The Perfect Cheeses To Pair With Buttery Chardonnay

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses. The wine's flavour profile ranges from full-bodied and creamy with tropical fruit tones to lighter wines with salty, herbal notes. The most common type is the California style, known for its distinct citrus notes and full body. When pairing cheese and Chardonnay, it is important to consider the texture and flavour intensity of both elements. For instance, heavy cheeses typically go well with dense wines. When it comes to flavour, complementary pairings include sweet wines with spicy or salty dishes, and bitter wines with fatty dishes.

Unoaked Chardonnay with mild cheeses

Chardonnay is a very popular white wine enjoyed all over the world. It has several cheese-friendly characteristics, such as a fuller body, good acidity, discernible fruit, and, depending on how it's made, creaminess. It's also sometimes buttery and oaky, which can make it harder to pair with cheese.

There are two types of Chardonnay: unoaked and oaked. The unoaked variety is not put into oak to age but is instead fermented in stainless steel tanks, creating a lighter Chardonnay that is high in acidity and smells fresh, like lemons and apples. Because of its lighter, fruitier flavour, unoaked Chardonnay pairs well with mild, creamy cheeses. Here are some suggestions:

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a classic pairing with unoaked Chardonnay. Both have a milder flavour that complements each other well. Whether it's on a pizza or not, mozzarella is a safe bet for a tasty pairing.

Feta

Feta is a famous Greek cheese made from goat and sheep's milk. It is known for its soft texture and salty flavour, often enhanced by lemon juice, which makes it an excellent match for unoaked Chardonnay. The tartness of the cheese and the acidity of the wine complement each other perfectly.

Halloumi

Halloumi is another wonderful option for an unoaked Chardonnay pairing. This semi-hard cheese has a salty, tangy flavour that can stand up to the acidity of the wine.

Ricotta

Ricotta, made from goat or sheep's milk, is a soft and creamy cheese that can be a tasty treat alongside an unoaked Chardonnay. Its mild flavour might just change the mind of someone who doesn't usually enjoy ricotta.

Manchego

Made in the region of La Mancha in Spain, Manchego is a sheep's milk cheese with a zesty flavour that adds a mild intensity to the tart-like flavour of an unoaked Chardonnay. This classic pairing is a safe choice for those looking for a delicious combination.

Oaked Chardonnay with nutty cheeses

Oaked Chardonnay is a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, especially those with bold and intense flavours. Here are some tips and suggestions for pairing oaked Chardonnay with nutty cheeses:

When it comes to oaked Chardonnay, look for cheeses with similar profiles in terms of boldness and intensity to create a balanced pairing. Oaked Chardonnay, with its bold and intense flavours, can stand up to and enhance the flavours of nutty cheeses. The key is to find a cheese that will complement the buttery and oaky notes of the wine while also allowing the nuttiness to shine through.

One excellent option is aged Gouda. Gouda has a firm texture and a less intense flavour, making it a good match for a middle-intensity oaked Chardonnay. The wine will soften and balance the nutty flavours of the cheese while still letting them come through.

Another great choice is Gruyère, a Swiss cheese with a nutty flavour and a hard texture. Gruyère has a pleasing sweetness and salty cheesiness that pairs well with the ripe fruit flavours and crisp character of oaked Chardonnay. The creamy texture of Gruyère will also complement the buttery notes in the wine.

For a stronger, more intense cheese, try Cabot's Clothbound Cheddar, which has a nutty flavour and a similar consistency to Parmesan but with a milder taste. This cheese pairs perfectly with oaked Chardonnay, as the wine's oak and fruit characteristics complement the nutty notes in the cheese.

When creating a cheese plate to pair with oaked Chardonnay, consider adding other ingredients to elevate the experience. Walnuts, chives, fresh basil, pine nuts, figs, and grapes can all complement the wine and enhance the flavours of the cheese. Don't forget to season your cheese plate with pepper, salt, or even a touch of sugar to balance the flavours.

Oaked Chardonnay with blue cheese

Oaked Chardonnay and blue cheese is a food pairing made in heaven. While blue cheese can often be too overpowering for lighter wines, an oaked Chardonnay will stand up to its intensity and enhance its flavours. The oak in Chardonnay lends itself well to cheese, making this food pairing perfect for your next wine and cheese party.

Blue cheese is known for its pungency and saltiness. Opposites attract, so a bold and buttery oaked Chardonnay is the perfect complement. The boldness of the wine will not be overwhelmed by the strong taste and sharpness of the blue cheese. The oakiness of the Chardonnay will also add a layer of complexity to the overall taste experience.

When pairing blue cheese with oaked Chardonnay, it is best to opt for a mild blue cheese such as Gorgonzola, or a strong blue cheese like Roquefort for something more unusual.

To elevate your Chardonnay and blue cheese pairing experience, consider adding more ingredients to your cheese plate. Chives and walnuts are great additions to a blue cheese plate. You could also add some figs or grapes to complement the wine.

Unoaked Chardonnay with mild cheddar cheese

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that pairs wonderfully with different cheeses. Unoaked Chardonnay, in particular, is a more versatile companion for cheese—and for most foods. It is lighter and crisper, with fruity and floral notes, and pairs well with lighter dishes like vegetables, salads, and delicate seafood.

When it comes to cheese, unoaked Chardonnay is best paired with mild and semi-soft cheeses. A light and crisp unoaked Chardonnay, for instance, will balance out the sharpness of a soft cheddar cheese, allowing all the subtleties of flavour to come through. This pairing is delicious on its own, but it also goes well with fresh fruit. Try an unoaked Chardonnay with mild cheddar and sliced apples or pears. The sweetness of the Chardonnay will complement the fruit's tang, enhancing the overall taste sensation.

For something more complex, you can pair an unoaked Chardonnay with sharp cheddar. The wine will soften the sharpness of the cheese while still displaying its fruity notes. This pairing is perfect for meat and cheese boards or as an appetizer before dinner. Enjoy it with your favourite crackers, crisp bread, or fruit.

When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to remember a few general things. Firstly, look for textural similarities between the wine and cheese. Heavy cheeses typically call for a dense wine. Secondly, always taste the wine before tasting the cheese, as cheese has a much bigger impact on the flavours and aromas in wine than vice versa. Finally, serve the cheese at room temperature (around 68˚F) and the wine at between 50˚F – 55˚F.

Unoaked Chardonnay with sharp cheddar cheese

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that pairs wonderfully with different cheeses. The unoaked variety, in particular, is a more versatile companion for cheese—and for most foods in general. Unoaked Chardonnays are crisp and light-bodied with fruit-forward notes. They tend to have a more crisp, acidic flavour profile.

When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to match the texture of the cheese and wine. Heavy cheeses typically call for a dense wine. Unoaked Chardonnay's sweetness will balance out the sharpness of the cheddar, while allowing all the subtleties of flavour to come through. This pairing is a good one to enjoy on its own, but it also goes well with fresh fruit. For example, try an unoaked Chardonnay with sharp cheddar cheese and sliced apples or pears. The wine's sweetness will complement the fruit's tang, enhancing the taste sensations from the entire gastronomic combination.

This pairing is perfect for meat and cheese boards or as an appetizer before dinner. You can enjoy it with your favourite crackers, crisp bread, or fruit.

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