Guide to Choosing the Ideal Wine with Cheeses

The pairing of wine and cheese is a classic in gastronomy, but it is not always easy to find the perfect combination. While pairing with red wine is the most common, there are also more regional pairings that enhance the flavors of these two exceptional products. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect wine to accompany your cheeses.

1. Pressed Cheese (Ex.: Comté, Gruyère)

Pressed cheeses, like Comté or Gruyère, have fruity and sometimes slightly nutty aromas that pair very well with wines of equally strong character.

• Recommended pairing: Comté pairs ideally with a vin jaune from Jura, which with its nutty and dried fruit aromas, echoes the texture and richness of the cheese. This wine accentuates the depth of Comté while providing a beautiful length on the palate.

2. Goat Cheese

Goat cheeses, often with a pronounced and tangy taste, require a dry white wine to balance their freshness.

• Recommended pairing: A Sancerre or a Vouvray from the Loire Valley is perfect to accompany these cheeses. Their acidity and citrus aromas wonderfully complement the liveliness of the goat cheese, without one overpowering the other.

3. Melted Cheeses (Ex.: Raclette, Savoyard Fondue)

Melted cheeses, like raclette, require a wine capable of balancing their richness and fat.

• Recommended pairing: A red wine from Savoie, like a Roussette, is the ideal accompaniment. Its light fruitiness and freshness perfectly contrast with the creamy texture of the raclette, while adding a touch of finesse.

4. Soft Cheese (Ex.: Brie, Camembert)

Soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert, require a wine capable of bringing balance without overpowering the cheese's softness.

• Recommended pairing: A Chablis or a Brut Champagne, particularly the Blanc de Blancs, makes a perfect pairing with these cheeses. The freshness and acidity of the wine will highlight the creamy texture of the cheese without masking its delicate flavor.

5. Blue Cheese (Ex.: Roquefort, Bleu d’Auvergne)

Blue cheeses, like Roquefort or Bleu d’Auvergne, are strong and tangy. Their richness requires a wine capable of countering this intensity.

• Recommended pairing: A sweet or dessert wine like a Sauternes or a Port will bring the necessary sweetness to balance the salty and tangy side of the cheese. Their richness and candied fruit aromas wonderfully complement the strong flavors of the blue cheese.

6. Bloomy Rind Cheese (Ex.: Saint-Nectaire, Brie de Meaux)

Bloomy rind cheeses have a creamy texture and a delicate taste that pairs well with wines with fruity and elegant aromas.

• Recommended pairing: A great red wine from Bordeaux like a Margaux or a Saint-Émilion will bring ripe fruit aromas, flowers, and soft tannins that harmoniously pair with the cheese. A Saint-Nectaire or a sheep cheese from the Pyrenees is ideal to accompany this type of wine. The marriage between the softness of the cheese and the structure of the red wine is exceptional.

7. Fresh Goat Cheese

Fresh cheeses, like fresh goat cheese or cottage cheese, have an acidity and freshness that pair with equally lively wines.

• Recommended pairing: A dry white wine from the Loire Valley, like a Muscadet, will perfectly complement the freshness of the cheese, while adding a touch of liveliness.

8. Washed Rind Cow Cheese (Ex.: Munster, Epoisses)

Washed rind cheeses are often stronger and more odorous, requiring a robust and sometimes even slightly tannic wine.

• Recommended pairing: A powerful red wine like a Médoc will balance the fat and intensity of the cheese with its black fruit and spice aromas. The tannins of the Médoc provide a structure that counterbalances the richness of the cheese.

Additional Tips:

• The wine should be sweeter than the cheese, especially for very aged cheeses. If the wine is too acidic or tannic, it might distort the taste of the cheese.
• Cheese is often consumed with a softer and creamier texture, so it is important to choose a wine that does not overpower these sensations.
• Play on the region: Sometimes, a regional pairing, like Comté with a vin jaune or goat cheese with a wine from the Loire, creates a more authentic gastronomic experience.

By following these recommendations, you can easily choose the perfect wine to accompany your cheeses and offer your guests a harmonious and delicious pairing. Do not hesitate to ask for advice for more personalized suggestions based on the types of cheeses you offer.