Cheese and wine are a classic culinary combination. The perfect pairing will complement and elevate each other. This short guide will help you master the art of matching wine with cheese to create delicious pairings.

The basics of cheese and wine pairing

The key to a great cheese and wine pairing lies in balance. Matching the levels of intensity in both the wine and cheese will ensure neither overwhelms the other. Generally, light wines pair best with mild cheeses, while rich, robust wines work better with aged or intensely flavoured cheeses. Additionally, consider acidity and texture. Wines with higher acidity cut through rich, creamy cheeses, cleansing the palate, while sweet wines can balance salty or pungent flavours.

 

The classic cheese and wine pairings

Soft Cheeses and White Wines

  • Examples: Brie, Camembert, or Chèvre (goat cheese)
  • Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, or Champagne
    The creamy texture and mild flavour of soft cheeses are beautifully complemented by the bright acidity and citrus notes of white wines or sparkling options, which balance the richness without overpowering the cheese.

Aged Cheeses and Robust Reds

  • Examples: Aged Gouda, Parmesan, or Cheddar
  • Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or Syrah
    Aged cheeses often have nutty, bold flavours that stand up well to tannic, full-bodied red wines. The wines’ structure mirrors the intensity of the cheese for a satisfying match.

Blue Cheeses and Sweet Wines

  • Examples: Stilton, Roquefort, or Gorgonzola
  • Wine Pairing: Port, Sauternes, or Riesling
    The salty, tangy taste of blue cheeses pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of dessert wines. The wine’s sweetness balances the sharpness of the cheese, creating a rich and layered experience.

Fresh Cheeses and Light Wines

  • Examples: Mozzarella, Burrata, or Ricotta
  • Wine Pairing: Pinot Grigio, Rosé, or Prosecco
    Fresh cheeses’ delicate flavours match the crisp, refreshing profiles of light wines, creating a lively pairing perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Experiment with your wine and cheese!

While these tips are tried and true, nothing matters more than your personal taste. Experiment on your own to find what works for you. A good way to do this is with a cheese board served with a variety of wines to suit the different cheese types; for example, a light white, a medium-bodied red, and a dessert wine. When doing this you might find that wines and cheeses from the same region often pair naturally due to shared terroir influences (for more on terroir influences, see our article here). For example, an Italian Chianti with Pecorino or a French Chablis with Comté.

Hopefully these tips will allow you can craft pairings that enhance both the wine and the cheese. If still in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask one of our friendly Wine Buffs in store! They can give more tailored advice to your needs.