Cheese

Bold Wines with Bold Cheese

Generally speaking, the bolder and more ripe the cheese, the bolder and more robust the wine. Cheese can be divided in to 4 categories - fresh, delicate, strong, and pungent.

Fresh Cheeses

These salty and sour cheeses are often soft, rustic farmers cheeses such as feta, chèvre, or sour cream. Ideal pairings include sparkling wines, light-bodied whites, and aromatic whites. Consider serving Sauvignon Blanc or Prosecco.

Delicate Cheeses

This category of nutty cheese pairs beautifully with nearly any wine. Many popular cheeses including ricotta, swiss, brie, mozzarella, and havarti comprise this group. They will pair with everything except for full-bodied reds. Ideal compliments are any light-bodied wine of a full-bodied white. We recommend a Pinot Grigio or a Chardonnay.

Strong Cheeses

These cheeses are more firm and have typically been aged. Their stronger flavors and aromas can overwhelm more delicate wines. Pair with medium and full-bodied reds, like a Zinfandel or Malbec.

Pungent Cheeses

These ripe cheeses are often veined like a blue cheese and have very strong flavors and aromes. A tannic full-bodied red, like a Cabernet Sauvignon, will help cleanse the palate and stand up to the cheese. Dessert wines will also pair with these cheeses.