What Wine Goes with Cheese? A Gourmet’s Guide

Alright, so you’re diving into this fascinating world of wine and cheese and you might be wondering, what wine goes with cheese? Heck, I’ve been there too. Like, why does that sharp cheddar taste so darn good with a sip of that red stuff?

You see, pairing wine with cheese is almost like art. Imagine you’re painting on a canvas and every stroke, every color you use, creates a new emotion. When the wine touches the cheese, magic happens. Well, kind of like that.

Now, you’ve got your wine. You’ve got your cheese. But dude, it’s not just about smashing them together. It’s about balance. Ever seen those dudes at the park, slacklining between two trees? They’ve got to balance or they’re going to fall flat. Similarly, some wines are too strong for some cheeses, and some cheeses too powerful for certain wines.

If you’ve ever had a sip of wine after munching on cheese and thought, “Whoa, that’s awesome,” or “Eh, not really feeling it,” that’s the whole balance game playing out in your mouth. So, what wine goes with cheese? The one that brings a smile to your face. And trust me, when you get it right, it’s pure bliss.

The Role of Texture, Acidity, Fat, and Tannin

Hold on tight; we’re diving deep. Texture, acidity, fat, and tannin are the fab four of the wine and cheese world. No, they’re not a band, but they do create some killer tunes in your mouth.

Texture – Ever had a gooey cheese melt in your mouth? That’s texture at play. Some wines work beautifully with creamy textures, while others love the hard, crumbly stuff.

Acidity – Think of this as the zesty, zingy stuff. It’s that little punch that makes things lively. Wines with good acidity cut through the richness of cheese like a hot knife through butter.

Fat – Cheese is fatty. Period. And that’s why we love it. Fat in cheese coats your mouth, giving you that creamy feel. Certain wines wash down that fat, refreshing your palate for the next bite.

Tannin – This is the fancy term for that dry feeling you get from some red wines. It’s like the wine’s giving your tongue a little hug. Now, pair a tannic wine with a fatty cheese, and oh boy, you’re in for a treat.

Understanding Cheese Types

Fresh Cheeses

Ah, the babes of the cheese world! Fresh cheeses are the young ones, not aged for too long. They’re soft, mild, often spreadable, and have that fresh milk vibe. Think ricotta, mozzarella, and feta. And when you’re standing there, cheese in hand, wondering what wine goes with cheese like this? Think light and zesty.

• Mozzarella: Best friends with a crisp Pinot Grigio.
• Feta: Loves to hang with a cool Sauvignon Blanc.

Bloomy Cheeses

Enter the world of fuzzy, white rinds. Sounds odd, I know, but they’re a dream! These are your Bries and Camemberts, all creamy and gooey inside. The white mold on the outside? Totally edible. Now, for the big question, what wine goes with cheese this decadent?

• Brie: A glass of Chardonnay. Oh, what a pair!
• Camembert: Fancy it with a sparkling wine. Pop that bubbly!

Washed Rind Cheeses

These are the bad boys of the cheese world, often strong and stinky. But oh, they have so much character! Think cheeses like Taleggio or Limburger. And because they’re so bold, they need a wine that won’t back down.

• Taleggio: Bring in a bold Barbera or Nebbiolo.
• Limburger: How about a Gewürztraminer? Spicy and sweet.

Semi-Soft Cheeses

The middle-grounders. Not too hard, not too soft, but juuust right. Havarti, Gouda, and the like fall into this category. They have more texture than fresh cheeses but are not as bold as the washed rind.

• Havarti: Try it with a light red like a young Beaujolais.
• Gouda: An oaky Chardonnay? Yes, please!

Hard Cheeses

These are the wise old souls of the cheese world. Aged for years, sometimes even decades, they’re full of intense flavors. We’re talking about Parmesan, Manchego, and aged Cheddar. These cheeses have seen stuff, and they need a wine that respects their journey.

• Parmesan: Let’s go classic with a Chianti.
• Manchego: Tempranillo all the way.

