Côtes du Rhône, Chateauneuf du Pape
Blue Cheese/Roquefort Bresse Blue, Stilton Blue Smooth whites, Ports or Madeiras, Graves, St-Émilion, Côtes du Rhône, Cahors, Corbières
Sheep's milk /Ewe's Milk Cheese Feta Queso de la Serena Pecorino Sardo,Pecorino Romano Fuller Whites (Alsace Gewurztraminer), Sweet Whites (Chenin Blanc Demi Sec), Medium Reds (Burgundy)
Processed Cheese Any cheese that is enriched or encrusted with other ingredients, such as nuts, herbs or spices. E.x. Light Whites Light Reds (Beaujolais)

The best wine pairings, photo by Gourmet Food Store

Most Popular Cheese and their Wine Pairings

Cheese Name Wine
Swiss Anti Spumanti
Blue Port, Madeira
Boursin Gewurztraimer
Brie (French) Sweet sherry
Camamber Cabernet, Chenin Blanc
Mild Cheddar Chardonnay
Strong Cheddar Cabernet, Rioja, Sauvignon Blanc
Chevre Gewuerztraimer
Danish Blue Cabernet
Edam Riesling
Feta Beaujolais
Gorgonzola Sauternes, Bourdax
Gouda Riesling
Gruyere Chardonnay, Saubignon Blanc
Havarti Bodeaux, Rioja
Muenster Beaujolais, Zinfandel
Provolone Chardonnay
Roquefort Port
Stilton Port

Questions and Answers

Rate this Article

9/10/2024
Oh my gosh, THANK YOU! This is exactly what I’ve been looking for!
Ashley from Tulsa, OK
1/17/2019
This was full of wonderful information, most of which I did NOT know.
Laurie from Georgetown, TN

Author

Albertina Roca

Copywriter & Certified Cheese Addict

Meet Albertina, a seasoned food writing wordsmith and marketing creative split between the sizzling vibes of Miami and the charming streets of Buenos Aires. With a solid 20 years in the traditional and digital advertising world for the gourmet food industry, she’s mastered the art of making words as mouthwatering as the dishes they describe. She’s proudly been part of the Gourmet Food Store family (and its brands) since its very beginnings, and what a fun, flavor-packed journey it has been!

Highlights

Albertina's journey in copywriting is marked by a passion for creativity and a knack for connecting with audiences. Her expertise spans SEO-driven content that boosts visibility, engaging social media strategies that spark conversations, persuasive advertising campaigns that captivate, and heartfelt storytelling that resonates deeply.

Experience

With a diverse portfolio spanning numerous articles, blogs, and captivating content pieces, Albertina has left her mark on the industry. From informative guides to persuasive sales copy, her work not only informs but also inspires action.

Education and Background

Her journey began at Rutgers College, where she studied in History and Political Science, with a minor in English Lit. She honed her craft at The Miami Ad School in South Beach, where creativity and copy collided under the South Florida Sun. From the neon streets of South Beach to the tango beats of Buenos Aires, her pen dances with the rhythm of whatever gastronomic tales she gets to write at the time.

Currently savoring life in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she’s bilingual in English and Spanish, an avid reader, and cheese addict.

Her writing? Seasoned with creativity, spiced with experience, and garnished with a dash of wit.

Read More
My socials:
  • LinkedIn
Send Me a Message: facebook
visit our family of brands
Steaks And Game
For steak and meat lovers.
Gourmet Food World
The chef's ingredient marketplace.