Are you a lover of cheese and wine, but do you keep wondering which wine pairs with cheese? Then you’re not alone. Whether you’re organizing a festive drinks party, planning a cozy evening with friends, or simply want to treat yourself to a cheese board; the right wine makes the difference between a nice combination and an amazing flavor explosion.
In this blog, you’ll read which wine goes with which cheese, how to compose the most delicious combinations, and what to watch out for when combining flavors. This way, you’ll turn every cheese and wine evening into a culinary celebration. And if you want to really take it seriously? Then a wine course at Amsterdam Wine Academy might be your next step.
Why choosing the right wine with cheese is so important
A good combination of wine and cheese ensures that flavors enhance each other rather than overpower. The acids of a fresh Sauvignon Blanc can, for example, elevate a creamy Brie, while a robust red wine like Syrah pairs beautifully with a spicy Manchego. If you choose incorrectly, both the wine and the cheese can come across as bland or too sharp.
At Amsterdam Wine Academy, we believe in flavor experience with knowledge. Whether you’re a beginning wine enthusiast or already advanced, understanding the combination between wine and cheese not only makes your drinks moment tastier but also more fun.
The basics: which cheese and which wine?
To choose the right wine with cheese, it’s important to look at:
- Flavor intensity: mild cheeses combine better with light white wines or fruity wine, while powerful cheeses call for a robust or sweet counterpart.
- Structure: soft cheeses love wines with fresh acids, while hard cheeses can handle a creamy or powerful wine.
- Fat content: creamy cheeses can benefit from wines with more acids, such as a Riesling or a fresh Champagne.
- Salt or sweet: with salty cheeses like Roquefort, a sweet wine like Port is a perfect match.
The most delicious combinations of wine and cheese
Let’s look at the ideal combinations between popular cheeses and their matching wines. We’ll start with soft cheeses: Brie, Camembert, and Port Salut
- Which cheese: Brie or Camembert has a creamy, slightly earthy flavor.
- Which wine: A Chardonnay with light oak aging does very well here. Also, a sparkling wine like Champagne or Crémant is a wonderful choice.
- Tip: Choose a semi-dry Riesling with a cheese like Port Salut. This combination is deliciously soft yet fresh.
And then the hard cheeses: Comté, Manchego, aged Gouda
- Which cheese: Hard cheeses have a firm, often nutty flavor.
- Which wine: Go for a full white wine like Burgundy or a spicy red wine like Grenache or Syrah.
- Perfect match: Manchego with a Spanish Tempranillo or a glass of Bordeaux — classic and flavorful.
Don’t forget the blue cheese: Roquefort or Stilton
- Which cheese: A piece of blue cheese is salty, spicy, and pronounced.
- Which wine: A sweet wine like Port or Sauternes pairs best here.
- Why it works: The sweet wine compensates for the saltiness of the blue cheese and creates balance in the glass.
Goat cheese and soft white cheeses shouldn’t be missing either
- Which cheese: Goat cheese is fresh and sometimes a bit tangy.
- Which wine: Choose a Sauvignon Blanc from Alsace or an Alsatian blend.
- Extra delicious: Serve on a summer day with a cold rosé or fruity wine.
Composing a cheese board? Think in layers
A cheese board often consists of multiple types of cheeses, from soft to spicy. How do you pair wines with this? Here are three ways to pair your cheese board:
- One wine for everything: White wine like a dry Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile choice that matches very well with many cheeses.
- A different wine per cheese: Place small glasses of wine next to each cheese. Fun for tastings or dinners with an educational touch.
- Focus on structure: Start with soft cheeses and end with spicy and hard cheeses. Let your wine choice grow from light to powerful.
Pro-tip: Always ensure that the flavor intensity of the wine matches the cheese. A wine that’s too powerful with a light cheese will quickly overpower, and that’s a shame.
Possible pitfalls with wine and cheese
Red wine isn’t always the best choice. Many people think of red wine with cheese, but white wine is often a better match due to its acids and fresh style. Avoid too many tannins, as robust red wines like Bordeaux or Syrah can clash with creamy cheeses. Also watch the temperature. Serve cheese at room temperature, and ensure the wine is at the right temperature. Too warm or too cold doesn’t do the combination any good.
Learn to pair wine with cheese? Choose a course at AWA
At Amsterdam Wine Academy, you’ll not only learn which wine pairs with cheese, but you’ll also discover how to create the most delicious wine and cheese combinations with knowledge and pleasure. With the internationally recognized WSET courses (Levels 1 through 3), you’ll take your wine knowledge to a higher level. These courses are suitable for hospitality, sommeliers, and enthusiastic home pourers.
Why choose AWA?
- Years of experience in wine education\
- Recognized WSET educator in the Netherlands
- Small-scale, interactive lessons in the heart of Amsterdam
- Passionate and certified instructors
- Practical, tasting-oriented, and applicable
Do you want to discover a new world with exciting flavor combinations? At AWA, you’ll learn to smell, taste, and combine different types of flavors with surprising results. View the course offerings on our website.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about which wine pairs with cheese
What is your favorite combination? With a few different cheeses and wines, you’ll create a completely unique experience that you and your guests will enjoy.
Which wine is best to drink with a cheese board?
A dry white wine like Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc is versatile. Do you still want red? Then choose a light Pinot Noir.
What is the best wine with goat cheese?
A Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire or Alsace pairs perfectly with goat cheese due to its fresh acids.
Can I drink Champagne with cheese?
Absolutely! Champagne pairs beautifully with creamy Brie or Camembert. The bubbles provide a fresh balance.
Ready for the perfect cheese and wine evening?
Whether you’re just starting out or have been enjoying wines and cheeses for years; with the right tips and combinations, every drinks party gets better. So the next time you’re standing in front of the cheese counter or pouring a glass, ask yourself: which wine do I drink with this cheese?
Do you want to learn more about flavor, pairing, and recognizing quality? Sign up for a wine course at Amsterdam Wine Academy and let your taste buds be surprised. Do you still have questions? Feel free to contact us. We’re happy to help you choose the right course or give you personal advice about wine and cheese.
