The Perfect Cheese Pairing For Sauvignon Blanc

Wine and cheese are a classic combination, but finding the right pairing can be a challenge. Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, refreshing white wine with high acidity and notes of lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, and white peach. Its versatility means it pairs well with almost anything, but which cheese should you choose?

Sauvignon Blanc and goat's cheese

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing white wine with high acidity and notes of lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, and white peach. Its high acidity makes it a great wine to pair with cheese, and almost any type of food. When pairing Sauvignon Blanc with cheese, it is best to opt for lighter, creamier cheeses.

Goat's cheese is an excellent choice to pair with Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's crisp, citrus notes and high acidity complement the earthy, nutty, and herbal flavours of goat's cheese. The acidity of the wine also helps to cut through the rich, creamy texture of the cheese.

Goat's cheese is a particularly good match for Sauvignon Blanc that is heavily oaked. The tart, creamy cheese helps to bring out the rich, bold flavours of the wine. To create a balanced pairing, serve goat's cheese with green, leafy herbs such as kale or romaine lettuce and a light, olive oil-based dressing.

When choosing a goat's cheese to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, opt for a younger, lighter cheese. Goat's milk cheeses tend to be less acidic than cow's milk cheeses, which makes them a better match for the wine. Harder, aged cheeses tend to be saltier and stronger in flavour, which can overpower the wine.

Avoid spiced or herb-crusted cheeses

When it comes to enjoying a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, it's important to note that not all cheeses will complement its unique flavour profile. While this wine is very approachable when it comes to food pairings, there are certain cheeses that should be avoided to ensure an optimal tasting experience.

Spiced or herb-crusted cheeses, for instance, are not recommended when selecting a cheese to pair with Sauvignon Blanc. While the wine itself boasts grassy notes, high acidity, and hints of lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, and white peach, adding spiced or herb-crusted cheeses into the mix can create an overwhelming combination. The strong flavours of these cheeses, often enhanced by the presence of spices and herbs, can clash with the delicate nuances of the wine.

Instead, opt for cheeses that will complement the crisp, refreshing qualities of the Sauvignon Blanc. Go for light and creamy options such as plain goat cheese, Asiago, Gouda, Gruyere, or feta. These cheeses will help bring out the light, fruity notes in the wine without overpowering its subtle complexities. For instance, the rich but tart flavour of goat cheese pairs exceptionally well with the wine's bold flavours, especially when accompanied by green leafy herbs.

In addition, when selecting a cheese to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, consider the type of milk used. Goat's and sheep's milk cheeses tend to be more compatible with the wine's grassy notes, while cow's milk cheeses can be trickier due to their higher acidity. Unaged cheeses with light flavours, such as Idiazabal Raw Sheep Milk Cheese or Goat Milk Cheddar Cheese, are excellent choices.

By avoiding spiced or herb-crusted cheeses and instead choosing light, creamy options, you'll create a harmonious pairing that enhances the flavours of both the cheese and the Sauvignon Blanc.

Sheep's milk cheeses

When it comes to cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs well with many varieties. Sheep's milk cheeses, in particular, offer a range of flavours and textures that can complement Sauvignon Blanc's crisp, refreshing, and fruity notes. Here are some specific examples of sheep's milk cheeses that can enhance your Sauvignon Blanc experience:

Beenleigh Blue

A blue cheese made from sheep's milk, Beenleigh Blue has a strong flavour that can stand up to the acidity of Sauvignon Blanc. Its creamy texture and sharp taste create an intriguing contrast with the wine's crispness.

Pecorino di Carmasciano

Pecorino di Carmasciano is a sheep's milk cheese with a nutty and slightly sweet flavour. The nuttiness of this cheese will complement the fruity notes of Sauvignon Blanc, particularly the hints of white peach and passionfruit found in some varieties.

