Sauvignon Blanc And Cheese: Perfect Pairing Partners

what kind of cheese goes well with sauvignon blanc

Wine and cheese are a classic combination, and few wines are as versatile as Sauvignon Blanc. This crisp, refreshing, and acidic white wine pairs well with a wide variety of cheeses, from light and creamy goat's cheese to pungent Asiago and nutty aged Gouda. The wine's grassy notes and high acidity also make it a good match for rich, creamy cheeses like Gruyère and Swiss. When it comes to food pairings, Sauvignon Blanc is extremely versatile, complementing everything from salads to seafood to spicy dishes. Its crisp acidity and fruity notes make it a particularly good match for dishes featuring herbs and citrus.

Characteristics Values
Cheese Type Goat Cheese, Gruyère, Swiss, Mozzarella, Mild Soft Cheddar, Brick, Cheddar, Gouda, Havarti, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, Muenster, Parmesan, Alpine-Style Cheeses, Asiago, Brie, Fontina, Feta
Flavour Light, Tangy, Creamy, Tang, Bite, Brine, Pungent, Nutty, Rich, Bold
Food Pairings Salads, Shellfish, Poultry, White Meats, Spring Vegetables, Fresh Tomatoes, Spicy Dishes, Vegetarian Cuisine, Herbaceous Dishes, Veggie-Heavy Dishes, Oily Fish, Mexican Food, Thai Food, Greek Food

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Goat's cheese and sauvignon blanc

When it comes to wine and cheese, few foods are more complementary. 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.

Goat's cheese, or chèvre, is an excellent companion to sauvignon blanc. The acidity in the wine complements the fat and richness of goat's cheese, while similar grassy notes in both enhance the overall tasting experience. Sauvignon blanc is acidic, mineral-driven, and notably citrusy, imparting these flavours into the creaminess of the cheese. The wine also prepares the palate for the next bite, making it a very moreish combination.

Goat's cheese is a blank slate, ready to take on the flavours of the wine, and sauvignon blanc is the perfect chisel. The Loire Valley in France is known for both its goat's cheese and its sauvignon blanc, so it is no surprise that they pair so well together. When looking for a sauvignon blanc to pair with goat's cheese, opt for Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, or Saint Bris from this region. If you can't get your hands on a bottle from the Loire Valley, then a crisp, dry white with citrus notes will also work well.

If you are not a fan of goat's cheese, there are other cheeses that pair well with sauvignon blanc. Gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and mild, soft cheddar will also complement this wine.

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Gruyère and sauvignon blanc

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, dry, and refreshing white wine that pairs well with many cheeses, including Gruyère. Native to Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, Sauvignon Blanc is known for its herbaceous green notes, substantial acidity, and crisp, refreshing nature. It is a versatile wine that complements the creamy, nutty, and pungent properties of cheese.

Gruyère, a Swiss cheese named after a town in Switzerland, is a perfect match for Sauvignon Blanc. Gruyère is a hard, nutty, slightly sweet cheese with a hint of sharpness. Its complex flavour profile, ranging from fruity to earthy, makes it a delightful companion to the crisp and acidic Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's acidity cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.

When pairing Gruyère and Sauvignon Blanc, look for wines with prominent grassy notes and high acidity. The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc complements the creaminess of Gruyère, enhancing the overall tasting experience. Additionally, the wine's grassy notes create a delightful synergy with the cheese's nutty and slightly sweet flavours. This pairing showcases the versatility of both the wine and the cheese, as they come together to create a balanced and indulgent sensory journey.

To elevate the Gruyère and Sauvignon Blanc pairing, consider serving the cheese at room temperature to allow its full range of flavours to emerge. As for the wine, a slightly chilled temperature will bring out its refreshing qualities. Accompany the pairing with simple accompaniments such as crackers, fresh or dried fruit, and nuts to enhance the experience without overwhelming the delicate flavours of the Gruyère and Sauvignon Blanc duo.

Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or a digestif, the combination of Gruyère and Sauvignon Blanc is a delightful choice for any occasion, offering a sophisticated and indulgent sensory experience.

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Gouda and sauvignon blanc

Gouda is a Dutch cheese known for its creamy and nutty characteristics. When it comes to wine pairings, there are several options that complement Gouda's unique flavour profile. One recommended wine is Off-Dry German Riesling, which has a balanced acidity and slight sweetness. The creaminess and nutty flavours of the cheese harmonise beautifully with the wine's citrus and stone fruit notes, while its subtle sweetness tempers the saltiness of the cheese.

