Hosting a Wine and Cheese Night: Perfect Pairings
Pairing Basics: How to Match Wines and Cheeses
Pairing wine and cheese is an art that balances flavors, acidity, and textures. A simple rule of thumb is to match intensities: delicate wines with mild cheeses, and bold wines with robust cheeses. And here are some additional guidelines:
Acidity vs. Creaminess:
High-acid wines like Sauvignon Blanc pair beautifully with creamy cheeses like goat cheese.
Bold meets Bold:
Strong, aged cheeses like cheddar or gouda often work well with full-bodied red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. The tannins in the wine complement the deep flavors of the cheese.
Sweet and Salty:
A dessert wine like a Sauternes or a Moscato paired with blue cheese is a classic combination.
Region Matters:
Wines and cheeses from the same region often complement each other. For example, a French Brie goes perfectly with a glass of Champagne.
Pairing and Glassware Suggestions
Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese
Sauvignon Blanc is known for its high acidity and fresh, herbaceous flavors. This crispness pairs beautifully with a tangy, creamy goat cheese like a classic Chèvre. Add some sliced apples or pears to the plate for a touch of sweetness to round out this combination.
Fun Fact: Goat cheese has been produced for thousands of years, and in many wine-producing regions like France, it’s often the cheese of choice to accompany local wines.
Magnifico 15.5 oz Medium Wine Glass
Chardonnay & Brie
A creamy, buttery Brie pairs well with a similarly textured wine like Chardonnay, particularly one that's been lightly oaked. The wine’s hints of vanilla and ripe apple bring out the subtle flavors of the cheese. Serve this combination with some crusty bread or crackers, and perhaps a drizzle of honey.
Fun Fact: Chardonnay is one of the most versatile white wines, with flavor profiles ranging from citrusy and zesty to rich and buttery depending on the region and production method.
Crescendo 12.75 oz Chardonnay Glass
Cabernet Sauvignon & Aged Cheddar
Cabernet Sauvignon is a bold red wine with strong tannins and rich flavors of dark fruit, tobacco, and spice. It pairs excellently with aged cheddar, which is equally robust and sharp. Aged Gouda or even a Pecorino Romano would also work beautifully here.
Fun Fact: Aged cheddar becomes sharper and more complex with time. Some varieties are aged for over two years, which brings out deep, nutty flavors.
Crescendo 22.25 oz Red Wine Glass
Pinot Noir & Gruyère
Pinot Noir is a lighter red wine known for its red fruit notes like cherry and raspberry, with earthy undertones. This subtle wine pairs wonderfully with a medium-hard cheese like Gruyère, which has a nutty, slightly sweet flavor. Together, they create a smooth, harmonious pairing that’s both elegant and approachable.
Fun Fact: Gruyère is a Swiss cheese that’s been made since the 12th century. It is often used in fondue, thanks to its meltability and rich taste.
Michelangelo Masterpiece 17 oz Red Wine Glass
Moscato & Blue Cheese
Moscato, a sweet wine with notes of peach and apricot, pairs surprisingly well with the pungent, salty flavors of blue cheese. This contrast creates a balanced bite, with the wine’s sweetness taming the intense saltiness of the cheese. Add some honey or figs to this pairing for even better experience.
Fun Fact: Blue cheese gets its distinctive flavor and appearance from mold cultures introduced during the cheese-making process. Despite its bold taste, it pairs well with sweet and mild flavors.
Supremo 18.5 oz Red Wine Glass
Cheers to good wine, great cheese, and even better company!