Blue Cheese's Wine Companion: A Guide To Perfect Pairing

Blue cheese is a strong, pungent cheese with a unique flavour and appearance. It is made from milk that has been treated with the fungus Penicillium roqueforti, which creates blue or black veins throughout the cheese. When it comes to wine, blue cheese is a versatile pairing, working well with both sweet and dry wines. The classic pairings are Port and Stilton, and Roquefort and Sauternes, but there are many other options to explore.

Port and stilton

If the centre of the stilton is crumbled into a jar, giving it a smooth and creamy texture, a slightly different type of fortified wine aged in an oxidative fashion in a solera, like a sherry, would be more appropriate. A traditional Rutherglen Australian Muscat, such as the Stanton & Killeen Classic Rutherglen Muscat from Victoria, made up of younger and older aged wines to give an average age of 12 years, would be perfect. Such an aromatic grape adds an almost raisiny, orange peel character that allows the more delicate flavours of the cheese to shine.

For older blue cheeses, such as dried-up stilton, you can revive them by soaking the cheese in a botrytis-affected sweet wine like a De Bortoli Deen Vat 5 Botrytis Semillon for a week or two.

Sauternes and Roquefort

Blue cheese is a type of cheese made from milk treated with the fungus Penicillium roqueforti, which gives it a unique flavour and appearance. The slight sourness of blue cheese is a great match for sweet wines, and the sharpness and complexity of wine complement blues like Gorgonzola or Roquefort.

Roquefort is a strong, pungent, sharp sheep's milk blue cheese from France. The classic wine pairing for Roquefort is Sauternes, a sweet, mouthcoating dessert wine from the Sauternais region in Bordeaux, France. This wine is produced with Sémillon, Sauvignon blanc, and Muscadelle grapes using the "noble rot style". The result is a very sweet wine with notes of apricot, honey, and ginger that is balanced by its natural high acidity.

The sweetness of Sauternes is a perfect match for the sharpness of Roquefort. The wine's high acidity also helps to cut through the strong flavour of the cheese. This pairing is so well-known that it may be the first thing that comes to mind when considering wine and blue cheese combinations.

For a true taste of this classic combination, try a glass of Sauternes wine from the Bordeaux region of France alongside a serving of French Roquefort cheese. This pairing is a sublime match, showcasing the complementary flavours and aromas of the wine and cheese.

Dry or semi-dry wines

Blue cheese is a bold cheese, so when it comes to pairing it with wine, you must choose a wine that can stand up to its strong flavour. While sweet wines are often considered a classic pairing with blue cheese, dry and semi-dry wines can also be a great match.

Chardonnay is a versatile white wine that goes well with blue cheese salads and pasta dishes containing blue cheese sauce. Its crisp, dry flavours can help to balance the richness of the cheese. If you're looking for a lighter option, Pinot Grigio is a great choice for a blue cheese white wine pairing. It is light and refreshing, and pairs well with creamy cheeses. For a more delicate option, a dry Riesling can be a good choice, especially with blues like Gorgonzola or Roquefort, as its high acid level helps break down the protein in these cheeses.

When it comes to red wines, a Cabernet Sauvignon is a perfect pairing with blue cheese. Its plum and blackberry flavours complement the tanginess of the cheese. Zinfandel is another great option, especially with Gorgonzola, as its roasted flavours work perfectly together. If you're looking for a more nuanced pairing, try a Merlot, which has intense fruit notes that balance out the richness of the blue cheese.

In addition to these options, there are also some unique pairings to consider. For a blue cheese and fresh fig salad, a smooth Italian white wine like a Gavi di Gavi is a delicious choice. This wine would also work well with pasta or gnocchi with a blue cheese sauce, where the cheese is mellowed by the addition of milk or cream. If you're serving a burger or steak with blue cheese, a hearty red like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec is a perfect match.

Fruity wines

Blue cheese is a bold cheese, so its wine pairing should be chosen with care. The classic wine pairing for blue cheese is Port, and this works particularly well with Stilton. Other good matches for Stilton include a barley wine or a tawny port. Another classic combination is Roquefort and Sauternes. The sweetness of these wines is a perfect foil to the salt and acidity found in the stronger blues.

When it comes to fruity wines, there are several options that go well with blue cheese. Chardonnay is a versatile choice that pairs well with blue cheese salads and pasta dishes containing blue cheese sauce. For those who prefer a lighter option, Pinot Grigio is a good choice to pair with creamy cheeses such as brie and camembert. It is also a nice choice for seafood meals featuring fresh shrimp or scallops. Riesling is another delicate option that goes well with blue cheeses like Gorgonzola or Roquefort due to its high acid level, which helps break down the protein in these cheeses.

Merlot is another fruity wine that pairs well with blue cheese, as its intense fruit notes balance out the richness of the cheese. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a good choice, as its plum and blackberry flavours complement the tanginess of blue cheese. Zinfandel is a final fruity wine that pairs well with blue cheese, especially Gorgonzola, as its roasted flavours work together perfectly.

Earthy wines

Cabernet Sauvignon is a classic choice to pair with blue cheese. Its plum and blackberry flavours are a perfect match for tangy blue cheese. Zinfandel is another earthy wine that pairs well with blue cheese, particularly the Gorgonzola variety. The roasted flavours of Zinfandel work in harmony with the creaminess of the cheese. Merlot is also a great choice, as its intense fruit notes balance out the richness of blue cheese.

When it comes to fortified wines, Port is a well-known classic pairing with blue cheese, especially Stilton. The sweetness and full body of Port create a perfect balance with the saltiness and acidity found in blue cheese. Another option is a medium-dry amontillado or oloroso sherry, or a sweet Madeira. These fortified wines can add an extra layer of depth and complexity to your blue cheese experience.

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