Another excellent choice is Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a bold wine with black fruit and oak-aged complexity that stands up to the richness of Gouda. The tannins in the Cabernet help to refresh the palate from the creaminess of the cheese, and its notes of blackcurrant and cedar create a delightful contrast with the cheese's nutty and caramel-like undertones.

For those seeking a refreshing and easy-drinking option, Pinot Blanc from Alsace is an ideal match. Its vibrant orchard and stone fruit flavours, along with hints of almond, align perfectly with the creaminess and nutty character of Gouda. A subtle spice note in the wine adds an intriguing layer of complexity to the pairing.

A less conventional but equally delightful pairing is Marsannay Rosé from Burgundy. This rosé, made from Pinot Noir and Gamay, offers red fruit, citrus, and stone fruit notes that beautifully complement the nutty flavours of Gouda. The fresh acidity of the wine cuts through the cheese's richness, resulting in a well-balanced and enjoyable pairing. The mineral notes in the rosé further enhance the tasting experience.

When it comes to Sauvignon Blanc, it is a versatile white wine that pairs well with a variety of cheeses, including Gouda. Sauvignon Blanc is characterised by its crisp, refreshing nature, substantial acidity, and notes of lime and green leafy herbs. While it may not be the first choice to pair with Gouda, it can still create an enjoyable combination. The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc can complement the creaminess of Gouda, and its herbaceous notes can find harmony with the cheese's nutty flavours.

In conclusion, while there are more commonly recommended wine pairings for Gouda, such as Off-Dry German Riesling and Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc can also be a viable option. The key is to balance the creamy, nutty, and salty flavours of Gouda, and the acidity and herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc can play a role in achieving that balance.

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Asiago and sauvignon blanc

Asiago is a versatile Italian cheese that can be enjoyed in various forms, from fresh and creamy to mature and crumbly. Its complex flavour profile, including notes of nuttiness, sweetness, and a hint of sharpness, makes it a fascinating partner for wine pairing.

When it comes to Asiago and Sauvignon Blanc, the key is to balance the richness of the cheese and bring out its unique flavours without overpowering them. A Loire Sauvignon Blanc, with its high acidity and vibrant citrus flavours, can cut through the richness of Asiago, especially when the cheese is young and creamy. The crisp and refreshing qualities of the wine provide a nice contrast to the creaminess of the cheese.

The lighter and drier the Sauvignon Blanc, the better it will contrast with the strong odours of Asiago. This combination is perfect for those who enjoy a strong taste and smell in their appetizers. The crisp, refreshing nature of Sauvignon Blanc, with its substantial acidity and notes of lime and green leafy herbs, pairs well with the pungency of Asiago.

For a harmonious blend of Asiago and wine, creating a symphony of flavours, consider the following:

  • Fresh Asiago pairs well with light, fruity white wines like Sauvignon Blanc. The sweetness and buttery flavour of the cheese complement the crisp, citrusy notes of the wine.
  • Mature Asiago, with its crumbly texture and robust, sharp flavour, can stand up to full-bodied red wines. However, if you prefer to stick to white wine, a Chardonnay is a commendable choice. Its fuller body and notes of apple, butter, and vanilla meet the richness of mature Asiago's flavour.

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Feta and sauvignon blanc

Feta is a young, white cheese that pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc. This classic wine and food pairing works because Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp, dry white wine with substantial acidity and notes of lime and green leafy herbs. These characteristics complement the creaminess of the cheese, as well as its nutty and pungent properties.

Feta is a Greek white cheese with a slightly acidic and wine-friendly profile. Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous green notes, is a great match for feta, as the wine's grassy and capsicum characters enhance the overall tasting experience.

When pairing feta with Sauvignon Blanc, it is best to avoid oaky wines, as they show less of the acidity and minerality that work well with the cheese. Instead, look for crisp, dry Greek whites made from grape varieties such as Moschofilero and Assyrtico.

In addition to feta, other cheeses that pair well with Sauvignon Blanc include goat's cheese, gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and mild, soft cheddar. These cheeses have similar flavours to Sauvignon Blanc, such as grassy notes, which create a harmonious tasting experience.

Frequently asked questions

Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile wine that pairs well with light and creamy cheeses such as goat cheese, gruyère, Swiss, mozzarella, and mild, soft cheddar.

Yes, other cheese options include Asiago, Brie, Fontina, Feta, Gouda, and Gruyère.

Sauvignon Blanc is a crisp and refreshing wine with high acidity, making it a great pairing for herb-driven sauces and sides. It also goes well with proteins such as chicken, white fish, smoked meats, and tofu.

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