Blue Cheeses

Moldy, tangy, and absolutely divine! Blue cheeses like Roquefort, Gorgonzola, or Stilton have blue-green veins running through them, giving them a distinctive taste. They’re an acquired taste for some, but man, they’re addictive.

• Roquefort: A sweet Sauternes brings out its best.
• Stilton: Port wine, because why not?

Classic Wine and Cheese Pairings

Pairings for Beginners

So, you’re just starting out on this journey, eh? Don’t sweat it, everyone starts somewhere. Here are a few classic “what wine goes with cheese” pairings to get you started.

• Cheddar and Cabernet Sauvignon: This pairing is a classic for a reason. The bold, fruity flavors of the cabernet blend beautifully with the rich, nutty cheddar. Pure harmony.
• Brie and Chardonnay: The creamy, buttery brie cheese is a match made in heaven with the smooth, crisp notes of a well-oaked Chardonnay.
• Blue cheese and Sauternes: Blue cheese is strong, tangy, and a bit sweet. Balance it with a Sauternes, which is a sweet white wine with flavors of honey, peach, and apricot.

Advanced Pairings

If you’re feeling a little adventurous and asking, “what wine goes with cheese?” in a more complex sense, here’s your answer.

• Manchego and Sherry: This Spanish duo is a sure-shot winner. Manchego, with its rich and tangy notes, pairs incredibly well with a dry Sherry.
• Roquefort and Sauternes: A bold choice. The strong, sharp flavors of Roquefort cheese find a perfect counterpoint in the sweet, full-bodied Sauternes.
• Epoisses and Burgundy Red: It’s a power-packed pairing. The potent Epoisses cheese is tamed by the smooth, fruity notes of a Burgundy red.

Regional Pairings

What’s grown together, goes together. That’s the idea behind regional pairings.

• Parmigiano-Reggiano and Lambrusco: Straight from the heart of Italy, this sparkling red wine is a joy with Parmigiano, making you feel like you’re sitting in an Italian bistro.
• Camembert and Normandy Cider: Who said it has to be wine? This French cheese pairs beautifully with another product of its home region: cider.
• Gouda and Dutch Gin: Okay, it’s not wine. But the Dutch have been pairing their famous cheese with jenever (a type of gin) for ages. And it’s pretty awesome.

Creating Your Own Pairings

Guidelines for Experimentation

Don’t be afraid to experiment. Sure, there are classic pairings, but there are no hard rules. Mix and match, try new things. Maybe you’ll discover a pairing that blows your mind. Keep these tips in mind.

• Match Intensity: Pair light with light, and bold with bold. You don’t want the wine or cheese to overpower the other.
• Play with Contrasts: Creamy cheese with a crisp wine. Salty cheese with a sweet wine. You’d be surprised how well they can play together.
• Taste the Rainbow: Try different types of cheese, and different types of wine. The possibilities are endless.

The Role of Personal Taste

You know what? The best answer to the question “what wine goes with cheese?” is whatever you enjoy most.

Seriously, forget the rules if you want. If you love a pairing, that’s all that matters. Your palate, your rules. Remember, wine and cheese is all about enjoying yourself.

Hosting a Wine and Cheese Party

How to Choose a Variety of Cheeses

Throwing a wine and cheese party? Epic! When choosing your cheeses, variety is key. Go for different textures, ages, and types of cheese. Have a mix of fresh, bloomy, washed rind, semi-soft, hard, and blue cheeses.

How to Choose a Variety of Wines

Just like the cheese, go for a variety of wines. Have a mix of red, white, rosé, and maybe even a sparkling wine. And don’t forget, you can have fun with other drinks too. Ciders, beers, and spirits can also make great pairings.

Presentation Tips

Presentation is key at a party. Arrange your cheeses on a large wooden board or slate. Provide separate knives for each cheese to avoid mixing flavors. Serve your wines at the right temperature and don’t forget the wine glasses!