Your Guide to Year-Round Wine and Cheese Pairing
Cheese and wine have long been celebrated as one of the world's most timeless pairings. While each season offers unique flavors and inspirations, the beauty of these culinary companions is their year-round versatility. Whether you're planning a dinner party, a casual evening in, or a gathering with friends, knowing how to pair cheese and wine can elevate any occasion into a delightful experience.
The Basics of Pairing Wine and Cheese
The best pairings arise when the flavors of the wine and cheese enhance each other. While there are no hard rules—your preferences are paramount—some general principles can help guide your selections:
- Match intensity: Pair bold wines with robust cheeses and lighter wines with mild cheeses.
- Balance acidity and saltiness: Wines with higher acidity complement the richness and saltiness of many cheeses.
- Contrast or complement: Sweet wines balance salty cheeses, while wines with similar flavor profiles to a cheese can create harmony.
Fresh Cheeses: Bright and Creamy
- Examples: Chevre, Hand-dipped Ricotta, Burrata
- Wine Pairing: Sparkling wine, Sauvignon Blanc, or a crisp Pinot Grigio
- Why it Works: The bright acidity of these wines cuts through the creamy texture of fresh cheeses, enhancing their tangy flavors.
Bloomy Rind Cheeses: Soft and Luxurious
- Examples: Brie, Camembert, Triple Crème (like Kunik or Champlain)
- Wine Pairing: Chardonnay, Rosé, or a fruit-forward Pinot Noir
- Why it Works: The buttery richness of bloomy rinds pairs beautifully with the roundness of Chardonnay or the freshness of rosé. Pinot Noir adds an earthy depth that complements the creaminess.
Washed Rind Cheeses: Funky and Flavorful
- Examples: Epoisses, Red Hawk, Taleggio
- Wine Pairing: Dry Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Mourvèdre
- Why it Works: The bold, earthy flavors of washed rinds need wines with acidity and aromatic complexity to hold their own and refresh the palate.
Semi-Soft Cheeses: Smooth and Nutty
- Examples: Havarti, Fontina, Morbier
- Wine Pairing: Viognier, Grüner Veltliner, or a light Merlot
- Why it Works: These cheeses' mild nuttiness pairs well with wines that have a slight fruitiness and medium body.
Hard Cheeses: Aged and Robust
- Examples: Parmigiano-Reggiano, Gouda (like Brabander Reserve), Manchego
- Wine Pairing: Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, or a crisp Sparkling Wine
- Why it Works: The concentrated flavors of hard cheeses can stand up to tannic reds, while sparkling wines offer a refreshing counterpoint.
Blue Cheeses: Bold and Salty
- Examples: Gorgonzola, Roquefort, Stilton
- Wine Pairing: Port, Sauternes, or a jammy Zinfandel
- Why it Works: Sweet wines balance the salty tang of blue cheeses, creating a luxurious and balanced flavor profile.
Build the Ultimate Cheese Board
Round out your pairings with accompaniments that add texture and flavor contrasts:
- Fruits: Fresh (grapes, apples, figs) and dried (apricots, cranberries)
- Nuts: Almonds, walnuts, or candied pecans
- Condiments: Honey, preserves, or mustards
- Crackers and Bread: Neutral-flavored options to let the cheese shine
- Charcuterie: Salami, prosciutto, or pâté for added richness
Tips for Serving Cheese and Wine
- Temperature matters: Allow cheese to reach room temperature (30-60 minutes out of the fridge) for optimal flavor. Serve white wines at 50-55°F and reds slightly cooler than room temperature, around 60-65°F.
- Start mild, end bold: Begin your tasting with lighter cheeses and wines, progressing to stronger flavors to avoid overwhelming your palate.
Explore with Antonelli’s Cheese
At Antonelli’s Cheese, we’re passionate about helping you discover perfect pairings. Whether you're diving into fresh goat cheese with a glass of bubbly or savoring aged Manchego with a bold Cabernet, our Certified Cheese Professionals (CCPs) are here to guide you.
Visit us in Austin to explore our curated cheese selections, join a tasting event, or pick up a ready-to-serve tray. Not in Austin? Our Cheese Club brings expertly chosen cheeses straight to your door.
Wine and cheese pairing is a journey of taste and discovery—one that's rewarding no matter the season. So, gather your favorite selections, experiment boldly, and savor every bite. Cheers!
Check out our Spring Wine and Cheese blog here.
Read about a Texas cheese and wine pairing we hosted for Texas Monthly here.
