Goat Cheese Delicacy: Best Wine Pairing Options

When it comes to wine and cheese, goat cheese is king. But what about the perfect wine to accompany it? The most popular choice is a Sauvignon Blanc, a classic pairing that is hard to beat. With its bright, zippy acidity, this wine is the perfect match for the acidity in the cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination. But don't be afraid to experiment; goat cheese is easy to pair with other wines, too. Try a crisp, dry rosé, or a citrussy white such as Pinot Grigio or a Spanish Albarino. If you're feeling adventurous, a bold and peppery Syrah or a fruity Beaujolais Nouveau could be the perfect pairing for your goat cheese.

Sauvignon Blanc

If you're eating goat's cheese with other foods, such as in a salad or on a cheeseboard, the fresh acidity of Sauvignon Blanc will complement the other dishes. Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, and Sauvignon de Touraine are all excellent choices to pair with goat's cheese.

If you don't have a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc to hand, don't worry. You can opt for other citrussy whites such as Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, or Godello. Crisp whites such as Albarino, Alvarinho, Chablis, and Pinot Grigio are also good choices.

Cabernet Franc

When it comes to wine and goat cheese pairings, the classic choice is a Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine with grassy, herbal notes that complement the cheese. However, if you're looking for a red wine to pair with goat cheese, a Cabernet Franc is an excellent option.

When pairing Cabernet Franc with goat cheese, it is important to consider the lighter style of the wine. Goat cheese, or chèvre, is known for its soft, impressionable nature, and a lighter red wine with herbaceous notes and tart acidity will complement it perfectly. The Loire Valley in France is renowned for both its goat cheese and its Cabernet Franc wines. The region's single-variety red wines, as well as its rosé and sparkling wines made from Cabernet Franc grapes, are highly regarded. When looking for a Cabernet Franc to pair with goat cheese, aim for the lighter styles from the Loire Valley, such as those from Chinon, Bourgueil, Anjou, Coteaux du Loir, or Saumur. These wines will have more herbaceous notes and tart acidity, enhancing the flavours of the goat cheese.

If you're unable to find a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, other cool-climate red wines with higher acidity and delicate flavours can also pair well with goat cheese. Wines made from Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah grapes are worth considering. Additionally, when serving Cabernet Franc, it is best served between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Serving it colder will mask the delicate floral aromas, while serving it warmer will enhance the fruitiness and reduce its dryness.

In summary, when pairing wine with goat cheese, a classic Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice. However, for those who prefer red wine, a Cabernet Franc, especially one from the Loire Valley, is an excellent option. The lighter style and herbaceous notes of the wine complement the soft and impressionable nature of goat cheese, creating a harmonious pairing that showcases the best of both the wine and the cheese.

Albarino

If you're looking for a wine to pair with goat cheese, Albarino is a great choice, especially if you're looking for something a little different from the classic Sauvignon Blanc pairing. Its crisp, clean, and refreshing flavours will complement and enhance the taste of goat cheese, creating a delicious and harmonious pairing.

Riesling

When it comes to pairing Riesling with goat cheese, consider the type of goat cheese you have. Fresh goat cheeses with a mellow, milky flavour pair well with Riesling. The creamy textures found in fresh goat cheese are contrasted by the wine's citrus flavour profile. On the other hand, aged goat cheeses with a harder texture and earthier, floral flavour can also complement Riesling. The lush, floral notes of the wine become more distinct and pleasing when paired with these more mature cheeses.

In addition to Riesling, other wine options that go well with goat cheese include Sauvignon Blanc, Albarino, Chardonnay, and Syrah. However, if you're looking for a wine that showcases the regional complexity of both the goat cheese and the wine, choosing a wine from the same region as your goat cheese is always a safe bet.

Chardonnay

When it comes to pairing Chardonnay with goat cheese, consider the type of goat cheese you have. For complex, aged goat cheeses, such as Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese, an unoaked Chardonnay will provide a delightful contrast that balances out the richness of the cheese and showcases the wine's fruit flavours. The light effervescence of the Chardonnay pairs beautifully with these mature cheeses, making this combination a true delight for your next charcuterie night.

If you're looking for a wine to complement the creamy, buttery qualities of goat cheese, Chardonnay can be a great choice. While cow's milk cheese often comes in semi-hard or hard varieties with less creaminess, goat cheese typically boasts an extra thick and decadent texture. The crispness of an unoaked Chardonnay can cut through this richness, creating a refreshing and enjoyable pairing.

It's worth noting that the specific characteristics of the Chardonnay you choose can also make a difference. For example, a French Macon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuisse, or Chablis Chardonnay with a creamy texture (but not too much oak) and refreshing flavours of apples and pears can be an excellent choice to serve with aged goat cheeses.

In summary, when pairing Chardonnay with goat cheese, consider the type of goat cheese you have and choose a Chardonnay that will complement its characteristics. An unoaked Chardonnay with crisp, fruity notes can be an excellent choice for aged, complex goat cheeses, while a Chardonnay with a creamy texture and refreshing apple and pear flavours can enhance the experience of goat cheese's creamy, buttery qualities.

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