Pairing white wine with cheese can elevate both the drink and the delicacy to new levels of taste and sophistication. The crisp acidity and fresh flavors of white wines can complement a wide array of cheeses, bringing out nuanced flavors you might miss otherwise.
When you consider the texture, saltiness, and creaminess of cheese alongside the body and sweetness of wine, you create perfect pairings that can highlight both.
Understanding the basics of white wine and cheese pairing is essential for any culinary enthusiast. Opt for lighter cheeses such as goat cheese or a lush brie with lighter white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
These pairings can accentuate the wine’s fruity and floral notes without overwhelming your palate. For fuller-bodied white wines such as Chardonnay, richer and aged cheeses like Gouda or Camembert can be an excellent match.
The Basics of Wine and Cheese Pairing
The art of wine and cheese pairing can elevate your culinary experience, harmonizing flavors for an exquisite match. The key is finding a balance that complements both the wine’s profile and the cheese’s characteristics.
Importance of Balance
To achieve the perfect pairing, the intensity of the wine should match the boldness of the cheese. A delicate white wine could be overshadowed by a pungent cheese, just as a robust cheese might require the accompaniment of a wine with more character. For instance, an oaky Chardonnay tends to pair well with harder cheeses like aged Gouda, while a light Sauvignon Blanc can complement the subtleties of goat cheese.
General Principles
When considering wine and cheese pairing, general principles can guide your selections:
- Complementary Flavors: Aim for cheese pairs that echo a note in the wine, like a zesty wine with a tangy cheese.
- Texture and Body: Match rich, creamy cheeses with wines that have a similar mouthfeel. For example, a buttery Brie might pair with a creamy, full-bodied white wine.
- Regional Affinities: Often, wine pairs well with cheeses from the same region, a concept known as “what grows together, goes together.”
Selecting the Right White Wine
When pairing cheese with white wine, your focus should be on matching the acidity and sweetness levels of the wine with the flavor profile of the cheese. This ensures a harmonious taste experience.
Understanding Acidity and Sweetness
Acidity in wine is what gives it its tart and zesty flavor. It’s an essential factor when pairing with cheese, as acidic wines can cut through the fattiness of creamy cheeses.
Sauvignon Blanc and Chenin Blanc are known for their higher acidity. On the other hand, sweetness in wine can balance out the intensity of stronger cheeses.
A mildly sweet Riesling would be an excellent match for a spicy cheese, as the sweetness can counteract the heat and provide a refreshing contrast.
White Wine Varieties Explained
Each variety of white wine offers a distinct taste profile that pairs differently with cheese:
- Sauvignon Blanc: It is crisp and light, often with grassy notes. This pairs well with tangy cheeses.
- Chardonnay: A versatile wine that can range from buttery and oak-aged to fresh and mineral-like. It is great with soft cheeses like brie.
- Pinot Grigio: This wine is typically light and refreshing. It is suitable for a variety of cheeses, especially those with a subtle flavor.
- Riesling: It can vary from dry to sweet. Its natural sweetness pairs nicely with both soft and spicy cheeses.
- Chenin Blanc: This wine is known for its acidity and sweetness. It complements cheeses with a similar duality, like aged cheddar.
- White Rhône: These can be full-bodied and aromatic, perfect for herbed or marinated cheeses.
A full-bodied wine will have more presence and texture, often pairing well with bolder cheeses. Meanwhile, a dry wine has minimal to no residual sugar. It can serve as a palate cleanser for creamier, richer cheeses. Conversely, sweet wines can offer a delightful contrast to the saltiness of blue cheese or the tang of a goat cheese. Selecting the right white wine is about finding a balance that enhances both the wine and the cheese.
Best Cheeses With White Wine
Brie Cheese
Brie is a classic French cheese known for its creamy, buttery texture and mild, earthy undertones. It has a soft, edible rind and a rich, velvety interior that becomes more gooey and flavorful as it matures. Brie is versatile in pairings, harmonizing well with wines that enhance its creamy texture without overwhelming its delicate flavors.
Best white wines for Brie:
- Chardonnay: Offers a buttery richness that complements Brie’s creamy texture, especially when lightly oaked.
- Champagne: The effervescence of Champagne provides a delightful contrast to Brie’s smoothness, cutting through the cream with its acidity.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and citrus notes can cut through the richness, making it a refreshing counterpoint to the soft cheese.
Camembert Cheese
Camembert is similar to Brie but has a deeper, more earthy, and intense flavor profile. It features a bloomy rind and a soft, creamy interior that exudes a rich, buttery taste with mushroom-like notes when at room temperature. The robust flavors of Camembert pair well with wines that can either complement or cut through its richness.
