Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Classic Combinations Get a Holiday Twist
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings around the holidays, it's hard to beat the classic combinations that have stood the test of time. But that doesn't mean you can't give these old favorites a festive twist! Take, for example, one of the most beloved duos: Cabernet Sauvignon and aged cheddar. This bold red wine has enough tannins and oak notes to stand up to the sharp, crumbly cheddar. For a seasonal spin, look for a Cabernet aged in bourbon barrels, which will add flavors of vanilla, caramel and spice - perfect for cozying up next to the fireplace.
Another ever-popular pairing is Champagne and Brie. The crisp bubbles and bright acidity of Champagne cut through the rich creaminess of the buttery brie. To give this duo a Christmas kick, try replacing standard Champagne with rosé Champagne. The added red fruit flavors will complement the soft rind of the brie. Or, take your pairing over the top by choosing a triple cream brie layered with truffles or cranberries. The fruit and nuts provide an extra layer of flavor that dances beautifully with the rosé bubbles.
No holiday cheese board would be complete without a cheddar and Riesling pairing. The high acidity in Riesling contrasts nicely with aged cheddar's salty sharpness. For a wintry twist, seek out cheddars rubbed with spices like cracked black pepper or cayenne, and pair with a Riesling Auslese, which has enough sweetness to mellow out the heat. The spicy cheddar also finds a fitting partner in a ginger- or clove-infused Riesling.
What else is in this post?
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Classic Combinations Get a Holiday Twist
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Unexpected Duos That Delight the Palate
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Regional Cheeses Meet Their Perfect Wine Matches
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Bubbly and Soft Cheeses Make Merry Together
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Bold Reds Complement Stronger Cheeses
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Fruity Whites Refresh Milder Fromage
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Get Adventurous with International Accents
- Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Keep it Simple with Crowd-Pleasing Combos
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Unexpected Duos That Delight the Palate
While the tried-and-true cheese and wine pairings will always have their place during the holidays, don't be afraid to venture outside the box! Some of the most delightful discoveries happen when you pair unexpected cheeses and wines that bring out the best in each other.
Take blue cheese and Sauvignon Blanc, for example. Most would reach for a sweet wine to temper blue cheese's aggressive saltiness. But the high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc does an even better job of cutting through the bold flavor of the blue cheese and cleansing the palate. The crispness of the Sauvignon Blanc also contrasts beautifully with blue cheese's creamy richness. Next time, try a buttery yet tangy blue cheese with a crisp, grassy New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc.
Another surprising duo is aged gouda and Pinot Noir. Pinot Noir is known for its light, fruity profile that pairs well with light meats and dishes. But with its nutty, crystalline structure, aged gouda can handle Pinot Noir's soft tannins. The honeyed notes of the gouda pair deliciously with the red berry flavors of the Pinot Noir. For an extra dimension of flavor, look for a gouda that has been aged in beer or wine must.
Few would think to pair a delicate goat cheese with a full-bodied Grenache. But goat cheeses -- especially the younger, creamier ones -- make magic with this bold red wine. The bright acidity of goat cheese cuts through Grenache's heavy tannins. And Grenache's flavors of raspberry and black pepper balance out goat cheese's tang. Try this daring duo and taste how the flavors sing!
While cheddar is often paired with robust red wines, don’t underestimate how it shines with white wines like Chenin Blanc. The zesty acidity of Chenin Blanc scrubs the palate clean after each bite of sharp cheddar. And Chenin Blanc's green apple and citrus notes contrast the deeper, savory flavors of the cheddar. This is one of those special pairings where the wine actually makes the cheese taste more “cheesy” in the best possible way.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Regional Cheeses Meet Their Perfect Wine Matches
While we've explored classic and unexpected wine and cheese pairings so far, we can't forget the joy of matching wines to the delicious regional cheeses produced across the globe. Each area puts its own spin on cheesemaking based on local culture, geography, and customs. And the resulting cheeses take on the personality of their birthplace. That's why it's so exciting to pair these cheeses back to wines made in the same region. It's an adventure in terroir that you won't want to miss!