Castelo Branco

This Portuguese sheep's milk cheese has a creamy texture and a mild, slightly tangy flavour. Castelo Branco's gentle taste will not overpower the wine, allowing the flavours of both the cheese and the Sauvignon Blanc to shine through.

Picón Bejes-Tresviso

A Spanish sheep's milk cheese, Picón Bejes-Tresviso has a strong, pungent flavour and a firm texture. The sharpness of this cheese will play off the acidity of the wine, creating a dynamic pairing that highlights the best qualities of both.

Fine Fettle Yorkshire

Fine Fettle Yorkshire is a sheep's milk cheese with a creamy texture and a mild, buttery flavour. Its smoothness and subtlety make it an excellent choice to accompany Sauvignon Blanc without overwhelming its delicate notes.

Remember, when pairing cheese with wine, it's essential to consider the balance of flavours and textures. Sheep's milk cheeses offer a range of options, from sharp and pungent to mild and creamy, that can beautifully accentuate the characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc.

Creamy cheeses with a hint of sweetness

When it comes to creamy cheeses with a hint of sweetness to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, there are several options that can elevate your wine and cheese experience.

Goat cheese, also known as Chèvre, is an excellent choice. Its rich yet tart flavour and creamy texture complement the bold flavours of Sauvignon Blanc, particularly those with heavy oak notes. The citrus and mineral notes in the wine bring out the nutty and herbal flavours of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast.

Idiazabal Raw Sheep Milk Cheese is another option that pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc. It has a light flavour and a creamy texture, providing a nice balance to the wine's grassy notes.

If you're looking for a cow's milk cheese option, Gouda is a safe choice. However, to take it to the next level, opt for aged Gouda. The nutty flavour of aged Gouda beautifully balances the "grassy" and acidic fruit flavours found in Sauvignon Blanc. This pairing creates a natural harmony between the two, making them enjoyable on their own or as part of a charcuterie spread.

Gruyere is another cheese with nutty flavours that can complement Sauvignon Blanc. While there is a risk of the wine and cheese overpowering each other, the rich, bold, and creamy characteristics of Gruyere help to balance the pungent aroma and acidic flavour of the wine.

When creating a cheese platter to pair with Sauvignon Blanc, remember that the secret to a perfect pairing is not just flavour but also texture and acid balance. Select cheeses with creamy textures and a hint of sweetness or spice to complement and amplify the notes in your wine without overpowering it.

Gruyere, Gouda, Asiago or Feta

Sauvignon blanc is a refreshing white wine with high acidity and notes of lime, grapefruit, passionfruit, and white peach. It pairs well with almost anything, but when it comes to cheese, it's best to opt for light and creamy varieties.

Gruyere

Gruyere is a hard cheese with a pale yellow colour. It has a firm and compact texture and a sweet and slightly salty flavour. Its nutty notes complement the aroma and complexity of a sauvignon blanc. While this pairing could overpower each other, the rich and creamy flavours of the Gruyere help to balance the pungent aroma and acidic flavour of the wine.

Gouda

Gouda is a Dutch cheese known for its creamy and nutty characteristics. An aged gouda is the best match for sauvignon blanc as its nutty flavour balances the "grassy" and acidic fruit flavours in the wine. The cheese's creaminess and nutty flavours also complement the citrus and stone fruit notes of an off-dry German Riesling.

Asiago

Asiago is a versatile Italian cheese that can be mild and creamy or crumbly and full-flavoured depending on its age. Its complex flavour profile, which can include notes of nuttiness, sweetness, and a hint of sharpness, makes it an interesting pairing with sauvignon blanc. A Loire Sauvignon Blanc, with its high acidity and vibrant citrus flavours, can cut through the richness of young and creamy Asiago.

Feta

Feta is a young, white cheese that is generally best suited to crisp, dry whites. Sauvignon blanc is a great starting point for this cheese. There are also a range of crisp, dry Greek whites that go well with feta, including varieties made from Moschofilero and Assyrtico grapes.

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