Cheeses

Guide to Choosing the Perfect Wine for Cheese

Wine and cheese pairing is a classic in gastronomy, but finding the perfect combination can sometimes be tricky. While red wine is the most common choice, there are also regional pairings that enhance the flavors of both wine and cheese. Here are some tips to help you choose the ideal wine to accompany your cheese.

1. Pressed-Curd Cheeses (e.g., Comté, Gruyère)

Pressed-curd cheeses like Comté or Gruyère have fruity and sometimes slightly nutty flavors that pair wonderfully with wines that share a similar profile.

• Recommended Pairing: Comté pairs wonderfully with a vin jaune from Jura. Its nutty and dried fruit aromas complement the depth of Comté, adding length and complexity to the experience.

2. Goat Cheeses

Goat cheeses, often tangy and fresh, require a white wine that balances their sharpness and freshness.

• Recommended Pairing: A Sancerre or Vouvray from the Loire Valley is perfect for pairing with goat cheese. Their acidity and citrus notes beautifully complement the vibrant flavor of goat cheese, without overpowering it.

3. Melted Cheeses (e.g., Raclette, Fondue)

Melted cheeses like raclette require a wine that can balance the richness and fat content.

• Recommended Pairing: A red wine from Savoie, such as Roussette, is ideal. Its light fruitiness and freshness contrast perfectly with the creamy texture of melted cheese, offering a touch of finesse to the pairing.

4. Soft-Ripened Cheeses (e.g., Brie, Camembert)

Soft-ripened cheeses like Brie or Camembert require a wine that offers balance without overpowering their delicate, creamy texture.

• Recommended Pairing: A Chablis or a Brut Champagne, particularly a Blanc de Blancs, is a perfect match. The wine's freshness and acidity highlight the creamy texture of the cheese while keeping its delicate flavors intact.

5. Blue Cheeses (e.g., Roquefort, Bleu d'Auvergne)

Blue cheeses, which are bold and tangy, require a wine that can counterbalance their intensity.

• Recommended Pairing: A sweet or fortified wine such as Sauternes or Port is the ideal match. Their richness and aromas of candied fruits complement the salty, pungent flavor of blue cheese, balancing its strong character.

6. Bloomy-Rind Cheeses (e.g., Saint-Nectaire, Brie de Meaux)

Bloomy-rind cheeses have a creamy texture and delicate flavor that pair well with wines that are fruity and elegant.

• Recommended Pairing: A prestigious red Bordeaux wine like a Margaux or Saint-Émilion brings fruity aromas, floral notes, and soft tannins that beautifully complement cheeses like Saint-Nectaire or sheep's milk cheese from the Pyrénées. The harmony between the cheese’s softness and the wine’s structure is exceptional.

7. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh goat cheeses, such as goat cheese logs or fresh cheese curds, have a tangy, fresh flavor that pairs well with crisp wines.

• Recommended Pairing: A dry white wine from the Loire Valley, such as Muscadet, is the perfect complement. The wine’s freshness and zest will enhance the tanginess of the cheese without overshadowing it.

8. Washed-Rind Cheeses (e.g., Munster, Époisses)

Washed-rind cheeses are often stronger and more aromatic, requiring a bold wine that can balance their intensity.

• Recommended Pairing: A robust red wine like a Médoc is a perfect match. With its dark fruit aromas, spicy notes, and tannic structure, it balances the richness of the cheese and enhances its flavor without being overwhelmed.