Let's start in Italy, where you could spend a lifetime exploring the country's hundreds of artisanal cheeses. But one of the most famous hails from Piedmont - Robiola Rochetta. This soft, creamy cheese gets its signature tang from a blend of cow, goat and sheep's milk. Native to the same region is Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco wines. Just as Robiola Rochetta balances its three milks flawlessly, high quality Nebbiolo brings harmony between power and elegance. Swirl together a young, fruity Barbaresco with a wedge of Robiola drenched in wildflower honey - a match made in Piedmontese heaven!
Hop over to Spain's Catalonia region next, where Mahon cheese has been made on Menorca island since the time of the Romans! This semi-soft cow's milk cheese gains its distinctive flavor from repeated rubbings with olive oil during aging. With that prominent olive note, it finds its soulmate in the region's Tempranillo-based reds like Rioja and Priorat. The berry flavors intermingle seamlessly with Mahon's briny saltiness, while oak aging gives the wines enough richness to complement Mahon's creamy texture and buttery finish.
Finally, we jet to the mystical terroir of Jura, France - home to the cult favorite Comté cheese. Comté can only be made with milk from Montbéliarde cows grazing in the wildflowers and diverse pastures of the Jura's mountains. This results in a deeply complex, aromatic nuttiness that evolves over Comté's lengthy aging process. To match such a terroir-driven cheese, look no further than Jura's very own Vin Jaune. Made similarly to Sherry, these oxidative wines have layers upon layers of flavor - perfect for Comté's diverse profile. The combo of salinity, grassy notes and nuttiness between this cheese and wine is unparalleled.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Bubbly and Soft Cheeses Make Merry Together
Few pairings embody the holidays quite like bubbly and soft cheeses. The effervescence of sparkling wines scrubs the palate clean, allowing the supple textures and creamy flavors of soft cheeses to shine through. And the high acidity of bubblies contrasts beautifully with the richness of triple creams, cream cheese and fresh goat cheeses. With endless options in both categories, your cheese board can celebrate all season long!
Cut the triple cream brie into wedges and watch how the bubbles in a dry Champagne dance through the butterfat. The Brut Champagne provides a brisk backbone to brie's lush center, making the flavors pop without becoming heavy or cloying. Meanwhile, the yeasty notes of the Champagne find harmony with brie's mushroomy essence. For the creamiest experience, choose a brie at room temperature to spread that buttery center onto crunchy crackers or fruit.
Nebbiolo-based bubblies from Piedmont also make fast friends with Italy's Original Cream Cheese - Robiola. This fresh cheese gets its signature tanginess from mixing cow, sheep and goat's milk curds together. Made in the spring, young Robiola has a fluffy texture reminiscent of cream cheese or mascarpone. But unlike those mild cheeses, Robiola packs a complex medley of flavors - fruit, herbs, nuts and a touch of pleasant funk. Pop a bottle of lightly fruity Moscato d'Asti and watch how the fizz scrubs the palate after each creamy, bright bite of Robiola.
Since Spanish Cava offers incredible bang for your buck, it’s a budget-friendly way to drench your cheese plate in bubbles. Pair Cava with Spain's famous Garrotxa - a goat's milk cheese washed in beer from Catalonia. The yeasty, floral notes of Cava complement the slight beer funk on the rind. And Cava's racy acidity provides relief from Garrotxa's rich, yet delicate texture that dissolves on the tongue. Dress up a cheese plate with Marcona almonds, honey and membrillo paste for sweet, tangy and salty flavors to entertain the bubbly Cava.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Bold Reds Complement Stronger Cheeses
Cheese plates aren’t complete without a wedge of something nice and stinky. We’re talking blues, aged goudas, and funky washed rinds that all bring robust, complex flavors to the party. But pairing such full-bodied cheeses takes an equally powerful wine - enter the bold reds! Grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec and Syrah have the tannic strength and savory flavor profiles to stand up to the intensified tastes and creamy textures of aged cheeses. This allows the best qualities of each to shine through in harmony.
