Bushra Griffith
Blue cheese is a tricky food to match with wine. Pick a bad combination and you can get some harsh results. However, there are two famous wine pairings for blue cheese that are so well-known that you may not think beyond them: port and stilton, and roquefort and Sauternes. In general, a simple, roundly fruity red wine, without too much structure is an easily accessible safe bet with milder blue cheeses. A full-bodied, bold red can stand up to the robust flavour of blue cheese, creating a delicious contrast.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classic pairings | Port and stilton, Roquefort and Sauternes |
| Classic pairings with stronger blue cheeses | Stilton with Port, Sauternes with Roquefort |
| Classic pairings with milder blue cheeses | Simple, roundly fruity red wine without too much structure |
| Classic pairings with other strong blue cheeses | Dry white wines and reds from the northern half of Italy |
| Classic pairings with stronger blue cheeses | Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz |
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What You'll Learn
Port and stilton
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, it's important to remember that personal taste plays a significant role. While some people may enjoy the classic pairing of port and stilton, others may prefer to experiment with different types of wine and cheese combinations. Ultimately, the best pairing is the one that you enjoy the most.
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Roquefort and Sauternes
Blue cheese is notoriously difficult to pair with wine, especially the stronger varieties. However, there are two classic wine and blue cheese combinations that are so famous that you may not think beyond them: port and stilton, and Roquefort and Sauternes.
Roquefort is a French blue cheese made from sheep's milk and is known for its strong, tangy flavour. Sauternes, on the other hand, is a sweet, French dessert wine made from a blend of Sémillon, Sauvignon Blanc, and Muscadelle grapes. The sweetness of the wine beautifully offsets the bitterness of the blue cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.
When pairing Roquefort and Sauternes, it is important to consider the quality and age of the cheese. Younger, milder Roqueforts will pair well with a wider range of wines, including other sweet wines like Monbazillac and Cadillac, as well as New World examples. Older, stronger Roqueforts, on the other hand, may require a wine with more body and structure, such as a full-bodied red wine with bold flavours.
In general, when pairing blue cheese with wine, it is best to avoid wines with high tannins as they can create harsh combinations. Instead, opt for a simple, roundly fruity red wine or a sweet dessert wine. Ultimately, the best wine pairing for blue cheese is a matter of personal taste, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works for you.
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Dry white wines and reds from northern Italy
When it comes to pairing wine with blue cheese, there are two famous combinations that are often the go-to choices: port and stilton, and roquefort and Sauternes. However, this doesn't mean that you have to drink sweet wine with blue cheese. While the veining in blue cheeses has a touch of bitterness that can be offset by a dessert or fortified wine, there are times when you might eat blue cheese in a savoury dish or with other ingredients, and on these occasions, a drier white or a red wine would be a better choice.
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Fruity red wines
Blue cheese is tricky to match with wine, especially the stronger varieties. However, a simple, fruity red wine without too much structure is an easily accessible safe bet with milder blue cheeses. A full-bodied, bold red can stand up to the robust flavour of blue cheese, creating a delicious contrast. Big fruits, tannin and refreshing acidity are all going to be backing you up as you load up another plateful. Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz are two reds that are recommended.
However, it is important to note that the wine you choose to pair with blue cheese is a matter of personal taste. So, go ahead and experiment, find what works for you, and don't be afraid to mix it up.
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Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz
Blue cheese is a tricky food to pair with wine. While a simple, fruity red wine is a safe bet with milder blue cheeses, anything with high tannins can create harsh combinations.
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Frequently asked questions
Port and stilton, and roquefort and Sauternes.
Wines with high tannins can create harsh combinations.
Sweet wines like Monbazillac, Cadillac and Sauternes.
A simple, fruity red wine without too much structure.
Cabernet Sauvignon and Shiraz.
