Finding the right cheese and wine pairing is like discovering harmony in flavor. The right combinations enhance the best qualities of both, creating a tasting experience that delights your palate. These expertly curated pairings, crafted in collaboration with The Wine Thief and Ale Jail, feature standout cheeses and exceptional wines. Explore the flavor profiles and learn why these pairings work so beautifully together!
Pairing cheese and wine is an art, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. These thoughtful combinations bring out the best in each component, turning a simple tasting into a memorable experience. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or treating yourself to a cozy night in, these pairings are sure to impress your palate and your guests.
Caves of Faribault Blue Cheese
Chateau Tuyttens Sauternes
Flavor Profiles:
- Blue Cheese: This full-flavored cheese has a creamy texture, pronounced sharpness, and a sweet, tangy, and slightly peppery taste.
- Sauternes: A luscious dessert wine bursting with flavors of honey, dried apricot, and marmalade, balanced by refreshing acidity.
The Perfect Pair:
The salty tang of blue cheese is perfectly balanced by the rich sweetness of Sauternes. The wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, while its honeyed notes highlight the earthy complexity of the blue.
Redhead Creamery Little Lucy Brie
Durdilly Beaujolais Les Grandes Coasses
Flavor Profiles:
- Little Lucy Brie: This creamy, bloomy-rind cheese is rich and buttery, with subtle mushroom and nutty undertones.
- Beaujolais: A light-bodied red with bright red berry notes of cherry and raspberry, accented by floral and earthy nuances.
The Perfect Pair:
The light, fruity character of Beaujolais complements the creamy, mild richness of Brie. The wine’s slight acidity lifts the buttery texture, while its earthy notes echo the cheese’s mushroomy profile.
Deer Creek The Doe
Maison Ventenac Prejuges Chardonnay
Flavor Profiles:
- The Doe: A creamy, handcrafted cheddar marbled with Madagascar Bourbon vanilla beans with a savory flavor profile and a sweetly woody finish.
- Chardonnay: This balanced white offers flavors of ripe apple, pear, and a touch of citrus, with a smooth, oaky finish.
The Perfect Pair:
The Doe’s mild nuttiness and creamy texture are enhanced by the Chardonnay’s crisp fruitiness and subtle oak. The wine’s citrusy acidity adds a refreshing contrast, while its creamy finish mirrors the cheese’s richness.
Prairie Breeze Cheddar
Airfield Yakima Valley Syrah
Flavor Profiles:
- Prairie Breeze Cheddar: Prairie Breeze Cheddar is a sweet and nutty cheese with a complex flavor profile that includes notes of pineapple, almond, crème fraîche, and roasted cashews.
- Syrah: A bold red wine featuring dark fruit flavors like blackberry and plum, with hints of pepper, smoke, and spice.
The Perfect Pair:
The robust flavors of Prairie Breeze hold their own against the bold, fruity richness of Syrah. The wine’s smoky, peppery undertones play off the nutty sweetness of the cheese, creating a well-rounded and satisfying pairing.
LaClare Farms Honey Chevre
Baudry & Dutour Amaranthe Chinon Cabernet Franc
Flavor Profiles:
- Honey Chevre: A tangy, creamy goat cheese with a touch of natural honey sweetness.
- Cabernet Franc: A medium-bodied red with flavors of red berries, green herbs, and a touch of minerality.
The Perfect Pair:
The tanginess of the honey chevre is softened by the subtle herbal and fruity notes of the Chinon. The wine’s bright acidity cuts through the creaminess, while its earthy undertones complement the cheese’s sweet, floral finish.