Indulge in the perfect pairing of wine and cheese! Join us on this culinary adventure as we explore the art of matching wines and cheeses to elevate your tasting experience. From classic combinations to innovative pairings, we'll share expert tips and insights to help you unlock the full potential of these two delicious delights.

Cheers to discovering the ultimate symphony of flavours with wine and cheese!

Cheddar cheese

Cheddar cheese is An eternally popular cheese variety that pairs well with a range of wines. The type of cheddar cheese and wine pairing that works best depends on the age and flavour profile of the cheese.

Young Cheddar cheese pairs well with light, crisp white wines such as Domaine Gayda’s Sauvignon Blanc, or a timeless Italian Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the creaminess of the cheese and balance its mild, subtle flavour.

Medium Cheddar cheese goes well with medium-bodied red wines like Newton Johnson Felicite Pinot Noir or a wonderful Chilean Merlot. The tannins in the wine complement the texture of the cheese and bring out its nutty and fruity flavours.

Aged Cheddar cheese pairs well with full-bodied red wines such as Parker Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon or a quintessential Bordeaux, with some time spent in bottle, such as the new arrival to our shelves - Château Piron La Romaine 2019 These wines have enough tannins and acidity to balance the sharpness and complexity of the cheese.

Soft Cheese

Soft cheeses that are runny and soft can be challenging to pair with wine. Many wines don't really pair well with the characteristic, farmyard aroma of a fine Brie or Camembert, but you may try a light, fruity red like Saumur Champigny from the Loire, which won't compete with the cheese but rather compliment it.

If you were feeling a bit more adventurous , fragrant wines elaborated from the Viognier grape or Gewürztraminer pair nicely with extremely pungent washed-rind cheeses like an Epoisses.  If you wished to work within the more traditional model,  a steely and crisp chardonnay-based wine, such as the Domaine Gueguen Cotes Salines goes well with the so-runny-you-eat-it-with-a-spoon Vacherin Mont D'Or because it cuts through the creaminess.

Goats Cheese

Goats cheese can be quite a blank canvas depending on the age and style of the cheese in question. In general crisp, acidic white wine pairs well with most goat cheeses, as the acidity in the wine helps to cut through the rich, creamy flavours of the cheese.  Fresh or young goat cheese: A light, zesty white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc – once again showcasing the versatility of the Sauvignon Blanc grape – IS Domaine Gayda’s Sauvignon Blanc,  Pinot Grigio or Chenin Blanc is a great choice to pair with young, tangy goat cheese. These wines have high acidity and citrus notes that complement the bright, acidic flavours of the cheese.

Aged goats cheese: If you have an aged goat cheese, such as a Gouda or Cheddar, you may want to pair it with a fuller-bodied white wine or a light red wine. Try pairing it with a Chardonnay or a lighter and softer style of red, perhaps the Umani Ronchi Podere Montepulciano d'Abruzzo 2021, as these wines have enough body and refreshing acidity to stand up to the intensity of the cheese.

Blue cheese

Blue cheese is a bold and intense cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines. Here are some suggestions to help you enjoy both wine and cheese in equal measure.

Pair blue cheese with full-bodied red wines: Blue cheese pairs well with red wines that have a strong character and intensity of flavour such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Full bodied Spanish Merlot, and Zinfandel.  The Domaine Roger Sabon “Le Sabounet” is a fantastically versatile wine for the price, it works well alongside red meat dishes but can be a surprisingly good foil for more mellow blue cheese.  The tannins in these wines complement the strong flavour and pungency of blue cheese.

Consider fortified wines: Fortified wines like Port and Sherry can also be a great pairing for blue cheese. The sweetness of the fortified wines can balance out the saltiness of the blue cheese.

Try with white wines: While it may not be as common, blue cheese can also be paired with certain white wines. Try pairing blue cheese with a full-bodied and full-flavoured white wine like Chardonnay or Viognier.  The aromatics of the Viognier grape can naturally compliment the spice of the cheese and almost act like a chutney or a preserve would on a traditional cheese board!

Ultimately, the best pairing for you is the one you enjoy the most, so don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find the one that works best for your taste buds.

Remember to serve your cheese at room temperature for optimal flavour and texture and as always, enjoy your wine and cheese pairing in moderation!