Let’s start with one of the most notorious stinkers - Époisses de Bourgogne. Hailing from the pastures of Burgundy, France, this washed rind cow’s milk cheese gets bathed in brandy as it ripens, developing an assertive aroma and sticky, orange rind. Up front, flavors of salt, meat and earth dominate. But on the finish, Époisses surprises with notes of nuts, fruit and caramel. What red has the guts to handle such a wild child while also complementing the nuances? Look no further than Pinot Noir from Époisses’ home turf. Top Burgundian Pinot Noirs retain their freshness but also gain complexity from aging in oak. This gives them layers of red berry, pepper and smoke that mirror the cheese’s flavor profile. Their sturdy tannins scrub the palate clean while their refined natures prevents overpowering the cheese. It’s a match that highlights the best in both partners.
Another punchy pairing is aged Gouda with Barolo. Aged goudas develop crunchy, crystalline structures with intense salty, nutty, brown butter aromas that keep on coming. Cut into one and aromas of caramel and coffee burst forth. Barolo is no wallflower either, boasting huge flavors of cherry, rose, tar and truffle. Its tannic structure contrasts beautifully with the gouda’s texture. And while Barolo’s heavy weight could overpower some cheeses, it finds an equal partner in the gouda. Together they revel in their funky, complex glory.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Fruity Whites Refresh Milder Fromage
While big, bold reds understandably grab the spotlight when it comes to cheese pairings, let's not forget about their palate-cleansing counterparts: fruity white wines. When sampling milder, more delicate cheeses, a fresh White provides the perfect counterpoint.
The key is choosing a fruity White with bright acidity. This scrubs the palate clean and refreshes the taste buds after each creamy bite. Whites like Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Pinot Grigio and dry Rieslings have lively acid backbones capable of cutting through butterfat and cleansing the tongue. Their fruit-forward notes of citrus, green apple, pineapple and stone fruit also serve as a foil to the richer flavors of mild cheeses. The ultimate duo showcases the flavors of both the wine and cheese, without either dominating.
Fresh and soft goat cheeses offer a harmonious canvas for Whites to work their magic. The lemony tang of a Sauvignon Blanc highlights the natural brightness of young goat cheese. An Albariño's stone fruit flavors integrate seamlessly with the subtle grassy quality in fresh chèvre. Pinot Grigio's ripe pear notes provide contrast to the delicate nuttiness in bloomy-rind goat cheese.
Meanwhile, Italian Pinot Grigio shines when paired with another Italian original: mild Mozzarella di Bufala Campana. The Pinot Grigio’s crisp green apple and floral components cleanse the palate after experiencing Mozzarella’s milky richness. The wine’s touch of sourness also prepares the mouth for the next creamy, sweet bite. Together, it’s a combination reminiscent of Caprese salad that highlights the supple textures and flavors of both partners.
Riesling is another fail-safe pairing for mild cheeses like Brie and Camembert. Riesling’s racy acidity cuts through the creaminess, while its stone fruit, honey and blossom notes provide pleasant contrast to the cheeses’ mushroomy, nutty characteristics. And Riesling’s inherent sweetness finds balance with the cheeses’ saltiness. Try a sweeter Spätlese Riesling with triple-crème Brie for flavors that satisfy the palate on all levels.
Regionally, famed Fromager D’Affinois in central France reaches its peak form when enjoyed with a flinty Sancerre. The Sauvignon Blanc-driven Sancerre delivers a brisk backbone upon which D’Affinois’ rich, yet delicate texture builds. Sancerre’s trademark gooseberry flavors also sync with the cheese’s expressive herbaceousness. This allows D’Affinois’ creamy essence shine through with each sip.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Get Adventurous with International Accents
The holidays are prime time to get adventurous with your cheese plate and wine glass. While we've covered plenty of winning cheese and wine combinations, we can't ignore all the glorious fromage and vino waiting to be discovered internationally. Branch out from the usual European suspects and travel the globe through your taste buds with these playful pairings.
