Randy Chandler
There are many different types of wine that pair well with goat cheese. The complexity of goat cheese's flavour profile can make it a challenge to pair with wine, but there are some classic combinations that are sure to impress.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Sancerre rouge |
| Wine flavour | Fruity, refreshing, creamy, chalky, acidic |
| Cheese type | Fresh, aged, blue |
| Cheese flavour | Mellow, milky, earthy, floral, tangy, funky |
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What You'll Learn
Sauvignon Blanc is the most popular wine to pair with goat cheese
If you are looking for a natural pairing, choose a wine and goat cheese combination from the same region. This provides similar taste profiles and showcases the regional variety of both the goat cheese and the wine. For example, goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley of France, so try pairing it with wines from the Loire Valley, such as a Sancerre rouge.
Aged goat cheeses with a harder texture and earthier, floral flavour pair well with Riesling, which offers a lush texture, refreshing acidity, and a long, flavorful finish. Chardonnay with a creamy texture and refreshing flavours of apples and pears is another good choice to serve with aged goat cheeses, balancing out the rich cheeses and showcasing the wine's fruit flavours.
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Chardonnay is a good choice for aged goat cheeses
When pairing wine with goat cheese, it is important to consider the complex and sometimes funky character of the cheese. A harmonious pairing will showcase the flavours of both the cheese and the wine. One strategy is to choose a wine and goat cheese combination from the same region, as they will have similar taste profiles. For example, goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France pairs well with wines from the same region, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc.
Another factor to consider is the texture of the cheese. Aged goat cheeses tend to have a harder texture than fresh goat cheeses, and this can influence the wine pairing. While Chardonnay pairs well with aged goat cheeses, fresh goat cheeses with a mellow, milky flavour are better complemented by Riesling, which offers a lush texture, fruit-forward taste, and refreshing acidity.
The type of wine that pairs best with goat cheese can also depend on the specific variety of goat cheese. For example, Blue Goat Cheese pairs well with Natural Wine, while Aged Goat Cheese, with its deeper, earthier flavours, is a good match for Merlot. Ultimately, the choice of wine depends on personal preference and the specific characteristics of the goat cheese being served.
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Riesling is a good choice for fresh goat cheeses
Riesling is a versatile wine that rarely meets a cheese it doesn't like. Its refreshing acidity and fruit-forward taste make it a good match for the mild, creamy, and slightly chalky texture of fresh goat cheese. The wine's lush texture and long finish also stand up well to the cheese's more assertive flavours.
When pairing wine with goat cheese, it's important to consider the cheese's complex and sometimes funky character. The layers of flavour in goat cheese can make it a challenge to find a harmonious wine pairing. However, Riesling's versatility and ability to showcase the regional variety of both the cheese and the wine make it a good choice for fresh goat cheeses.
Additionally, when in doubt, it's a safe bet to choose a wine and goat cheese combination from the same region. This natural pairing provides similar taste profiles and highlights the regional specialties of both the cheese and the wine. For example, if you're enjoying a goat cheese from the Loire Valley of France, try pairing it with a Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc from the same region.
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Merlot is a good choice for aged goat cheeses
When it comes to wine and cheese, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the general rule is that what grows together, goes together. Goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley of France, so it's a good idea to pair it with wines from the same region. Sauvignon Blanc is the wine most often chosen to accompany goat cheese, but there are many other options. Chardonnay, for example, has a creamy texture and refreshing flavours of apples and pears that can complement aged goat cheeses.
If you're looking for a red wine to pair with aged goat cheese, Merlot is an excellent choice. Aged goat cheeses have a harder texture and a deeper, earthier, floral flavour. Merlot is a full-bodied red wine with robust flavours that can stand up to the stronger taste of aged goat cheese. It has a spicy, fruity character with notes of black cherry, plum, and sometimes even a hint of tobacco or anise. These bold flavours won't be overpowered by the cheese, and the wine's natural acidity will help to refresh your palate between bites.
Merlot also has a relatively high tannin content, which can help to cut through the richness of the cheese. Tannins are naturally occurring compounds in wine that give it a dry, mouth-puckering sensation. They can be a little bitter, but when paired with the right foods, they can actually enhance the flavours of both the wine and the dish. In the case of Merlot and aged goat cheese, the tannins in the wine will provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese, and their astringent quality will help to cleanse your palate.
Of course, when it comes to wine and cheese, personal preference is always the most important factor. If you prefer a lighter, more delicate wine, you might want to opt for a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais, which are both lighter-bodied reds that can also pair well with aged goat cheese. However, if you're a fan of bold, full-flavoured wines, Merlot is definitely the way to go. So, the next time you're enjoying some aged goat cheese, why not give Merlot a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
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Cabernet Franc is a good choice for those who prefer red wine
While goat cheese is often paired with white wines like Riesling, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Champagne, there are some red wines that can be a good match. If you're a fan of red wine, Cabernet Franc is a good choice to pair with goat cheese. This is because goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley in France, so it makes sense to pair it with wines from the same region. Cabernet Franc is a red wine produced in the Loire Valley, so it will complement the flavours of the goat cheese.
Goat cheese has a complex and sometimes funky character, with layers of flavour that can make it a challenge to pair with wine. However, with careful attention, it is possible to find a harmonious pairing that showcases the flavours of both the cheese and the wine. A good rule of thumb is to choose a wine and goat cheese combination from the same region, as this provides similar taste profiles.
For example, a Loire Valley ash-rind goat cheese called Chèvre du Colline pairs well with a Sancerre rouge, which is a red wine made with Pinot Noir grapes in the Loire Valley. This pairing works because the wine has a similar chalky quality to the cheese, and its bright acidity marries well with the slight tang of the goat cheese.
Another option for red wine lovers is Merlot, which pairs well with aged goat cheese. Deeper, earthier cheeses need a wine with bigger shoulders, and Merlot fits the bill. So, if you're looking for a red wine to pair with your goat cheese, Cabernet Franc or Merlot are both excellent choices that will enhance the flavours of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many wines that pair well with goat cheese, including Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Merlot.
Goat cheese is a blank slate, so any kind of goat cheese will pair well with Sauvignon Blanc.
Aged goat cheeses, such as Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese, pair well with Chardonnay.
Fresh goat cheeses with a mellow, milky flavour pair well with Riesling, as do aged goat cheeses with a harder texture and earthier, floral flavour.
Aged goat cheese pairs well with Merlot.
