Few culinary pairings are as timeless and indulgent as wine and cheese. This combination has been enjoyed for centuries, celebrated for how the textures, flavours, and aromas of both elements enhance each other. It is no wonder that no one can resist the lure of this combination, be it seasoned wine connoisseurs to casual enthusiasts. Understanding how to match the best wine and cheese can elevate your tasting experience to a whole new level.
What makes wine and cheese pairing so special? The answer lies in balance. The richness and creaminess of cheese contrast beautifully with the acidity, tannins, and fruitiness of wine, creating a harmonious interplay of flavours. A well-matched pair will allow both components to shine, bringing out hidden nuances in each.
Different wine types complement different cheeses, making pairing an exciting and versatile journey that encourages you to explore diverse combinations. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect wine and cheese combination:
What grows together goes together- pair wines with regional cheeses.
Cheeses with subtle flavours need a lighter wine, else their flavours won’t come through.
Trust you palate, if a pairing tastes good to you, then it doesn’t need anyone’s seal of approval.
Best Wine And Cheese Pairing Suggestions
Soft cheese Soft cheeses like brie and camembert are known for their creamy texture that coats your tongue. You need a wine that cuts through this richness and resets your palate for another bite. So, you can pair these with dry, crisp wines like an unoaked Chardonnay or Champagne with high acidity that will make your mouth water. We suggest Cantine Povero Il Sendallo Piemonte Piedmont DOC Chardonnay a delightful Italian wine which offers a symphony of fresh citrus, white flowers, and a hint of pear. While the palate reveals a dry, crisp profile its finish is long and invigorating, with a pleasingly tingly sensation that lingers delightfully.
Fresh cheese Who doesn’t like digging into a fresh piece of burrata, mozzarella, or goat’s cheese? Such cheeses are light on the palate with subtle flavours that can easily be lost if paired with bold wine packed with flavours. Try to pair it with a refreshing white wine like a light and herby Sauvignon Blanc that will accentuate the freshness of the cheeses. Our recommendation is Framingham Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc 2022, which showcases the distinctive New Zealand profile, enriched with a carefully crafted texture and aromas of freshly cut grass, tropical fruits, citrus and herbs. Its crisp taste with a balanced acidity that follows through to a bright and long finish.
Semi-hard cheese Cheeses like gouda, gruyere or edam have a mild taste despite a rich, buttery yet firm texture. Such cheeses demand wine with a little bit of body and character, like an oaked Chardonnay. It is best paired with savoury and rustic red wines like Chianti Classico or an easy-drinking Côtes du Rhône. We suggest San Felice Il Grigio Chianti Classico Riserva DOCG 2019, with aromas of wild red berries, violets and a hint of leather. On the palate, it unfolds with spiced red plums and cherries, rounded by firm yet velvety tannins. A subtle note of mushroom and a long, fruit-forward finish make this wine immediately gratifying.
Hard cheese Cheeses like parmesan, aged cheddar or pecorino are dry and crumbly, with distinct nuttiness complemented by tangy and salty flavours. Such complex and flavourful cheeses command to be paired with bold full-bodies reds like Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon. A great pick would be Born West Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, which encapsulates a sophisticated taste’s robust character and complexity. The nose is an enticing blend of black raspberry and cherry, entwined with the sweet aroma of vanilla oak. On the palate, it brings notes of earthy liquorice and subtle spiciness. The finish is smooth and enduring, marked by a harmonious interplay of dark fruit and oak.
Blue cheeses When you taste cheeses like gorgonzola and Roquefort, their funky and pungent taste can overpower your senses. Wines with a sweeter taste, such as port wine, sweet German Riesling, or Hungarian Tokaji will offset their sharp aromas and peculiar taste perfectly. A great dessert wine to pair with any style of blue cheese is Vallonné Vin de Passerillage 2023. This exceptional Indian Syrah has inviting aromas of dark berries, black cherry, and hints of plum. On the palate, it is luscious due to subtle tannins, with notes of ripe fig, blackberry jam, and a touch of dark chocolate. The finish is smooth and lingering, leaving traces of dried fruit and a whisper of clove warmth.
Looking for more amazing wine recommendations? Check out the winners of this year’s India Wines And Spirits Award here.
