Frederic Melton
Wine and cheese are two of life's greatest culinary delights, and the possibilities for pairing them are endless. Goat cheese, in particular, is one of the most versatile cheeses, as it comes in a variety of styles and flavours and is suitable for the lactose-intolerant. It also has a complex and sometimes funky character, which can make pairing it with wine a challenge. However, with careful attention, it is possible to find a wine that harmonises with the flavours of the cheese. A good tip to remember is that what grows together, goes together, so pairing a goat cheese with a wine from the same region is a safe bet. 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.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Grigio, Albarino, Italian Whites, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, Bacchus, Côtes de Provence, Provence Rosé, Chablis, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, Chenin Blanc, Vouvray, Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Saint Bris, Bourgueil, Anjou, Coteaux du Loir, Saumur, Saumur-Champigny, Loire Reds, Red Burgundy, Light Reds, Beaujolais, Blanc de Blancs Champagne, Sancerre Rouge |
| Beer | Hoegaarden, Belgian Ales, Orval, Lambic |
| Cider | Sparkling Cider, Ice Cider |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sauvignon Blanc
The zippy acidity in the wine matches the acidity in the cheese, and the combination of Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese is fresh and invigorating. Sauvignon Blanc is also a regional pairing with goat cheese, as France's Loire Valley is famous for both goat cheese and the Sauvignon Blanc-based wine Sancerre. Other regional names to look out for include Touraine, Pouilly-Fumé, and Saint Bris.
If you're looking for a specific bottle, try a white wine from the Loire Valley, the Sancerre, Pouilly Fumé, or Sauvignon de Touraine. These wines work especially well with goat cheese served in a salad with asparagus, roast red peppers, or beetroot, or on a cheeseboard with other cheeses.
If you're looking for a wine alternative, try a cider from Vermont for a terroir pairing. A sparkling cider would go amazingly with any high-fat (double-crème) cheeses. There are also some delicious ice ciders coming out of Vermont that are sweet but not too viscous, and would be a special treat alongside chalky, aged goat cheese.
Goat Cheese: Greener Option Than Cow Cheese?
You may want to see also
Red wines
When it comes to red wines, there are several options that can be paired with goat cheese. Here are some suggestions:
If you're looking for a classic combination, Cabernet Franc is an excellent choice. Hailing from the Loire Valley, this wine is known for its lighter style, herbaceous notes, and tart acidity. Its characteristics make it a perfect match for the soft and impressionable nature of goat cheese. The Loire Valley is also the home of goat cheese, so this pairing follows the principle of "what grows together, goes together."
For those who prefer their reds with a bit more body and depth, a Pinot Noir, specifically a Sancerre Rouge from the Sancerre region, can be a delightful pairing. With its dark red and black fruit flavors, this wine provides a nice contrast to the core flavor of the goat cheese while its supple nature complements the texture.
Another option is to explore cool-climate red wines such as Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah. These wines tend to have higher acidity and delicate flavors that won't overwhelm the goat cheese. They offer a harmonious balance between the wine and the cheese.
Additionally, if you're feeling adventurous, a Washington state or California Syrah can be a great choice. The ripe summer berry flavors of these wines will mellow out any funky or bitter notes in the goat cheese, creating an intriguing and unexpected pairing.
Lastly, while not a traditional red wine, a rosé can also be a brilliant pairing with goat cheese, especially in a salad. A pale, crisp Provence-style rosé adds a touch of elegance and freshness to the dish, making it perfect for summer picnics or light meals.
Goat Cheese: Healthy Superfood or Overhyped Trend?
You may want to see also
Rosé
Provence rosé wines, in particular, are known to pair well with goat cheese. The milder flavours of older Provence rosés, with hints of honey, spice, bitter orange, and mellow red fruit, complement the flavours of goat cheese. A Provence rosé from Bandol, made with a higher percentage of Mourvèdre, is an excellent choice. These wines develop more mature flavours as they age, making them a good match for older cheeses.
When serving goat cheese with rosé, consider a simple pairing such as goat cheese with crackers or bread, or create a goat cheese toast with berries, avocado, or herbs. For a picnic-style meal, pair Provence rosé and goat cheese with fresh bread, tomatoes, olive oil, and olives.
