Cheese and Wine Pairing For Beginners

Many wine enthusiasts know that wine and cheese are a match made in heaven. But if you’re new to this, figuring out the best combinations can be a bit tricky.

This arrticle is pretty useful when you don’t know how to pair cheese and wine for your dinner party.

In this article, I’ll share some easy and delicious suggestions on pairing different types of cheese with specific wines.

Here are some great recommendations for beginners:

1. Goat Cheese and Beaujolais Wine
2. Stilton Cheese and Port Wine
3. Brie Cheese and Pinot Noir
4. Cheddar Cheese and Chardonnay
5. Mozzarella Cheese and Pinot Grigio
6. Feta Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
7. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Chianti

 Read on to learn more about cheese and wine pairing, exploring the unique flavors of each.

Goat Cheese and Beaujolais Wine

Goat cheese, made from goat’s milk, is known for its tangy, creamy, and slightly acidic flavor. Fun fact: goats were among the first animals humans milked for food! Goat cheese comes in many varieties — some firm, some creamy; some aged, some fresh. Its distinct tanginess, creamy texture, and subtle sweetness make it unique.

Pairing it with Beaujolais, a light-bodied French wine made from Gamay grapes, is a match made in heaven. Beaujolais offers fresh, fruity flavors like banana, raspberry, and cherry. This is a wine best enjoyed young. Its fruity, low-tannin nature and acidity perfectly complement the tangy, creamy goat cheese, creating a delightful balance.

Stilton Cheese and Port Wine

Stilton, particularly the blue variety, is known for its pungent flavor, soft crumbly texture, and complex taste that is nutty and creamy. Its intense flavor lingers on the palate, making it a standout in any dish.

Pairing Stilton with Port wine, a sweet, fortified red wine from Portugal, is a classic choice. Port’s musky flavors of berries, nutty caramel, and bitter chocolate balance the saltiness of the Stilton, enhancing each other’s flavors beautifully.

Stilton Cheese and Port Wine

Stilton, particularly the blue variety, is known for its pungent flavor, soft crumbly texture, and complex taste that is nutty and creamy. Its intense flavor lingers on the palate, making it a standout in any dish.

Pairing Stilton with Port wine, a sweet, fortified red wine from Portugal, is a classic choice. Port’s musky flavors of berries, nutty caramel, and bitter chocolate balance the saltiness of the Stilton, enhancing each other’s flavors beautifully.

Brie Cheese and Pinot Noir

Brie, originally from France, is now a worldwide favorite. It’s characterized by a white, velvety rind that is edible and safe to eat. Brie has a creamy texture, buttery taste, and fresh aroma, made from cow’s, sheep’s, or goat’s milk.

Pinot Noir, a light to medium-bodied red wine with notes of mushroom, raspberry, cherry, and sometimes vanilla and spices, pairs wonderfully with Brie. Its delicate flavor profile complements Brie’s creamy texture without overpowering it, making for an elegant pairing.

Cheddar Cheese and Chardonnay

Cheddar, originating from Somerset, England, comes in various forms, from mild to sharp. Its distinct taste ranges from subtle and buttery to intense and bold, making it a versatile cheese.

Chardonnay, a popular white wine, offers tropical fruit flavors with a creamy, buttery texture and hints of vanilla and spices. The sharpness of Cheddar complements the lightness and crispness of Chardonnay, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.

Mozzarella Cheese and Pinot Grigio

Mozzarella, originally from Southern Italy, is a delightful cheese made from either cow’s or buffalo milk. It boasts a milky, delicate flavor with a soft, moist texture. Typically shaped into balls and soaked in brine, this process helps mozzarella retain its wonderful moisture.

Pinot Grigio is a fantastic choice to pair with mozzarella. This wine is usually crisp with flavors of apples, citrus, and a touch of spice. Some versions even have hints of rose petals, honey, candied ginger, and peaches. While Pinot Grigio is typically a dry white wine, some winemakers also offer off-dry or sweet versions.

Feta Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc

Feta cheese, originally crafted by cheesemakers in the Eastern Mediterranean, is a Greek favorite made from sheep’s milk or a mix of sheep and goat milk. It has a crumbly texture and a salty, tangy flavor. Some versions are mild, while others have a sharper punch, offering a range of taste experiences.

Feta can be served with olives, olive oil, and a sprinkle of aromatic herbs. Whether enjoyed this way or plain, it is an ideal match for Sauvignon Blanc.

Sauvignon Blanc, originating from Bordeaux, France, is a versatile white wine made from green-skinned grapes. Its tropical, citrus, and crisp flavors complement almost any dish, making it a wonderful match for the tangy taste of feta.

Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Chianti

Parmigiano Reggiano, made from cow’s milk, is a hard and granular Italian cheese. It’s aged for at least 12 months to develop its rich flavor.

If you haven’t heard of Parmigiano Reggiano before, it’s the full and legally protected name for what most people know as Parmesan. But there’s more to it than just the name — authentic Parmigiano Reggiano has a nutty and rich flavor, quite different from the salty and tangy taste of regular Parmesan.

Chianti wine, on the other hand, is fruity and dry, with a complex flavor and floral aroma. You’ll taste hints of cherries, balsamic vinegar, dried herbs, and other red fruits in this red wine.

A full-bodied Chianti pairs wonderfully with the intense taste and texture of Parmigiano Reggiano. They complement each other perfectly, making for a delicious combination.

Conclusion: Cheese and Wine Pairing for Beginners

To wrap it up, don’t worry if you’re just starting with cheese and wine pairings. There are plenty of delicious combinations that even beginners will love. Each pairing brings out the best in both the cheese and the wine, making the entire experience fun and exciting. You really can’t go wrong with these classics:

1. Goat Cheese and Beaujolais Wine
2. Stilton Cheese and Port Wine
3. Brie Cheese and Pinot Noir
4. Cheddar Cheese and Chardonnay
5. Mozzarella Cheese and Pinot Grigio
6. Feta Cheese and Sauvignon Blanc
7. Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese and Chianti

These pairings are designed to be simple yet delightful, perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of wine and cheese. Enjoy the journey!