The Perfect Pairing: How to Match Wine with Cheese in Style

by Anderson & Stone

Wine and cheese—an eternal love story of fermentation, flavor, and finesse. When paired correctly, they elevate each other, creating a sensory experience that is as timeless as it is delightful.

Whether you're hosting a refined dinner, curating a romantic picnic, or indulging in a quiet moment of self-care, mastering the art of pairing wine and cheese reflects a cultivated palate and a deep appreciation for life’s finer pleasures. At Anderson & Stone, we invite you to explore this beautiful balance of texture, aroma, and taste.

1. The Golden Rules of Pairing

Before diving into specific combinations, here are a few elegant principles to guide your journey:

• Match intensity with intensity: Bold cheeses require robust wines; delicate cheeses shine with lighter, brighter wines.

• Balance richness with acidity: High-acid wines cut through creamy textures, creating harmony on the palate.

• Contrast with creativity: Pair salty cheeses with sweet wines for surprising depth.

• Go regional: Wines and cheeses from the same region are often natural partners, born from the same terroir and tradition.。

2. Classic Pairings to Know and Love

🧀 Goat Cheese × Sauvignon Blanc

Fresh and tangy goat cheese pairs beautifully with zesty white wines. Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, with its vibrant acidity and grassy citrus notes, is a perfect match.

Try: Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé

Flavor profile: Clean, herbal, citrusy

Why it works: The wine enhances the cheese's freshness without overpowering it.

🧀 Brie or Camembert × Champagne or Crémant

These soft-ripened cheeses offer a creamy, buttery texture that needs a crisp contrast. Dry sparkling wines—especially Brut Champagne or Crémant—cleanse the palate and highlight subtle flavors.

Try: Brut Champagne or Crémant de Bourgogne

Flavor profile: Creamy, brioche, floral

Why it works: The bubbles lift the richness, bringing out finesse and balance.

🧀 Comté or Gruyère × Aged White or Light Red

Nutty, semi-hard cheeses like Comté and Gruyère pair wonderfully with white Burgundy or light reds such as Gamay. These wines emphasize the cheese's complexity and smooth finish.

Try: White Burgundy, Beaujolais

Flavor profile: Toasted nuts, apple, subtle spice

Why it works: Elegant yet expressive, this pairing is layered and comforting.

🧀 Parmigiano Reggiano or Manchego × Mature Red Wine

Hard cheeses need structure. Rich reds with firm tannins and bold fruit, like Brunello or Rioja, bring out the umami in aged cheeses.

Try: Brunello di Montalcino, Reserva Rioja

Flavor profile: Dark fruit, leather, dried herbs

Why it works: Bold meets bold—strength and elegance in tandem.

🧀 Blue Cheese × Sweet Wine

The sharp, salty nature of blue cheeses like Roquefort or Gorgonzola pairs impeccably with sweet, luscious wines such as Sauternes or Port. It’s a flavor collision that ends in perfect harmony.

Try: Sauternes, Tokaji Aszú, Vintage Port

Flavor profile: Honey, dried fruit, spice

Why it works: Sweet balances salty in a luxurious, memorable finish.

3. Tips for Creating a Stunning Wine & Cheese Experience

• Offer variety: Choose 3–5 cheeses of different styles (soft, hard, aged, blue).

• Pair progressively: Start with lighter wines and cheeses, then move to fuller-bodied ones.

• Include accompaniments: Add figs, honey, almonds, olives, or artisanal crackers for texture and contrast.

• Mind the temperature: Cheese should be served at room temperature, while wines should be served chilled according to type.

4. Elevating the Everyday

Pairing wine with cheese isn’t just about taste—it’s about creating a moment. A sense of occasion. An indulgent pause in the everyday. Whether you’re setting a table for friends or simply enjoying a quiet evening alone, this pairing tradition adds depth and joy to your experience.

At Anderson & Stone, we believe in turning every glass into a story and every occasion into something extraordinary. Explore our curated selection of fine wines and experience the magic of pairing like never before.

📦 Discover our wine subscription service & exclusive cheese-pairing sets →👉 www.andersonandstonewine.com