For a specific recommendation, try Tercero Wines Grenache Rosé from Santa Barbara County on the Central Coast. This rosé has vibrant acidity, a robust structure, and a complex flavour profile, with aromas of wild strawberries, rose petals, and a hint of spice. It offers flavours of ripe red berries and a touch of citrus, making it a versatile choice for food pairings.
Goat Cheese for Beginners: Mildest Flavors to Try
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Chardonnay
When selecting a Chardonnay to pair with goat cheese, it's important to avoid oaked or overly oaky varieties. These can taste buttery and flabby when paired with the richer flavours of goat cheese. Instead, opt for unoaked or lightly oaked Chardonnays, such as a Chablis or Macon-Villages, which offer bright, crisp notes of apples, pears, and even citrus. These lighter styles of Chardonnay create a delightful contrast with the robust, mature character of aged goat cheese.
For a harmonious pairing, consider choosing a Chardonnay and goat cheese combination from the same region. This approach, known as pairing by terroir or "what grows together, goes together," often results in complementary taste profiles that showcase the regional characteristics of both the wine and the cheese. For example, you could pair a French Chardonnay, such as a Macon-Villages or Chablis, with a French goat cheese, like Chevre Noir or a goat cheese from the Loire Valley, where some of the most popular goat cheeses originate.
Additionally, when pairing Chardonnay with goat cheese, consider the specific characteristics of both the wine and the cheese. Goat cheese can range from tangy to sweet, semi-soft to hard, and fresh to aged. Similarly, Chardonnays can vary in their oak influence, from unoaked to heavily oaked, and in their flavour profiles, which may include notes of citrus, tropical fruit, or butter, among others. Aim to create a balance between the flavours of the cheese and the wine, allowing each to enhance the other.
Finally, when in doubt, a crisp, dry white Chardonnay with bright acidity can be a safe choice to pair with goat cheese. The acidity in the wine will match the natural acidity present in goat cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination. So, whether you're enjoying a young, mild goat cheese or a more mature, complex variety, a well-chosen Chardonnay can make for a delightful pairing experience.
Goat Cheese: A Lower-Glycemic Alternative to Cow Cheese?
You may want to see also
Cider
When it comes to pairing cider with goat cheese, there are a few things to consider. Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, has a range of styles and flavours, from tangy to sweet, semi-soft to hard, and it can be funky or smooth. Its versatility makes it a great choice for those who are lactose intolerant as it is easier to digest than cow's cheese.
For a refreshing and invigorating experience, pair a fresh goat cheese with a crisp, pale rosé cider. The acidity in the cider will complement the acidity in the cheese, creating a harmonious combination. Vermont is known for producing excellent cider that pairs well with high-acid cheeses.
If you're looking for a more indulgent pairing, go for a sparkling cider from an artisanal cidery. These ciders have a delicate fizz that pairs beautifully with high-fat, double-crème cheeses. The carbonation cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and satisfying combination.
For a unique treat, explore ice ciders from Vermont, which offer a delightful sweet contrast to the chalky, aged goat cheese. The natural sweetness of the ice cider enhances the creaminess of the cheese, resulting in a decadent and memorable pairing.
When in doubt, opt for a cider and goat cheese pairing from the same region. This ensures a similar taste profile and showcases the unique characteristics of that particular area. Vermont, for example, is known for producing both exceptional goat cheese and cider, making it an ideal choice for a regionally inspired pairing.
Goat Milk Yogurt and Cheese: High in Lectins?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Sauvignon Blanc is the classic choice to pair with goat cheese due to its zippy acidity. Other good options include Sancerre, a Sauvignon Blanc-based wine from the Loire Valley, and Cabernet Franc, a red wine varietal from the same region.
Yes, goat cheese pairs well with several types of beer and cider. Belgian-style beers, especially wild fermented Lambic varieties, are amazing with tart and chalky goat cheese. A cider from Vermont can also be a great choice for a terroir pairing.
Some specific pairings to try include Chevre Noir with Syrah, Humboldt Fog with a natural wine, and aged goat cheese with Merlot. If you're looking for a sparkler, try Crémant de Loire with a creamy and spreadable goat cheese.
