Wine and cheese are two of life’s great culinary pleasures. Even though we’ve been pairing wine and cheese together for centuries, it can still be challenging. As with any wine and food pairing, there are several considerations when pairing wine with cheese. Some factors include texture, acidity, fat, and tannin. The team at Theorem Vineyards has put together the best wine and cheese pairings you can share with your friends and family.
White Wine & Cheese Pairings
White wines pair wonderfully with a wide variety of cheeses, especially creamier cheeses. Our team has gathered a list of white wines and cheese pairings that will have you wanting more!
Chardonnay
If you want to pair an unoaked Chardonnay with higher acidity, we recommend pairing it with a strong cheese. Oaked Chardonnay, on the other hand, has lower acidity that will complement more delicately flavored cheese.
- Camembert
- Gouda
- Brie
- Gruyere
Moscato
The sweet flavors of this wine work best with spicier cheeses.
- Gorgonzola
- Valdeón
- Muenster
- Pepper Jack
Pinot Grigio
The medium-to-high acidity levels and notes of citrus in this wine allow for a variety of cheese pairings.
- Crottin
- Ricotta
- Gouda
- Mozzarella
Riesling
Pair sweet to semi-dry Riesling with salty and medium-aged cheese. However, dry Riesling with higher acidity should be paired with creamy or salty cheeses.
- Feta
- Monterey Jack
- Brie
- Fondue
- Ricotta
- Creamy blue cheese
Rosé
Pair sweet to semi-dry Riesling with salty and medium-aged cheese. However, dry Riesling should be paired with creamy cheeses.
- Aged Gouda
- Triple Crème
- Feta
Sauvignon Blanc
Since Sauvignon Blanc has a light profile and citrusy character, it pairs well with a wide variety of cheese.
- Chevre
- Sharp Cheddar
- Gouda
- Monterey Jack
Sparkling
Buttery and creamy cheeses pair well with Sparkling wines because of their fizziness and high acidity.
- Baby Swiss
- Brie
- Camembert
- Chèvre
Viognier
The dry profile and high acidity of Viognier pairs well with savory cheeses.
- Jarlsberg
- Camembert
- Smoked Gouda
- Triple Crème
Red Wine & Cheese Pairings
Red wines have a variety of characteristics and tasting profiles that can make it intimidating to find the right cheese pairings. As cheese ages and loses water-content, it becomes richer in flavor due to its increased fat content. These two characteristics are ideal for matching bold red wines because the fat content in the cheese counteracts the high-tannins in the wine. We have compiled a list of the best red wines and cheese pairings that are sure to impress during your friend and family get-togethers.
Bordeaux Blend
The bold fruit flavors and earthy notes in this wine complement cheeses with equally bold flavors.
- Brie
- Camembert
- Roquefort
Cabernet Sauvignon
This is a full-bodied red with dark fruit notes that help brings out the flavors of stronger cheeses. We have found triple cream cheeses pairs great with our Voir Dire Cabernet Sauvignon.
- Aged Cheddar
- Roquefort
- Aged Gouda
Malbec
The notes of chocolate and ripe fruits in this wine pair wonderfully with cheeses that have sharp flavors.
- Manchego
- Taleggio
- Aged Cheddar
Merlot
The notes of chocolate and ripe fruits in this wine pair wonderfully with cheeses that have sharp flavors.
- Fontina
- Gouda
- Camembert
- Monterey Jack
Pinot Noir
Cheeses with more delicate flavors pair best with the light body and dark fruit notes of this wine.
- Gruyere
- Buche
Sangiovese
Creamy cheeses pair perfectly with the dryness, high tannins, and acidity of this wine.
- Parmesan Reggiano
- Mozzarella
- Fontina
- Ricotta
Visit Theorem Vineyards!
At Theorem Vineyards, we seek to create wines that tell the story of the site and the soils from where they originate. The unique characteristics of our Diamond and Moon Mountain District Estate wines are different with each block and vintage. Voir Dire is the flagship wine of Theorem Vineyards and was produced from the oldest vines on our Diamond Mountain estate. It is a full-bodied and balanced 100% Cabernet Sauvignon with highly extracted black flavors. Hawk’s Prey is another one of our Cabernets Sauvignon that is vibrant, smooth, and more approachable due to its younger age. Visit our vineyards to learn more about our ultra-premium wines and pair them with your favorite cheeses.
Schedule an appointment today at Theorem Vineyards at (707) 942-4254!
