Perfect Wine and Cheese Pairings for Every Occasion

Explore how Merlot's soft, velvety texture pairs with medium-textured cheeses like gouda and havarti and how Chardonnay's crisp to buttery flavor profiles match with everything from goat cheese to brie.

Cabernet Sauvignon is characterized by deep, dark fruit notes such as blackberry, plum, and black currant, complemented by hints of oak, vanilla, and spices. It’s a full-bodied wine with a robust tannic structure and lingering finish, demanding a food pairing that can stand up to its intense flavor profile.

Aged cheddar and aged gouda are classic choices. The former brings a sharp, nutty balance to the wine's tannins, allowing its fruit flavors to shine, while the latter's caramel sweetness and savory nuttiness harmonize with the Cabernet's complex profile. Both kinds of cheese should be aged sufficiently—18 to 24 months for Cheddar and at least two years for Gouda—to match the wine's robustness.

Blue cheese and manchego also work well. The intense flavors of blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Gorgonzola, complement the wine's intensity, and its creaminess softens the tannins. Manchego, on the other hand, provides a milder, buttery option with hints of nuttiness that subtly complements the wine without overwhelming its palate.

Pinot Noir is celebrated for its lighter body and smooth, complex profile – from ripe red berries like cherry and raspberry to earthy undertones of mushroom and forest floor. Its delicate nature is complemented by subtle hints of oak and a silky texture, leading to a refined finish that must be paired with cheeses that have the same light but earthy appeal.

Soft-ripened cheeses like brie and camembert are ideal for pairing with Pinot Noir, thanks to their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavors which harmonize with the wine's smooth, velvety body. These cheeses' mushroomy, earthy undertones resonate with the wine's own subtle earthiness, without overpowering each other. Aged gouda, with its nutty, caramelized flavors and slight sweetness, also complements Pinot Noir's fruit-forward profile. 

Merlot is known for its soft, velvety texture and approachable flavor profile, characterized by ripe plum, black cherry, and blackberry fruit notes. This medium-bodied wine often carries hints of vanilla, chocolate, and mild oak, with a smooth finish that makes it widely appealing and versatile for pairing with a range of foods.

Cheeses with medium texture and flavor intensity, like gouda or havarti, are ideal for Merlot because they enhance the wine’s fruitiness without overshadowing its subtleties. Gouda adds a nice contrast with its caramel sweetness and slightly nutty flavors, while havarti, with its creamy consistency and buttery taste, emphasizes the wine's silky mouthfeel.

For a more adventurous pairing, blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort offer a delightful contrast to Merlot's smoothness with their bold, tangy flavors and creamy texture. The sharpness of the blue cheese can cut through the richness of the Merlot, highlighting its fruit flavors and adding complexity to the overall tasting experience. 

Chardonnay’s versatile flavor profile ranges from crisp and fruit-forward with notes of green apple, pear, and citrus in cooler climates, to richer and more buttery with hints of vanilla, toasted oak, and tropical fruits in warmer regions. Because of this range, it can be paired with a variety of cheeses, making it a versatile choice if you are serving a cheese board.

For crisp, unoaked Chardonnays, fresh and soft cheeses like goat cheese, feta, or mozzarella are ideal, as these complement the wine's freshness. The tanginess and creamy texture of goat cheese, in particular, beautifully highlight the wine's minerality and citrus notes.

On the other hand, richer, oaked Chardonnays call for cheeses with more depth and creaminess, such as brie, camembert, or gouda. These cheeses match the wine's body and can stand up to its buttery, oaky flavors. The creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture of brie or camembert complements the smoothness of an oaked Chardonnay, while the caramel and nutty nuances of aged Gouda can enhance the wine's complexity and bring forward its tropical fruit and vanilla notes.

Sauvignon Blanc is renowned for its vibrant acidity and fresh, aromatic profile. It has distinct green apple, passion fruit, and lime flavors often accompanied by fresh herbal notes like grass or bell pepper. This crisp, light-bodied wine may also have mineral undertones and a zesty finish, making it a refreshing choice for light cheeses.

It pairs wonderfully with fresh, tangy cheeses that can complement its zestiness. Goat cheese is a classic pairing; its creamy texture and tart, earthy flavors resonate beautifully with the crispness of Sauvignon Blanc. With its briny sharpness, soft, young cheeses like feta also work well, highlighting the wine's herbal undertones and refreshing quality.

Pinot Grigio is celebrated for its light, crisp character, presenting a delicate bouquet of lemon, green apple, and pear, with subtle hints of white peach and almond. This refreshing white wine has a bright acidity and a clean, straightforward finish, making it a favorite for its versatility and easy-drinking nature.

Mozzarella, with its mild flavor and creamy texture, complements the citrus and green fruit notes of Pinot Grigio, enhancing the overall freshness of the pairing. Similarly, young cheeses like Ricotta or soft, unaged goat cheese provide a subtle creaminess that can bring out the wine's subtle floral and fruity nuances. These pairings are ideal for those who prefer a light, refreshing pairing – perfect for the warmer months ahead. 

Dry Riesling is known for its vibrant acidity and crisp flavor profile with green apple, citrus, peach, and apricot. It also has a distinct minerality with floral and honey undertones. This combination makes it the perfect accompaniment to seafood and poultry.

Gouda is an excellent choice as its caramel-like sweetness and creamy texture complement the minerality and fruit notes of the Riesling. Similarly, Swiss cheeses, such as Emmental or Gruyère, offer a nutty complexity that harmonizes with the wine's floral and fruity undertones, enhancing the overall tasting experience

Discover more wines to pair with your favorite cheeses at Union Wine & Liquors, located at 2675 Union Road, Cheektowaga, NY 14227. Browse their selections online at https://unionwineandliquor.com or call (716) 608-6190.