Over in Japan, quickly aging goat's milk Tomme pairs impeccably with dry sake. Tomme's subtle tang and nutty undertones mirror the umami savoriness in the sake. And the sake's touch of sweetness balances the cheese's salt crystals. Together, their creamy, rounded textures leave the palate feeling refreshed. For an extra Asian kick, you can even find Tommes rolled in Japanese tea leaves and edible charcoal. The tannins and smoky flavors complement the earthy sake, making this an inside-out version of a tea and cheese pairing.
In South America, salt crystals sparkle throughout rich, crumbly Cotija from Mexico. Made from cow's milk, Cotija offers a drier, less creamy alternative to Manchego while sharing its nutty qualities. These characteristics find their ideal foil in a glass of Argentine Torrontés. Torrontés retains its crisp brightness yet also boasts aromatics of peach and jasmine. Its stone fruit notes cut through Cotija's salt crystals, allowing each salty, nutty bite to linger. Pour a round for your grazing guests and watch this duo transport your palate south of the border.
The Middle East and Africa offer bold new frontiers when it comes to cheese, like the pungency of Reblochon meeting Turkish garlic yogurt sauce. But for a friendlier holiday combo, turn to the happy marriage of South Africa's Anura and Chenin Blanc. Anura infuses local goat's milk with flavors of wine mustard leaves, forming an ashy rind around a fluffy core. The Chenin Blanc's bright melon and guava flavors contrast beautifully with Anura's green, vegetal undertones of nettle and artichoke. Yet both share a certain nutty richness as well as a spine of tangy acidity that keeps each bite intriguing.
Finally, no global cheese plate is complete without the national treasure of Australia: King Island Dairy Stormy Wash Rind. This mixed milk cheese matures for over a year, developing a sticky orange rind that hints at the unique flavor within. Each buttery, earthy bite explodes with flavors of roasted pineapple and salted caramel. Only one wine proudly proclaims flavors bold enough to match: Barossa Valley Shiraz. Swirling notes of dark chocolate, spice and leathery richness find harmony with Stormy Wash Rind’s tropical funk. The Shiraz’s muscle tames the cheese’s potent punch, resulting in a pairing that’s both familiar and foreign. That sweet, salty, earthy combo will linger on the palate long after the bottle’s gone dry.
Uncork the Perfect Cheesy Christmas: 10 Festive Wine and Cheese Pairings - Keep it Simple with Crowd-Pleasing Combos
While exploring new and unexpected cheese and wine pairings can be exciting, sometimes keeping it simple is best - especially when entertaining a crowd. Holiday gatherings often bring together an eclectic mix of tastes and preferences. Your vegan cousin and lactose-intolerant uncle can hesitantly graze while your adventurous friend goes wild sampling every funky cheese. Rather than complicating the situation with overly complex or obscure pairings, have crowd-pleasing classics ready that offer something familiar. This allows guests to nibble comfortably at their own pace.
Reliable cheese and wine combos give guests a recognizable flavor profile to start with. The well-known pairings of Cabernet Sauvignon with cheddar, Champagne with Brie, and Riesling with Gouda offer an easy entry point. Guests immediately understand how the components work together. From there, they can get more experimental trying out new cheeses and wines that catch their eye. But they always have the classics to return to as a baseline.
When building a holiday cheese plate, it helps to include both approachable and more unusual selections. The familiar flavors give guests anchor points to compare the new cheeses against. For example, a creamy Brillat-Savarin triple cream feels familiar next to the classic Brie, but with more truffle complexity. And putting the mild Manchego side-by-side with a bold blue cheese helps easing people into stronger flavors. No one feels pressured to dive into the deep end with totally unknown cheeses.
Offering a range of wines also caters to different comfort levels. Keeping an easy-drinking Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc on hand gives newbies something recognizable. Fruit-forward reds like Pinot Noir and Grenache appeal to those wanting to venture beyond the Whites but who aren’t ready for heavy Cabernets yet. And for your stubborn Uncle who only drinks Malbec, well make sure you grab a bottle so he feels included too!
Having easy snacks available lets people fill up without getting overwhelmed by the cheese. Classic pairings like sliced apples, dried fruits, nuts, chutneys, jams, crackers and crispy baguette give the palate a break between flavors. Prosciutto and other cured meats also offer a savory counterpoint.