Of course this doesn’t mean that just any wine is perfect with any cheese. So where do you begin? In this article, we will explore 6 wine and cheese pairings that represent just how delicious and complementary this duo can be.

WINE AND CHEESE PAIRINGS

Tempranillo and Idiazabal are a great example of the old adage “if it grows together, it goes together.” Both are Spanish, and both have savory, smoky flavors that match together perfectly. The full body found in your average Tempranillo is a terrific combination with the harder texture of Idiazabal, while the tannins of the wine contrast with the buttery flavor of the cheese.

The combination of Gouda’s nutty flavors and Malbec's velvety fruit is the sort of pairing that just about anyone can enjoy. Both the wine and the cheese are flavorful and aromatic without being overpowering, and the result is a complementary combo of complex flavors.

A bigger, bolder cheese needs a wine that can lift it up, spin it around, and not get winded in the process. An aged Cheddar has a fattiness that matches up wonderfully with the mouth-drying tannins you’ll find in many Cabernet sauvignon. Plus, their respectively bold flavors will match, instead of one drowning out the other.

Smooth and buttery, Raclette is a mellow and versatile cheese that blends really well with the high acidity and stone fruit flavors found in a Riesling. The aromatic scents of the German classic brings out a subtle and surprising nuttiness in a good quality Havarti cheese. Consider a Kabinett or off-dry Riesling so that its sweetness doesn’t overpower the cheese.

The crisp, red fruit you find in a Rosé is delicious but delicate, and the mellow flavor you find in a Havarti complements the wine gracefully without overpowering it. In addition to this, the steely minerality of a Provence Rosé is a great contrast to the smooth, soft texture of the cheese.

While they’re earthy and tart, most goat cheeses are a bit of a blank slate, so the citrus and mineral notes found in a French Sauvignon blanc bring out the wonderful nutty and herbal flavors that can be found in the cheese. The acidity is also a great way to cut through the heaviness of the goat cheese.