When it comes to wine and cheese, you can’t go wrong. A centuries-old combination, wine and cheese complement each other to create foolproof flavor harmonies. Wine and cheese pairings tend to have the false reputation of being enjoyed exclusively by sophisticated palates, but this guide proves that everyone can get the full experience, regardless of their prior knowledge or the size of their wallet.
With countless options and hard-to-pronounce names, shopping for wine and cheese can get overwhelming. Have no fear– this guide will help you find the perfect pairing for your taste. As an added bonus, every pairing I feature can be found at Whole Foods for less than $20.
Pair Pecorino…
Pecorino is a hard cheese that originates in Italy. Pecorino cheeses are traditionally made from sheep’s milk but can also sometimes be made from cow’s milk. The flavor of pecorino cheese is sharp, smokey, and salty. This cheese pairs perfectly with red wines.
…with Chianti.
Chianti is a medium-bodied red wine from Tuscany, Italy. Chianti is dry, fruity, and known for its flavorful notes of cherry. Many wine lovers live by the saying, “What grows together goes together.” Chianti and Pecorino both hail from Tuscany, so they’re an ideal match.
…or with Côtes du Rhône.
Côtes du Rhône is a French red wine. It’s known for its fruity taste, which is balanced with its earthy flavor of dried herbs. These notes will complement the Pecorino cheese’s nutty, sharp taste.
Pair Goat Cheese…
Goat cheese is a distinctively tangy cheese variety that originates in France. Goat cheese varies widely in both taste and texture, from creamy to crumbly and from mild to pungent. The tartness of the goat cheese is quintessentially paired with a crisp and refreshing white wine.
…with Sauvignon Blanc.
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic, dry French white wine that characteristically has a fruity flavor and floral aroma. In this one from Cupcake Vineyards in New Zealand, you’ll taste notes of lemon, white nectarine, and lime. Spread some goat cheese on a couple of crackers, pour a glass, and you’ll be set.
…or with Pinot Gris.
Pinot Gris is another essential French white that would be a perfect complement to the tangy, creamy goat cheese. Pinot Gris is light and citrusy. This Pinot Gris has notes of peach, grapefruit, and pear. It’s one of Underwood’s many canned wines, which are ideal for a wine and cheese pairing on the go. Canned wine is also perfect for limited fridge space (college kids know).
Pair Camembert…
Camembert is a cow milk’s cheese that originates in Normandy, France. Soft and creamy in texture, Camembert has a similar consistency to brie cheese. Camembert is more pungent in taste and aroma than brie due to its distinct earthy flavor. The creaminess of the Camembert cheese will pair nicely with Rosé or Riesling, two light and slightly sweet wines.
…with Rosé.
Light and fruity, Rosé is the perfect pair for camembert. This combination will remind you of strawberry shortcake. If it’s within your price point, choose a Provençal-style rosé from Southern France to complement the French cheese.
…or with Riesling.
Riesling is a light and dry German white wine. It’s known for its crispness and acidic flavor, which will pair nicely with the earthiness of the Camembert. The semi-sweet wine is extremely versatile, so save some for dinner because it goes well with pretty much any food.
Pair Mahon…
Mahon is a cow’s milk cheese that comes from Spain. Mahon varies in texture– young mahon is softer, while aged Mahon is a harder cheese. The flavor of Mahon is buttery and salty, which will complement these two different wine options.
…with Cava.
In the mood for something bubbly? Cava is like champagne, but cheaper. This Spanish sparkling wine is known for its floral aroma. Cava strikes a balance between bitterness and fruitiness and will complement the flavors of the Spanish Mahon cheese.
…or with Pinot Noir.
Pinot Noir, a signature French red, would also complement the flavors of the Mahon cheese. Pinot Noir is a light to medium bodied wine and typically has flavorful hints of dark berries. This Pinot Noir from Underwood Wine Company is described as having notes of cherries, raspberries, and chocolate.
The Expert Behind These Pairings
While I would like to say that I’m skilled in the art of wine and cheese pairing, I have to admit that I got some pointers from my uncle Michael Drapkin, the owner of Kingston Wine Co. in Kingston, New York with his wife Theresa.
Their shop has been featured in Vogue and Food and Wine Magazine and was recently voted the best spot in the Hudson Valley to buy a bottle of wine. He knows all things wine, so these recommendations are guaranteed to please. Next Wine Wednesday, you can impress your friends with these pairings and prove that, sometimes, you can buy class.