Best white wines for Camembert:
- Chardonnay: A medium to full-bodied Chardonnay complements the intense flavors of Camembert, especially those with subtle oak influences.
- Chenin Blanc: The high acidity and fruity notes of Chenin Blanc, particularly from the Loire Valley, balance the richness of Camembert.
- Pinot Gris: Offers a fuller body and rich texture that can stand up to the strong flavors of Camembert without overpowering it.
Goat Cheese
Goat cheese is celebrated for its distinctively tart and tangy flavor. The texture can range from soft and spreadable to firm and crumbly. Its bright, acidic profile makes it an excellent cheese for pairing with a variety of white wines that highlight its sharpness and add complexity.
Best white wines for Goat Cheese:
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crispness and herbaceous character of Sauvignon Blanc beautifully complement the tangy nature of goat cheese.
- Chenin Blanc: Offers a sweet contrast to the sharpness of goat cheese, particularly with versions that carry a touch of residual sugar.
- Pinot Grigio: Light and crisp, it harmonizes well with the freshness and acidity of goat cheese, enhancing its vibrant flavors.
Mozzarella Cheese
Mozzarella is a soft Italian cheese known for its mild flavor and elastic texture, famous in dishes like pizza and Caprese salad. Its subtle taste pairs best with light, fresh wines that reflect its simplicity and enhance its delicate milky qualities.
Best white wines for Mozzarella:
- Pinot Grigio: This light-bodied wine complements Mozzarella with its subtle fruitiness and refreshing acidity.
- Vermentino: With its citrus and herbal notes, Vermentino offers a vibrant complement to the soft and subtle Mozzarella.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The zesty and crisp nature of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with Mozzarella, especially in fresh salads.
Gruyère Cheese
Gruyère is a Swiss cheese known for its firm texture and complex flavors, which include notes of nuttiness, slight sweetness, and sometimes a hint of smokiness. It pairs well with wines that can complement its rich flavors or bring out its subtler notes.
Best white wines for Gruyère:
- Chardonnay: Especially unoaked or subtly oaked, complements Gruyère with its creamy texture and potential for complex flavor profiles.
- Riesling: A dry Riesling works well by offering a crisp acidity that can cut through the richness of Gruyère.
- Fumé Blanc: This oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc variant introduces smoky notes that can perfectly complement the slight smokiness of aged Gruyère.
Feta Cheese
Feta is a brined curd cheese traditionally made in Greece from sheep’s milk or from a mixture of sheep and goat’s milk. It’s known for its crumbly texture and tangy, salty flavor, which makes it distinctively bold yet versatile in culinary uses. The saltiness of Feta is beautifully offset by wines that offer fruity and floral notes.
Best white wines for Feta:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp, herbal qualities cut through the saltiness of Feta, providing a refreshing palate cleanser.
- Chardonnay (unoaked): A lighter, unoaked Chardonnay complements Feta with its subtle fruitiness and balanced acidity.
- Riesling: A slightly sweet Riesling can contrast nicely with Feta’s saltiness, balancing the overall flavor profile.
Havarti Cheese
Havarti is a Danish cheese known for its creamy consistency and mild, slightly tangy flavor. It’s often enhanced with various herbs and spices, such as dill or caraway, which can introduce more complex flavors. Havarti’s creamy texture makes it an excellent pairing with wines that have a good balance of fruit and acidity.
Best white wines for Havarti:
- Pinot Gris: Offers a fruity balance with a robust body that complements the creaminess of Havarti.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The bright acidity and citrus notes highlight Havarti’s mild flavors without overwhelming them.
- Viognier: With its aromatic profile and notes of stone fruits, Viognier pairs well with Havarti, especially when the cheese is flavored with herbs.
Roquefort Cheese
Roquefort is a blue cheese from France made from sheep’s milk, and it is one of the world’s best known blue cheeses. Notably rich, tangy, and salty with a distinct flavor of mold from the Penicillium roqueforti, Roquefort is bold and intense. This cheese pairs exceptionally well with sweet and robust white wines that can balance its strong flavors.
Best white wines for Roquefort:
- Sauternes: This sweet, golden wine from the Bordeaux region of France complements the boldness of Roquefort with its rich, honeyed flavors.
- Chenin Blanc (sweet): A sweet Chenin Blanc offers a nice balance to the saltiness and sharpness of Roquefort.
