How to pair each type of cheese with its ideal wine

You will probably know the term pairing: bringing cheese and wine together to enhance both flavours and create unique, delicious combinations. There is no perfect pairing, as everyone has their own tastes, but in general combining strong and mild flavours helps achieve balance.

In another post for our cheeselovers, we discussed how to combine cheese and jam, an incredible mix that can transform your snacks. Today, we share some of the best cheese and wine pairings to help you enjoy these two wonderful products to the full.

Why do wine and cheese go so well together?

Pairings date back to ancient times. Their origins may lie in tavern keepers’ habit of hiding the defects of poor-quality wines with a generous portion of cheese, also behind the Spanish expression “que no te la den con queso”, meaning “do not be taken in”. This worked because cheese proteins mask the molecules that give wine its aroma, while wine tannins, responsible for its flavour and aroma, block the cheese’s flavour. However, there are exceptions: pairings that enhance the flavours of both products without either masking the other.

No pairing is perfect for everyone, and experimenting with flavours is fun. As a general rule, pairing seeks a balance of flavours: strong cheeses go well with sweet, powerful wines, while dry whites, young reds or cava are recommended for mild cheeses.

A simple pairing can also work: a wine and a cheese of the same intensity. Some people prefer wine and cheese from the same region, where plants and animals share the same climatic conditions.

Now that we know the origins and keys to a good pairing, here are some of our favourite combinations. Do not miss them!

Creamy cheeses with Chardonnay

Creamy cheeses such as Brie, Camembert or CabeSota goat’s cheese find their ideal partner in white wines such as Chardonnay, Champagne or Riesling. Red wine is not recommended, as the cheese will completely mask its flavour.

Fresh cheeses with sweet wines

Milder cheeses such as Burgos, cottage cheese and feta find their perfect contrast in sweet, fruity wines with plenty of aroma.

Blue cheeses with red wines

Blue cheeses such as Roquefort, Cabrales and Stilton have a strong flavour and soft texture. They pair well with powerful, full-bodied reds, young semi-dry whites and even floral sparkling wines that balance the cheese’s intensity.

Sheep’s milk cheese with white wines

Like creamy goat’s cheeses, sheep’s milk cheeses go beautifully with dry or semi-dry whites with a lightly fruity flavour. For mature sheep’s milk cheese, however, we recommend an intense red wine.

Hard cheeses with red wines

Harder sheep’s or cow’s milk cheeses, such as mature cheeses or Zamorano, pair well with structured reds with woody notes, such as Rioja or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Whatever you choose, a gathering with friends or a special dinner for two will leave a wonderful impression when you bring together two of Spain’s favourite products: wine and cheese! Try one of our suggestions or experiment as you please.