Chardonnay And Cheese: The Perfect Pairing For Your Palate

Chardonnay and cheese are two of the most versatile pairing options. Chardonnay's flavour profiles range from full-bodied, creamy wines with tropical fruit tones to lighter wines with salty, herbal notes. The cheese you pair with your Chardonnay will depend on its flavour profile. For instance, a full-bodied Chardonnay pairs well with nutty cheeses like aged gouda or gruyere, whereas a lighter Chardonnay goes well with salty cheeses like goat's cheese.

Creamy cheeses

A good rule of thumb is to pair creamy cheeses with unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays, as heavily oaked wines tend to clash with the creaminess of the cheese. Look for Chardonnays with fruity and citrusy notes, crisp acidity, and a lighter body to balance the richness of the cheese.

• Brie or Camembert: These soft, creamy cheeses are classic choices for wine pairings. Their creamy textures and mild flavours can be beautifully accentuated by a glass of Chardonnay. The acidity in the wine cuts through the creaminess of the cheese, creating a harmonious combination.
• Triple-cream cheeses: Indulgent and rich triple-cream cheeses, such as Mt. Tam or Marin French Cheese Company's Triple Crème Brie, can be delightful companions to a glass of Chardonnay. The wine's crisp acidity and fruity notes balance the mouth-coating creaminess of these cheeses.
• Blue Cheese: While some blue cheeses can be sharp or salty, milder varieties such as Gorgonzola or Echo Mountain Blue Cheese can be excellent choices to pair with Chardonnay. The creaminess of the cheese complements the wine's fruity and oaky notes.
• Goat Cheese: Fresh, creamy goat cheeses are another excellent option to pair with Chardonnay. Look for cheeses like Humboldt Fog, Pennyroyal Laychee, or simply a fresh goat cheese log. The high acidity and fruity notes of the wine complement the creaminess and tanginess of the cheese.

When creating a cheese plate to pair with Chardonnay, remember to include other elements such as crackers, fresh French bread, and sweet accompaniments like honey or fig spread. These additions will enhance the flavours of the wine and cheese, creating a well-rounded and delightful tasting experience.

Blue cheese

When pairing blue cheese with Chardonnay, it is important to consider the specific type of blue cheese and its intensity. Lighter, creamier blue cheeses might pair well with slightly sweeter or less intense wines, while more pungent varieties might need a more robust wine. A bold, buttery, oaky Chardonnay can offer a complementary balance to a pungent blue cheese.

• Play on textural similarities: Choose styles with complementary characteristics. For example, oak-aged Chardonnay pairs well with creamy cheeses like Brie or Camembert, as the cheese's texture will complement the buttery notes of the wine.
• Try matching dry varieties of Chardonnay with hard cheeses: The citrusy notes of the wine will complement the cheese's flavours while adding brightness to the pairing.
• Ensure a balance of sweetness and acidity: Understanding the relationship between sweet and acidic flavours in cheese and Chardonnay is key to finding the perfect balance. Excess astringency in food can make the wine taste sour, but the wine's acidity can add an extra layer of flavour, while the sweetness can help soften any harshness.
• Try adding other ingredients: Consider adding more ingredients to your cheese plate to elevate your Chardonnay and blue cheese pairing experience. Add fresh basil and pine nuts with your blue cheese. You could also add some figs or grapes to complement the wine.

In conclusion, when pairing blue cheese with Chardonnay, it is important to consider the intensity and specific type of blue cheese. Lighter and creamier blue cheeses might pair well with slightly sweeter Chardonnays, while more pungent varieties might require a bolder, oaky Chardonnay. Experimenting with different combinations will help you find the perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Cheddar

Aged Cheddar, with its rich and classic flavour, pairs well with the sweet and delicate taste of Chardonnay white wine. The spreadable combination of these two ingredients adds a special twist to snacks and is perfect for entertaining. Serve it on dips, crackers, or toasted baguette slices with a thin slice of apple. It also pairs well with a full-bodied red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon.

When pairing Cheddar with a lighter, crisp Chardonnay, the sweetness of the wine will balance out the sharpness of the cheese. This combination is delicious on its own or with fresh fruit. Try a crisp Chardonnay with sliced apples or pears to complement the wine's sweetness and enhance the overall taste experience.

For a more complex pairing, an unoaked Chardonnay can be matched with sharp Cheddar. In this combination, the wine softens the sharpness of the cheese while retaining its fruity notes. This pairing is perfect as an appetizer or on a meat and cheese board, accompanied by your favourite crackers, crisp bread, or fruit.

When it comes to wine and cheese, it's essential to consider the balance of sweetness and acidity. The high-acid nature of Cheddar can add an extra flavour boost to Chardonnay, creating a harmonious combination of sweet and acidic flavours.

Brie

A dry, fruity Chardonnay with crisp, citrusy notes will complement Brie's creaminess, while the wine's acidity will refresh the palate, preventing the cheese's richness from becoming overwhelming. A Chardonnay with buttery notes will also pair well with Brie, as the wine's body will match the cheese's texture.

When pairing Chardonnay with Brie, it is important to consider the cheese's maturity. Younger, milder Bries pair well with a lightly oaked Chardonnay, while more mature Bries require a more powerful, structured wine.

Goats cheese

When it comes to pairing Chardonnay with goat's cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, goat's cheese, or "chevre" in French, is known for its complex and sometimes funky character due to the layers of flavour that come from the milk of goats. These goats are often allowed to graze freely, consuming bark, tree foliage, and other snacks that contribute to the distinct flavour of their milk. Goats also produce milk with higher acidity and a trademark "goaty-ness", which is more noticeable in fresh cheeses.

When pairing Chardonnay with goat's cheese, it is important to consider the texture and acidity of both the wine and the cheese. Chardonnay can range from light and crisp to bold and oaky, so choosing a wine that complements the characteristics of the goat's cheese is key. For example, a creamy, high-acid goat's cheese would pair well with a higher-acid, balanced oak Chardonnay. On the other hand, a semi-hard goat's cheese with earthy, floral flavours might be better suited to a medium-bodied, high-acid Chardonnay with balanced fruit and mineral notes.

When it comes to specific goat's cheeses, there are a few that are known to pair well with Chardonnay. Aged goat's cheeses such as Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese can help balance out the richness of the cheese and showcase the fruit flavours of the wine. Additionally, a goat's cheese with a tangy, lemony, and buttery profile, such as Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog, pairs well with a medium-bodied Chardonnay like the 2012 Jordan Chardonnay.

When creating a goat's cheese and Chardonnay pairing, it is important to remember that the cheese should be served at room temperature, while the wine should be slightly cooler at around 50°F–55°F (10°C–13°C). This will ensure the optimal flavour and texture of both the cheese and the wine.

Frequently asked questions