- Gewürztraminer: Its aromatic sweetness and spiciness make it a great match for the intense flavors of Roquefort.
Gorgonzola Cheese
Gorgonzola is an Italian blue cheese, softer and with a milder flavor compared to Roquefort. It can range from creamy to crumbly in texture, with a sharp, earthy flavor. Pairing Gorgonzola with wine involves looking for a beverage that can complement its rich, pungent notes.
Best white wines for Gorgonzola:
- Riesling (off-dry): The light sweetness of an off-dry Riesling can complement the sharpness of Gorgonzola.
- Moscato: Moscato’s sweet, lightly effervescent nature works well with Gorgonzola, especially the creamier varieties.
- Sauternes: The lush, sweet character of Sauternes offers a bold contrast that brings out the intricate flavors of Gorgonzola.
Asiago Cheese
Asiago cheese, originating from Italy, comes in two forms: fresh Asiago (Asiago Pressato) and aged Asiago (Asiago d’Allevo). The fresh version is smooth and mild, while the aged version is hard and more flavorful, with a slightly nutty and tangy profile. Its versatility in flavor depth makes it suitable for a variety of white wine pairings.
Best white wines for Asiago:
- Pinot Grigio: Especially with younger Asiago, the crispness and mild fruitiness of Pinot Grigio complement the cheese’s subtle flavors.
- Chardonnay (unoaked): A crisper, unoaked Chardonnay can enhance the nuttiness of aged Asiago without overwhelming its flavor.
- Verdicchio: This Italian white wine, known for its mineral qualities and crisp acidity, pairs well with both fresh and aged Asiago, reflecting the cheese’s Italian heritage.
Ricotta Cheese
Ricotta is a soft Italian cheese known for its light, creamy texture and subtly sweet flavor. Traditionally made from the whey left over from other cheese productions, it is versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. Its mildness makes it a great canvas for pairing with white wines that can enhance its delicate flavors without overwhelming them.
Best white wines for Ricotta:
- Pinot Grigio: The light, clean flavor of Pinot Grigio complements the soft texture and gentle taste of Ricotta.
- Prosecco: The gentle effervescence and subtle sweetness of Prosecco can enhance the creamy texture of Ricotta, making it particularly enjoyable.
- Sauvignon Blanc: Its crisp acidity and citrus notes provide a refreshing contrast to the smoothness of Ricotta, brightening the cheese’s mild flavor.
Parmesan Cheese
Parmesan, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is a hard, granular cheese from Italy, known for its rich, nutty flavor and slightly gritty texture. Aged for several years, it develops a deep, savory umami character that makes it a favorite for grating over dishes or enjoying as a snack. Parmesan pairs well with white wines that share its intensity and complexity.
Best white wines for Parmesan:
- Chardonnay (oaked): The richness and subtle vanilla notes of oaked Chardonnay can match the bold flavors of Parmesan.
- Gavi (Cortese): This Italian white wine, with its crisp acidity and mineral notes, complements the savory qualities of Parmesan.
- Trebbiano: Often used in the production of balsamic vinegar, Trebbiano has a light body and crisp character that can cleanse the palate when eating rich cheeses like Parmesan.
Manchego Cheese
Manchego is a firm Spanish cheese made from sheep’s milk, noted for its buttery texture and distinctive flavor, which can range from fruity to nutty depending on its age. It is a staple in Spanish cuisine and pairs wonderfully with a variety of wines.
Best white wines for Manchego:
- Verdejo: This Spanish white wine is aromatic and slightly herbaceous, making it a perfect match for the rich and slightly tangy profile of Manchego.
- Albariño: With its bright acidity and citrus flavors, Albariño complements the creamy and nutty aspects of Manchego beautifully.
- Viura (Macabeo): This lighter Spanish white offers a balance of fruit and acidity that works well with both young and aged Manchego.
Fontina Cheese
Fontina is a semi-soft cheese from Italy with a smooth, slightly nutty flavor and a hint of earthiness. It melts beautifully, making it popular in fondue and hot dishes. Its rich flavor pairs well with wines that can provide a contrast or enhance its creamy profile.
Best white wines for Fontina:
- Nebbiolo Bianco: Though less common, the white version of the Nebbiolo grape offers floral aromatics and acidity that can cut through the richness of Fontina.
- Chardonnay: Especially unoaked or lightly oaked versions, which complement Fontina’s buttery notes without overwhelming the cheese.
- Gewürztraminer: Its aromatic sweetness and spiciness make it a great match for the earthy tones of Fontina.
