Goat Cheese And Red Wine: The Perfect Pairing

Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be paired with a variety of wines, but its complex and sometimes funky character can make finding the right wine a challenge. While some sources suggest that goat's cheese is best paired with white wines, others recommend reds. So, what red wine goes best with goat's cheese?

Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing

When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, it doesn't get more classic than goat's cheese and Sauvignon Blanc. This combination is a great match, with the wine's zippy acidity matching the acidity in the cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating pairing.

Goat's cheese, or chèvre in French, is known for its complex and sometimes funky character, which can make it a challenge to pair with wine. However, Sauvignon Blanc is the wine most often chosen to accompany it, and for good reason. The acidity in the wine complements the creaminess of the cheese, while its mineral-driven and citrusy profile imparts additional herbal flavours. This preparation of the palate is especially important when eating goat's cheese, as it rarely ends after just one bite.

This classic pairing is also a regional one, with France's Loire Valley being famous for both chèvre and the Sauvignon Blanc-based wine Sancerre. In fact, the adage "what grows together, goes together" is often applied to wine and goat cheese pairings, with Loire Valley wines and Loire goat cheese being a perfect example. While a Sancerre and a Crottin de Chavignol is the classic pairing, you don't have to stick to France for the wine. Crisp Sauvignon Blancs from around the world will also work, as will other citrussy whites such as Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, and Godello.

If you're looking for a red wine to pair with goat's cheese, a light, cool-climate red is often recommended. Bigger, fruitier wines can overwhelm the soft, impressionable nature of goat cheese. A Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, such as a Chinon or Bourgueil, is a great choice, as these wines have more herbaceous notes and tart acidity.

Try reds from the Loire Valley

Goat cheese is often considered a challenging food to pair with wine due to its complex and sometimes funky flavour profile. However, a good rule of thumb when it comes to food and wine pairing is to match the region of the food with the region of the wine. Goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley, France, so it makes sense to pair it with wines from the same region.

The Loire Valley is known for producing lighter reds with herbaceous notes and tart acidity. These characteristics make the reds from this region an excellent choice when pairing with goat cheese. The bright acidity in both the cheese and the wine meets and mellows each other out, resulting in a creamier impression from the cheese and a rounder, fruitier impression from the wine.

When looking for reds from the Loire Valley, you should consider those made from the Cabernet Franc grape. These wines tend to be lighter in style with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity, which will complement the cheese without overwhelming its softer, more impressionable nature. Look for Chinon, Bourgueil, Anjou, Coteaux du Loir, or Saumur on the label.

If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try pairing goat cheese with a red wine from a cool climate. Varietals such as Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah often have higher acidity and delicate flavours that can pair well with the cheese. However, it's important to remember that red wines can be more challenging to pair with goat cheese, and you may want to avoid the bigger, tannic varieties that can overwhelm the cheese or create strange taste sensations.

Crisp, dry rosé is a great option

When choosing a wine to pair with goat's cheese, it is important to consider the texture of the cheese. Generally, the firmer the goat's cheese, the bigger the wine should be. Goat's cheese tends to become firmer and denser as it ages, developing a fattier and saltier taste. Therefore, a crisp, dry rosé can complement the texture and flavour of aged goat's cheese.

Additionally, the region of origin can also be considered when pairing wine with goat's cheese. The adage "what grows together, goes together" is often applied to wine and cheese pairings. Goat's cheese from the Loire Valley of France, for example, can be paired with wines from the same region, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Cabernet Franc.

It is worth noting that red wines can be more challenging to pair with goat's cheese. The high tannin content in some red wines may not complement the flavour of the cheese. However, lighter-style red wines with herbaceous notes and tart acidity, such as those from the Loire Valley, can be a good option.

In conclusion, when looking for a wine to pair with goat's cheese, a crisp, dry rosé is a refreshing and delightful choice. Whether you choose a Provençal rosé or explore other varieties, this combination is sure to enhance your dining experience.

Avoid big, tannic reds

When it comes to matching red wine with goat's cheese, it's important to remember that red wines can be more problematic with this particular cheese. Goat's cheese is relatively delicate, with lower fat content than cow's milk cheese, so a big, tannic red will likely overwhelm the cheese.

Tannins are compounds found in red wines that can make the mouth feel dry and furry. They are also responsible for the bitter taste in wine. While some tannins are beneficial, giving structure and ageing potential to the wine, too many tannins can be overpowering and unpleasant.

Goat's cheese, especially the fresh or lightly aged varieties, calls for a more delicate wine. A good rule to follow is: "the firmer the goat's cheese, the bigger the wine". So, for softer goat's cheeses, a light-bodied red is a better match.

Instead of big, tannic reds, opt for cool-climate wines with higher acidity and delicate flavours. For example, a Pinot Noir from Oregon or Washington's Willamette Valley is a great choice, as these wines have the structure to stand up to the cheese without overwhelming its more subtle flavours.

If you're looking for a French wine to pair with goat's cheese, a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is a classic choice. These wines have herbaceous notes and tart acidity that won't overpower the soft, impressionable nature of goat's cheese. Look for Chinon, Bourgueil, Anjou, Coteaux du Loir, or Saumur on the label.

Pinot Noir works if it's not too heavy

When it comes to red wines to pair with goat's cheese, Pinot Noir works if it's not too heavy. While red wines can be more problematic with goat's cheese, and it's often recommended to opt for a white wine, there are some lighter reds that can complement the cheese rather than overwhelm it.

Goat's cheese is sold in dozens of varieties, from tangy white rolls to aged specimens almost as sturdy as Parmesan. The texture of the cheese is an important factor when it comes to choosing a wine to pair with it. The firmer the goat's cheese, the bigger the wine you should choose. As the cheese ages, it loses moisture and develops a denser texture and a fattier, saltier taste. So, for softer, fresh goat's cheeses, a lighter wine is needed.

Pinot Noir is a good choice for a red wine to pair with goat's cheese, but only if it's not too heavy. Weighty, big Pinots won't work—these are sometimes called "Sideways" Pinots, after the movie. Instead, opt for a Pinot from Oregon or Washington, especially the Willamette Valley. These Pinots have a natural affinity with goat's cheese and absolutely go with this type of cheese.

Another option for a red wine to pair with goat's cheese is a red from the Loire Valley, such as a Bourgueil or an Anjou rouge, both made from Cabernet Franc. These wines have enough fruit to complement the cheese but are light enough that they won't overwhelm the flavour with tannins or alcohol.

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