Last Updated on January 1, 2025 by Bharat Saini
Whether you’re hosting an extravagant gathering or putting together a simple cheese board, selecting the right wines to accompany your cheeses is essential. The key is balancing the strength and flavor of the cheese with a wine that complements and enhances, rather than overwhelms, its profile. This guide simplifies the pairing process by considering factors like texture, fat, and acidity to offer curated recommendations for various types of cheese.
Hard Cheese Pairings: Best Wines for Firm Flavors
Hard cheeses like Cheddar, Manchego, Parmesan, Gouda, and Parmigiano-Reggiano are firm in texture, tangy, and often have subtle sweet notes. These cheeses pair exceptionally well with medium-bodied red wines, which offer a balanced flavor profile without overpowering the cheese. Sparkling wines like Prosecco also provide a delightful contrast to the saltiness of hard cheeses.
Classic Pairings:
- Cheddar and Gouda: Full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon bring out their rich, nutty flavors.
- Manchego: A fruity Rioja, originating from the same region in Spain, creates a harmonious pairing.
- Parmesan: The bubbles in Prosecco cut through its saltiness, making it a classic Italian duo.
Soft Cheese Pairings: Best Wines for Creamy Delights
Soft cheeses such as Goat Cheese, Ricotta, Feta, and Lancashire are creamy and often higher in fat. These cheeses shine when paired with acidic white wines, which balance their richness. Dry whites like Sauvignon Blanc or ultra-brut sparkling wines are ideal choices.
Classic Pairings:
- Goat Cheese: The tanginess of Sauvignon Blanc complements its earthy notes.
- Ricotta: A semi-sweet Riesling enhances its creamy and slightly sweet profile.
- Feta: A bright, fruity Beaujolais brings out the cheese’s briny flavors.
Blue Cheese Pairings: Sweet Wines for Bold Flavors
Blue cheeses like Stilton, Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Bleu d’Auvergne are pungent and intensely flavored, with salty and creamy characteristics. Sweet wines are the perfect contrast, balancing the boldness of these cheeses without being overpowered.
Classic Pairings:
- Roquefort: Pair with a luscious dessert wine like Sauternes to mellow its intensity.
- Stilton: A fruity vintage Port enhances its creamy, salty notes.
Washed-Rind Cheese Pairings: Crisp Wines for Subtle Flavors
Known as “stinky cheeses,” washed-rind varieties like Epoisses, Taleggio, Langres, Stinking Bishop, and Reblochon develop their aroma during the aging process. Despite their strong smell, their flavors are often subtle, calling for crisp, dry white wines or sparkling wines that won’t overshadow their delicacy.
Classic Pairings:
- Taleggio: High-quality Cava or Champagne enhances its nutty undertones.
- Epoisses: A sweet dessert wine like Sauternes balances its salty richness.
Melted Cheese Pairings: Versatile Wines for Comfort Foods
Melted cheeses like Brie and Camembert, often used in fondue or baked dishes, require wines that complement their creamy texture. Crisp white wines or light reds are excellent choices to balance the dish’s richness.
Classic Pairings:
- Camembert: Chardonnay’s acidity complements its velvety texture.
- Brie: A light Pinot Noir pairs well without overpowering its delicate flavors.
- Fondue: Sauternes’ sweetness elevates the richness of melted cheese dishes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pairings
- Balance Acidity: Pair acidic wines with creamy cheeses to refresh the palate.
- Match Intensity: Bold wines work best with strong cheeses, while lighter wines pair well with delicate varieties.
- Consider Origin: Regional pairings often work best, such as French wines with French cheeses.
FAQs About Wine and Cheese Pairing
Q: What wine goes best with a cheese board?
A: A versatile cheese board pairs well with a mix of wines. Try a medium-bodied red (like Merlot), a crisp white (like Sauvignon Blanc), and a sweet dessert wine (like Port) to cover all bases.
Q: Can red wine go with cheese?
A: Yes! Medium-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or fruity reds like Pinot Noir pair beautifully with many cheeses, particularly hard and washed-rind varieties.
Q: Are there non-alcoholic pairing options?
A: Sparkling water, kombucha, or even grape juice can provide complementary flavors for non-alcoholic pairings.
Conclusion
Pairing wine and cheese doesn’t have to be intimidating. By considering the texture, flavor, and origin of your cheeses, you can create delightful pairings that elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re indulging in a classic hard cheese with Cabernet Sauvignon or enjoying a creamy Brie with Pinot Noir, these pairings are guaranteed to impress.
