If there’s one combination that makes us say “made for each other,” it’s definitely wine and cheese. Of all the things wine can be paired with, including moments and occasions, nothing comes close to the beauty of the two.
However, not all wines and cheeses are the same. With so much variety, you have to do your homework and find the pairing that really makes your heart sing. That does sound like a lot of eating and drinking, though, doesn’t it?
Don’t worry; we’ve done the legwork for you—here are the pairings you need to try!
Merlot with Gouda
Merlot’s rich and smooth profile works wonderfully with the richness of gouda cheese. The wine’s slight tannin and acidity give it a slightly spicy flavor that complements the savory flavors of gouda really well.
Merlot can be chosen in plum, cherry, or raspberry flavors, and when pairing it with cheese, it’s best to find some aged gouda—matured to a crumbly parmesan-like texture with subtle traces of caramel and butterscotch that get stronger as the cheese ages.
Pinot Noir with Gruyere
If you love the dry, oaky flavor of Pinot Noir laced with the subtle sweetness from berries and fruits, you have to try it with gruyere cheese. The vibrant acidic taste of Pinot Noir makes it the perfect pairing for soft and creamy Swiss Gruyere.
What really ties the two together is the lightness of Pinot Noir’s fruity flavor that works well with the nuttiness of gruyere without taking over its flavor profile completely. The subtle wine-cheese pair complement each other beautifully and are great to be served as appetizers.
Sparkling Wine with Baby Swiss
Sparkling wines like Prosecco or champagne have very balanced and delicate flavors, typically featuring vanilla, apple, or citrusy hints. But overall, they always feel bubbly and light in the mouth, and this texture pairs well with the mild and creamy texture of Baby Swiss cheese.
The Baby Swiss cheese has a distinct texture, but it does vary in flavor depending on its maturity. It could be slightly sweet or sharper, or tangy. But the subtle sweetness and nuttiness of Baby Swiss can be enjoyed well with the fruity flavors of sparkling wine.
Cabernet Sauvignon with Aged Cheddar
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for its incredibly diverse and aromatic composition. From cherries and plums to blackberries, licorice root, and vanilla, the rich flavors in cabernet sauvignon come together like a tango performance in your mouth—beautiful and soulful!
The only thing that could make it better is sharp or aged cheddar. The aged cheddar’s nutty and sharp taste is what’s able to keep up with the intensity of cabernet sauvignon’s bitterness of the dry reds.
Chianti and Parmesan
Chianti has a distinct flavor profile and is usually considered an acquired taste. Its taste is a unique blend of dried herbs, red fruits, smoke, balsamic vinegar, or preserved sour cherries, depending on what kind of quality you choose.
This robust flavor profile is a great match for parmesan cheese, which has a beautiful balance between spice, tanginess, saltiness, and subtle sweetness. The nuttiness of Italian parmesan is exactly what’s needed to counter chianti’s fruitiness.
Excited to try out these pairings? Start wine shopping right away!
Check out our exclusive wine collection at Augusta Vin. We’re the best place to shop for red and white wines in Texas. We also offer sommelier tours; you can ask these trusted experts for more tips and ideas for wine pairings!
