The Perfect Wine And Brie Cheese Pairing

Brie is a soft, creamy French cheese with a complex flavour profile. It's made from cow, sheep or goat's milk and is known as the 'king or queen of cheeses'. Its versatility means it pairs well with a variety of wines, from crisp whites to lighter reds and even some sparkling wines. The wine you choose will depend on the maturity of the cheese and the flavours you want to bring out.

Chardonnay and Brie

Chardonnay is one of the most popular wines to pair with brie. This is because the wine's high acidity can help to cleanse the palate and prevent the cheese's high fat content from overwhelming the taste buds. Chardonnay's bright acidity will also bring out the nutty notes in the cheese, such as almonds and pine nuts.

A lightly oaked chardonnay will complement the subtle nutty notes in the cheese, while also bringing out its creaminess. A creamy, subtly oaked Chardonnay will also pair well with brie, and for a special occasion, a posh white Burgundy could be a good choice. Chardonnay-based sparkling wines can also be a good pairing with brie.

For those who prefer their brie with a more intense flavour, a mature brie will pair well with a more powerful, structured wine. Chardonnay's high acidity will also help to bring out the tanginess of the cheese.

To elevate the pairing, it is recommended to add some caramelised onion to the mix.

Chenin Blanc and Brie

Brie is a versatile cheese that pairs well with a variety of wines, including reds, whites, and sparkling wines. While it is a flexible cheese, some wines complement it better than others. One such pairing is Chenin Blanc and Brie.

Chenin Blanc is a white wine known for its high acidity, which helps to balance the fat content of the Brie. It has subtle nutty notes and flavours of apple and pear, which are fruits often served with Brie. The nutty notes and apple flavours of the Chenin Blanc complement the nutty and fruity flavours of the Brie.

When choosing a wine to pair with Brie, it is important to consider the maturity of the cheese. Younger, milder Bries pair well with lighter, more acidic wines, while older, more pungent Bries require more structured, full-bodied wines. Chenin Blanc is a young, acidic wine that pairs well with younger Bries. Its high acidity prevents the cheese from overwhelming the palate.

In addition to its flavour profile, Chenin Blanc also has a creamy texture, which can complement the creamy, gooey texture of Brie. This pairing creates a harmonious combination of flavours and textures that enhance each other.

To further enhance the pairing, consider serving the Chenin Blanc and Brie with a salad. The crisp, fresh flavours of a salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy flavours of the cheese and wine.

Overall, Chenin Blanc is an excellent choice to pair with Brie, especially younger, milder varieties. Its high acidity, nutty notes, and apple flavours complement the characteristics of Brie, creating a delightful sensory experience.

Riesling and Brie

The complex French cheese, Brie, is known as the king or queen of cheeses. It is made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk and is characterised by its mild, nutty, sweet, and creamy flavour. Brie has a high fat content, which gives it a rich and gooey texture.

Riesling is a wine that not many people enjoy, but its acidity can match the fat content of brie. A slightly off-dry Riesling will highlight the fresh dairy sweetness of the cheese, while its acidity will keep the pairing from becoming cloying. A dry Riesling also has the sweetness that can complement the sweetness of brie. There are many types of Rieslings, so you may want to try pairing different styles with brie to find your favourite match.

Brie generally goes well with white wines, but it can also be paired with some reds, as long as they are light-bodied and acidic enough to cut through the fattiness of the cheese.

Champagne and Brie

Champagne is known for its notes of almond and peach, which complement the nutty, subtly sweet flavours of Brie. The ultimate pairing for a special occasion would be a Blanc de Blancs Champagne from France, made exclusively from Chardonnay grapes. This style of Champagne exhibits flavours of almond, apple, apricot, brioche, chalk, pear, smoke, toast, vanilla and mineral that contrast and complement the complex flavours of Brie.

However, Champagne can be expensive, so a more affordable option would be to choose another Chardonnay-based sparkling wine, such as an Italian Prosecco. While Prosecco may not have the same complexity as a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, it still features clean flavours of pear, apple, almond, melon and mineral that pair wonderfully with Brie.

When serving Brie with Champagne, it is best to serve the cheese at room temperature. You can also try removing the top rind and brushing the cheese with lemon juice, before adding a thin layer of apricot or peach preserves and some slivered almonds or pecans.

Pinot Noir and Brie

Brie is a soft, ripened cheese with a rich and gooey texture. It is made from cow's or sheep's milk and is produced in the historic Brie district of France. The cheese is known for its nutty, sweet, and creamy flavour, with hints of mushrooms, cognac, heavy cream, and nuts.

Pinot Noir is a light-bodied red wine with a fruity flavour. It is known for its notes of fresh strawberries and cherries, as well as its earthy quality. When paired with Brie, the wine's acidity helps to cleanse the palate, preventing the cheese's rich texture from becoming overwhelming. The wine's light-bodied nature also ensures it does not overpower the cheese.

The combination of Pinot Noir and Brie is a classic pairing, bringing out the best in both the wine and the cheese. The wine's fruity and earthy notes complement the cheese's creamy, nutty, and mildly funky flavours. This pairing is especially recommended for more mature Bries, which require a more structured wine to stand up to their stronger flavour.

When serving this pairing, consider adding some brie, bacon, and pasta for a decadent meal. Alternatively, spread some brie on crackers or bread for a simple yet elegant appetiser. For a special touch, try adding some caramelised onion, apricot or peach preserves, and slivered almonds or pecans.

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