Patrick Oconnell
Wine and cheese have been inextricably linked for centuries, with certain properties of wine—such as acidity, astringency, and sweetness—complementing the creamy, nutty, and pungent properties of cheese. Sauvignon blanc, a white wine with crisp, refreshing notes of lime and green herbs, is an excellent match for many artisanal cheeses. But which cheese goes best with this wine?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese type | Goat, Asiago, aged Gouda, Gruyere, Brick, Cheddar, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Muenster, Parmesan, Swiss, Alpine-style cheeses, Idiazabal Raw Sheep Milk Cheese, Petite Basque Sheep’s Milk Cheese, Goat Milk Cheddar Cheese |
| Wine type | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Wine characteristics | Crisp, refreshing, substantial acidity, notes of lime, green leafy herbs, herbaceous |
| Cheese characteristics | Rich, tart, creamy, pungent, nutty, grassy |
| Other foods to pair with | Chicken, poultry, shellfish, smoked foods, garlic, parsley, basil, rosemary, cilantro, apples |
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What You'll Learn
Goat's cheese
Goats cheese is often recommended as a cheese to pair with Sauvignon Blanc. This is because the rich but tart flavour of the cheese with its creamy texture helps to bring out the rich and bold flavours of the wine. The zippy acidity in the wine matches the acidity in the cheese, making the combination of Sauvignon Blanc and goats cheese fresh and invigorating.
Goats cheese is particularly well-suited to heavily oaked Sauvignon Blanc. When paired with green, leafy herbs, goats cheese in a kale or romaine salad with a light olive oil-based dressing can create balance.
Goats cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are also a good match because they share similar taste profiles. Both have complex layers of earthy and funky flavours, and both are considered to be polarising tastes—they are loved and hated in equal measure.
If you are looking to pair a goat's cheese with a Sauvignon Blanc, Chavignol in France is famous for both. The village is surrounded by hilly vineyards that produce the famous wines of Sancerre, and it is also known for its goat's cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol.
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Aged gouda
Gouda is a versatile cheese that pairs well with different wines, and its flavour varies with age. Aged Gouda is a hard, nutty cheese that pairs well with full-bodied wines, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or a bold Petite Sirah. The nuttiness of the cheese balances out the grassy, acidic flavours of a Sauvignon Blanc, and they complement each other to create a natural balance. This pairing works well on its own or as part of a charcuterie spread.
Younger, softer Goudas are milder in flavour and pair better with lighter reds like Pinot Noir, or white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chenin Blanc. Creamy and mild cheeses like fresh Gouda also go well with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. The age of Gouda cheese affects its texture and flavour, and the right wine pairing will match its intensity.
Gouda is a popular cheese for wine pairings, and its versatility means there is a wine to complement its flavour perfectly, regardless of age. When pairing wine and cheese, it is important to consider the flavour intensity, fat and alcohol content, and complementary aromas and tasting notes.
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Gruyere
While Gruyere can be a wonderful pairing with Sauvignon Blanc, it is important to note that the combination may risk overpowering each other due to their strong flavours. However, when paired correctly, the cheese's nutty flavour can complement the wine's aroma and complexity, creating a harmonious and indulgent experience.
When serving Gruyere with Sauvignon Blanc, it is recommended to choose a decent Meursault wine to accompany the cheese. Additionally, consider serving the cheese at room temperature to fully appreciate its flavour and texture, ensuring a delightful sensory experience.
In conclusion, Gruyere is an excellent choice of cheese to serve with Sauvignon Blanc. The nutty flavour of the cheese complements the wine's aroma and helps to balance its grassy and acidic notes. By considering the specific characteristics of both the cheese and the wine, one can create a delightful pairing that enhances the overall tasting experience.
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Asiago
A classic pairing for Asiago cheese is cured meats like prosciutto, salami, or soppressata, which balance the nutty and tangy flavours of the cheese. The roasted flavours of meats like roasted chicken or beef complement the nutty and tangy notes of Asiago, while the richness of the meat pairs well with the firmness of the cheese.
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Creamy cheeses
Goat's milk cheeses made from sheep's milk are also a good choice, as they offer a similar flavour profile to goat's cheese, but with a slightly different texture. Look for options like Idiazabal Raw Sheep Milk Cheese, Petite Basque Sheep’s Milk Cheese, or Goat Milk Cheddar Cheese. These cheeses will have a light flavour that won't overpower the wine, while still offering a creamy texture.
If goat's cheese is not to your taste, there are other creamy cheeses that pair well with Sauvignon Blanc. Gruyère, for example, has a nutty flavour that complements the aroma and complexity of the wine. Its rich and creamy texture helps to balance out the pungent aroma and acidic flavour of the wine. Mozzarella is another mild, creamy cheese that can be a good match for Sauvignon Blanc, especially if you're looking for a softer cheese option.
While cow's milk cheeses can be trickier to pair with Sauvignon Blanc due to their higher acidity, a mild, soft Cheddar can still be a good option, especially if you opt for a goat milk cheddar.
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Frequently asked questions
Good choices of cheese to serve with Sauvignon Blanc include goat's cheese, Asiago, aged Gouda, Gruyere, Swiss, mozzarella, and mild, soft Cheddar.
Sauvignon Blanc has grassy notes, so it pairs well with goat's and sheep's milk cheeses. The nutty flavour of aged Gouda and Gruyere also balances out the "grassy" and acidic fruit flavours in the wine.
Cow's milk cheeses are trickier to pair with Sauvignon Blanc as they are fairly acidic. Salami can also be challenging to pair with Sauvignon Blanc due to its high salt content.
Yes, the herbaceous green notes in Sauvignon Blanc pair well with side dishes containing green herbs like parsley, basil, rosemary, or cilantro. You can also serve apples, such as Fuji or Gold Rush, which have a hint of sweetness to complement the wine and cheese.
