Frederic Melton
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. The complex layers of earthy and funky flavours, however, can make goat cheese and wine pairing challenging. The wine you choose should showcase the flavours of the cheese. The most popular wine to pair with goat's cheese is Sauvignon Blanc, a classic match with its zippy acidity that matches the acidity in the cheese. Other wines that go well with goat's cheese include Riesling, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Classic wine pairing | Sauvignon Blanc |
| Other white wine pairings | Albarino, Pinot Grigio, Italian whites, Bacchus crisp dry whites, Chenin Blanc, Riesling |
| Red wine pairings | Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, Syrah |
| Beer pairings | Hoegaarden, Belgian ales, Orval |
| Cider pairings | Shacksbury |
| Cheese type | Aged, fresh, soft, young |
| Cheese flavour | Earthy, funky, floral, nutty, bitter, sweet |
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What You'll Learn
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. While there are many options, white wines like Sauvignon Blanc are considered a classic match. This pairing is also a regional one, as France's Loire Valley is famous for both goat cheese (chèvre) and the Sauvignon Blanc-based wine Sancerre. Sauvignon Blanc wines are acidic, mineral-driven, and citrusy, and they pair well with the acidity in goat cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination.
Goat cheese is a blank slate, ready to be impressed upon. The tart, earthy, and tangy flavours of the cheese are complemented by the herbal notes in Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's high acidity and citrus flavours impart additional herbal flavours to the creaminess of the cheese, enhancing its taste. The wine also prepares the palate for the next bite, making it a delightful pairing.
When choosing a Sauvignon Blanc to pair with goat cheese, consider those from the Loire Valley in France, such as Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, or Saint Bris. These wines will have the mineral and citrus characteristics that pair well with the flavours of goat cheese.
While Sauvignon Blanc is a classic choice, there are other wines that can also complement goat cheese. For those who prefer red wine, Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is a great option. It has herbaceous notes and tart acidity that won't overwhelm the soft, impressionable nature of goat cheese. Other red wines from cool climates, such as Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah, can also be good choices due to their higher acidity and delicate flavours.
In addition to these options, other factors to consider when pairing wine with goat cheese include the specific type of goat cheese and its characteristics. For example, aged goat cheeses with harder textures and earthier, floral flavours may pair well with a different selection of wines. Experimenting with different wines and trusting your taste buds can help you discover new and enjoyable pairings.
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Cabernet Franc is a good red wine option
When it comes to wine and goat cheese pairings, Sauvignon Blanc is the classic choice. However, if you're looking for a red wine to accompany your goat cheese, a Cabernet Franc is a great option.
The Loire Valley produces lighter styles of Cabernet Franc with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity. This is a good option to pair with goat cheese because bigger, fruitier wines can overwhelm the soft, impressionable nature of goat cheese. If you are unable to find a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, other cool-climate red wines with higher acidity and delicate flavours can also pair well with goat cheese. Wines made from Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah grapes are worth considering.
When serving Cabernet Franc, it is important to note that serving it colder will mask the delicate floral aromas, while serving it warmer will enhance the fruitiness and reduce its dryness.
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Chardonnay complements aged goat cheeses
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. While there are several wine options to choose from, Chardonnay complements aged goat cheeses particularly well.
Chardonnay is a white wine variety that originates from the Burgundy wine region in France. It is characterized by its golden colour, medium to high acidity, and flavour notes that range from tropical fruits to buttered toast. When paired with aged goat cheeses, Chardonnay helps to balance out the rich, earthy, and funky flavours of the cheese.
Aged goat cheeses, such as Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese, have a deeper flavour profile that can be enhanced by the fruit flavours found in Chardonnay. The crisp, dry characteristics of Chardonnay can also provide a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of aged goat cheeses.
When selecting a Chardonnay to pair with aged goat cheese, consider the specific flavour profiles of both the wine and the cheese. Look for Chardonnays with bright, fruity notes that will complement the earthy flavours of the cheese. The acidity in the wine should also help to cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a well-balanced pairing.
In addition to Chardonnay, other wine varieties that pair well with goat cheese include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Syrah. These wines offer a range of flavour profiles that can complement the diverse characteristics of different types of goat cheese. However, when it comes to aged goat cheeses, Chardonnay remains a standout choice for its ability to showcase the complex flavours of the cheese while providing a refreshing and balanced tasting experience.
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Syrah pairs well with goat gouda or goat cheddar
When it comes to wine and cheese, it is important to match acidity and power. Tart wines go well with sharper cheeses, while mellow wines pair better with creamier cheeses. It is also a good idea to pair wine and cheese from the same region, as they are likely to share complementary properties.
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. While the classic match is a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, there are many other options. For example, if you're going French, you could try a red like Chinon, Bourgueil, or Anjou, or a light red like Cabernet Franc, which is produced in the Loire Valley, the home of goat cheese.
Syrah, also known as Shiraz, is a full-bodied red wine with a high concentration of tannins. It is made from grapes grown in warm to moderate climates, which affects the flavour profile. Syrah is known for its lush, fruity flavour and is darker and heavier than a Cabernet Sauvignon. It is a nice complement to cheeses with enough flavour and complexity to match its intriguing grape, such as Smokey Blue and robust Cheddar.
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Spanish Albarino is a good choice for fresh goat cheese
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. While there are many options, white wines like Sauvignon Blanc are the classic match. Sauvignon Blanc is acidic, mineral-driven, and citrusy, and its acidity matches the acidity in goat cheese. It is also produced in France's Loire Valley, which is famous for goat cheese.
However, Spanish Albarino is a good choice for fresh goat cheese. Albarino is a white Spanish wine known for its bold acidity and citrusy flavor. It is a crisp, clean wine that can stand up to the tangiest of fresh goat cheeses. Fresh goat cheese tends to be more creamy, and the bold wine provides a nice counterbalance to the fresh taste of goat cheese.
Goat cheese has complex layers of earthy and funky flavors, which can make wine pairing challenging. It is also higher in acidity than other cheeses, which is more pronounced in fresh cheeses. Therefore, it is best to avoid intensely acid-driven wines. Instead, opt for a riper, rounder white wine, such as a Chenin Blanc, or something a little sweet like an off-dry Riesling.
If you are looking for a red wine to pair with goat cheese, Cabernet Franc is a great choice. The Loire Valley produces lighter styles with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity. Red wines from cool climates like Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah are also a safe bet with their higher acidity and delicate flavors.
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Frequently asked questions
Goat cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine. Here are some options:
- Sauvignon Blanc is the classic choice to pair with goat cheese. The zippy acidity in the wine matches the acidity in the cheese.
- Cabernet Franc is a good choice if you prefer red wine.
- Chardonnay is a good pairing for aged goat cheese.
- Syrah pairs well with goat gouda or goat cheddar.
- Riesling is a good choice for fresh goat cheese.
Sauvignon Blanc is often chosen to accompany goat cheese because the combination is fresh and invigorating. The wine's acidity matches the acidity in the cheese.
Besides wine, goat cheese pairs well with beer and cider. A Hefeweizen beer, for example, has citrus notes that work well with the tang of the cheese.
Goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley of France. Try pairing it with wines from that region, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Cabernet Franc.
For a US pairing, try a goat's milk cheese from Vermont such as Le Pyramid from Lazy Lady Farm with a riper, rounder white wine like a Chenin Blanc or an off-dry Riesling. You could also try a cider from Vermont.
