Want a cheat sheet for creating perfect cheese and beverage pairings? Look no further. Our experts have compiled a guide that breaks down some of the most well-known categories of cheese, and pairs them up with wine, beer, and classic cocktail selections. In this sneak peek, we’re taking a look at white wine pairings, and which cheeses you should lean towards when you’re looking to sip on something light, crisp, and refreshing.
Fresh Cheese
Examples: Mozzarella, Feta, Chèvre
Wine Pairings: Champagne, Prosecco, Cava, Sparkling White Wine
These white, rindless cheeses are rich and fresh, so their texture can range from creamy to velvety, making them coat your mouth and linger on the palate. Bubbles are the perfect way to cut through the butterfat. The carbonation acts like a cleanser between bites of cheese, slicing right through the density of these luxe cheeses, and preventing them from overwhelming your palate.
Bloomy Rind Cheeses
Examples: Brie, Camembert, Fromager D’Affinois
Wine Pairings: Chenin Blanc, Sancerre, Pinot Grigio
Many of these cheeses will be double crèmes and triple crèmes, meaning high acid will be your best friend to cut through the butterfat. These cheeses sit between 60-75% butterfat, much higher than the fat content of other cheeses, making them more rich and creamy. Adding a crisp white wine will not only enhance the mushroom and butter flavors already present in the cheese, but will also bring out the subtle fruity notes in the wine.
Washed Rind Cheeses
Examples: Epoisses, Taleggio, Morbier
Wine Pairings: Riesling, Chardonnay, Viognier
The trick here is to make sure that your wine can stand up to your cheese. These cheeses tend to pack a punch and you don’t want your wine to get lost in that. A bit of sweetness will offset the salty funkiness of the washed rind cheeses really nicely. Fuller bodied whites and even oaky wines will complement the savory aspect of this style of cheese and make for a ‘meal in one bite’ type of pairing.
Want to dig deeper into the world of cheese and wine pairings? Grab our comprehensive Digital Pairing Guide to wine and beer pairings, plus classic cocktail recipes for each style of cheese.
