Cheese and Wine Pairing Chart

Exploring the world of cheese and wine pairings can be incredibly rewarding. The right combination can elevate both elements to new heights. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive cheese and wine pairing chart that outlines perfect matches for various types of cheese.

Hard Cheeses

Hard cheeses are aged for longer periods, giving them a dense texture and strong flavor. Examples include Cheddar, Parmesan, and Manchego.

• Cheddar and Cabernet Sauvignon: The bold flavors of Cheddar work well with the dry, rich characteristics of Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine’s tannins cut through the cheese’s sharpness, creating a balanced experience.
• Parmesan and Chianti: Parmesan’s nutty, salty profile pairs well with Chianti’s high acidity and cherry notes. The wine’s brightness complements the cheese’s complex flavors.
• Manchego and Tempranillo: Manchego, with its slightly sweet, nutty taste, matches marvelously with Tempranillo. The wine’s berry flavors and medium body enhance the cheese’s delicate profile.

Soft Cheeses

Soft cheeses are creamy and often have a mild flavor. Popular varieties include Brie, Camembert, and Cream Cheese.

• Brie and Chardonnay: The rich, buttery texture of Brie pairs beautifully with an oaked Chardonnay. The wine’s notes of vanilla and oak bring out the cheese’s creamy qualities.
• Camembert and Pinot Noir: Camembert’s earthy, mushroomy flavors pair well with the red fruit and subtle spice of Pinot Noir. The wine’s light body does not overpower the cheese.
• Cream Cheese and Riesling: Riesling, with its vibrant acidity and slight sweetness, complements the mild and tangy flavors of cream cheese. This pairing works well for appetizers and desserts alike.

Blue Cheeses

Blue cheeses are known for their strong, pungent flavors and crumbly textures. Well-known blue cheeses include Roquefort, Gorgonzola, and Stilton.

• Roquefort and Sauternes: The intense saltiness and creaminess of Roquefort are balanced by the honeyed sweetness of Sauternes. The wine’s lush character tames the cheese’s bold flavors.
• Gorgonzola and Port: Port’s rich, sweet, and fruity profile counters Gorgonzola’s tangy and sharp taste. The sticky sweetness of the wine provides a nice contrast.
• Stilton and Sherry: Sherry’s nutty, caramel undertones work beautifully with Stilton’s robust, tangy flavor. The two create a harmonious balance of sweet and savory.

Fresh Cheeses

Fresh cheeses are typically mild, soft, and moist. Examples include Mozzarella, Feta, and Ricotta.

• Mozzarella and Sauvignon Blanc: The fresh, milky flavor of Mozzarella pairs perfectly with the crisp acidity and citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s zesty profile complements the cheese’s subtle sweetness.
• Feta and Assyrtiko: Feta’s salty, tangy taste is enhanced by Assyrtiko’s bright acidity and mineral qualities. The wine’s clean, crisp finish balances the cheese’s briny characteristics.
• Ricotta and Prosecco: The light, creamy texture of Ricotta pairs well with Prosecco’s delicate bubbles and fruity notes. The wine’s effervescence lifts the cheese’s mild flavor.

Washed-Rind Cheeses

Washed-rind cheeses are known for their strong aromas and bold flavors. Common varieties include Munster, Taleggio, and Epoisses.

• Munster and Gewurztraminer: Munster’s pungent, tangy taste pairs exquisitely with Gewurztraminer’s exotic fruit flavors and hints of spice. The wine’s sweetness balances the cheese’s robust character.
• Taleggio and Barbera: Taleggio’s fruity, buttery profile finds a match in Barbera’s high acidity and red fruit notes. The wine’s refreshing qualities balance the cheese’s richness.
• Epoisses and Chablis: Epoisses, with its creamy texture and strong, meaty flavor, pairs beautifully with Chablis. The wine’s minerality and acidity cut through the cheese’s richness.

Goat Cheeses

Goat cheeses are known for their tangy, earthy flavors. Examples include Chevre, Humboldt Fog, and Bucheron.

• Chevre and Sauvignon Blanc: Chevre’s bright, citrusy notes align well with the zippy acidity and green fruit flavors of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine’s zestiness enhances the cheese’s freshness.
• Humboldt Fog and Viognier: Humboldt Fog’s creamy, tangy profile pairs wonderfully with Viognier’s lush, peachy notes and floral aromas. The wine’s full-bodied texture complements the cheese.
• Bucheron and Chenin Blanc: Bucheron, with its soft, creamy center and firmer rind, pairs well with Chenin Blanc. The wine’s apple and pear notes match the cheese’s milky, tangy flavor.

Smoked Cheeses

Smoked cheeses have distinctive, rich flavors due to the smoking process. Gouda, Scamorza, and Idiazabal are popular smoked cheeses.

• Smoked Gouda and Zinfandel: Smoked Gouda’s rich, caramelized flavor pairs well with Zinfandel’s jammy fruit and peppery spice. The wine’s robust profile complements the cheese’s smokiness.
• Smoked Scamorza and Syrah: Smoked Scamorza, with its mellow, buttery taste, finds a good match in Syrah’s dark fruit and earthy undertones. The wine’s intensity balances the cheese’s flavor.
• Idiazabal and Rioja: Idiazabal’s complex, nutty, and slightly smoky profile pairs beautifully with Rioja. The wine’s balanced acidity and berry notes highlight the cheese’s distinctive taste.

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