Emmental Cheese
Emmental is a classic Swiss cheese known for its mild, slightly nutty flavor and distinctive holes. It has a smooth, firm texture that becomes wonderfully melty when heated. Emmental’s subtle but distinct flavor makes it a great candidate for pairing with a variety of white wines.
Best white wines for Emmental:
- Chasselas: This Swiss white wine is a natural pair for Emmental, mirroring its subtle flavors and smooth texture.
- Riesling: A dry Riesling complements the nutty and sweet undertones of Emmental, providing a nice balance of acidity.
- Pinot Blanc: With its understated fruitiness and soft acidity, Pinot Blanc is an excellent choice for highlighting Emmental’s mild flavors.
Monterey Jack Cheese
Monterey Jack is an American cheese known for its mild flavor and semi-soft texture. It melts well and has a slight sweetness, making it a versatile cheese in cooking. The subtleness of Monterey Jack allows it to pair well with white wines that are gentle and not too acidic.
Best white wines for Monterey Jack:
- Pinot Gris: Offers a soft, fruity balance that complements the mildness of Monterey Jack without overpowering it.
- Viognier: Known for its floral and peachy aromas, Viognier adds a nice contrast to the subtle flavors of Monterey Jack.
- Chenin Blanc: Provides a light sweetness and bright acidity that can enhance the mild and creamy aspects of the cheese.
Aged Goat Cheese
Aged Chèvre has a firmer texture and more pronounced flavor compared to its fresh counterpart, often featuring earthy and nutty undertones. This aged version of goat cheese pairs wonderfully with wines that can match its boldness while highlighting its unique flavors.
Best white wines for Aged Chèvre:
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crispness and citrusy notes make Sauvignon Blanc a perfect complement to the sharp and tangy flavors of aged Chèvre.
- Sancerre: A specific type of Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, known for its mineral and flinty qualities that pair well with goat cheese.
- Chablis: A dry, mineral-driven white wine that can complement the earthiness of aged Chèvre without overwhelming it.
Taleggio Cheese
Taleggio is an Italian cheese with a strong aroma and a fruity, tangy flavor. It has a soft, creamy texture that becomes more pronounced as it ages. The robust nature of Taleggio pairs best with light-bodied but flavorful white wines.
Best white wines for Taleggio:
- Pinot Blanc: Its subtle fruitiness and soft mouthfeel harmonize with the creamy and tangy characteristics of Taleggio.
- Arneis: An aromatic white from Piedmont, Italy, with hints of pear and apricot, complements Taleggio’s richness.
- Gavi: Offers a crisp acidity and mineral quality that can cut through the strong flavors of Taleggio.
Pecorino Romano
Pecorino Romano is a hard, salty cheese from Italy, known for its intense flavor profile. It’s often used in cooking for its ability to add a savory depth to dishes. This cheese pairs well with crisp and acidic white wines that can balance its saltiness.
Best white wines for Pecorino Romano:
- Vermentino: Known for its sharp, mineral qualities and bright acidity, Vermentino counters the saltiness of Pecorino Romano effectively.
- Frascati: A light, crisp wine from the Lazio region of Italy that complements the robust flavors of Pecorino.
- Trebbiano: Provides a clean, refreshing palate cleanser that works well with the intense flavors of the cheese.
Swiss Cheese
Swiss cheese, characterized by its mild, nutty flavor and large holes, is a popular choice for sandwiches and fondue. It pairs well with white wines that are light and have a clean finish.
Best white wines for Swiss Cheese:
- Chasselas: A neutral, light wine that enhances the mild, nutty flavors of Swiss cheese without competing with them.
- Grüner Veltliner: Offers a slight peppery note that can complement the subtle sweetness of Swiss cheese.
- Pinot Gris: Provides a balanced fruitiness that is subtle enough to pair with the gentle flavors of Swiss cheese.
Provolone Cheese
Provolone is an Italian cheese with a mild flavor and firm texture. It is excellent for melting and is often used in sandwiches and on pizzas. Its mildness makes it a great candidate for dry white wines that can enhance its flavors without overpowering them.
Best white wines for Provolone:
- Soave: A light, almond-noted wine from Veneto, Italy, that pairs nicely with the smooth, mild flavor of Provolone.
- Pinot Grigio: Offers a refreshing crispness that can lift the subtle flavors of Provolone.
- Falanghina: With its hints of citrus and minerality, Falanghina complements the soft texture and mild taste of Provolone.
These pairings aim to create a harmonious tasting experience, allowing both the cheese and the wine to showcase their best qualities.