Goat Cheese Delights: Wine Pairing Guide

Goat's cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be served in a variety of ways, from salads to cheeseboards. When it comes to wine pairings, goat's cheese is often matched with Sauvignon Blanc. This classic pairing is due to the wine's zippy acidity, which complements the tanginess of the cheese. While a French Sancerre is a popular choice, any Sauvignon Blanc will do—its grassy, vegetal character is very sympathetic to the fresh herbal notes in goat's cheese.

However, there are many other wines that can be paired with goat's cheese. A dry, light, and fruity white wine is a good option, especially one from the Loire Valley, such as a Pouilly-Fumé or a Touraine. A crisp, dry rosé, especially a Provençal rosé, is another great option. For those who prefer red wine, a Cabernet Franc or a light soft red like a Rosé d'Anjou can also be a good match.

Sauvignon Blanc

The Sancerre and Pouilly-Fumé appellations in the Upper Loire region offer white wines made from Sauvignon Blanc that are ideal for accompanying a warm goat's cheese salad. The Sauvignon Blanc grape variety, with its slightly green notes, pairs well with the other ingredients in the salad, such as the bitterness of green vegetables.

When pairing wine and goat's cheese, it is generally recommended to choose a combination from the same region, as this provides similar taste profiles and showcases the regional variety of both the cheese and the wine. Other Loire Valley wines that pair well with goat's cheese include Touraine, Saint Bris, and Vouvray.

While goat's cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are a great match, there are other wines that can also complement the cheese. Crisp, acidic whites are a good choice, such as Albarino, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay. For a summer picnic, a crisp, dry rosé, especially a Provençal rosé, can be a great pairing.

Cabernet Franc

When it comes to pairing Cabernet Franc with goat cheese, it is important to consider the characteristics of both. Goat cheese, especially from the Loire Valley, is known for its tart, earthy, and herbal flavours. On the other hand, Cabernet Franc wines from the Loire Valley tend to be lighter in style with herbaceous notes and tart acidity. This combination of flavours creates a delightful pairing.

The key to a successful pairing is to choose a Cabernet Franc that complements the delicate nature of goat cheese. While bigger, fruitier wines may sound tempting, they can overwhelm the soft and impressionable characteristics of the cheese. Instead, opt for the lighter styles from the Loire Valley, such as those from Chinon, Bourgueil, Anjou, Coteaux du Loir, or Saumur. These wines have more herbaceous notes and tart acidity that will enhance the flavours of the goat cheese.

If you're looking for specific wine recommendations, here are a few suggestions:

• Catherine & Pierre Breton 2006 Bourgueil Trinch! (Louis/Dressner Selections, N.Y.)
• Clos Roche Blanche 2006 Touraine Pif (Louis/Dressner Selections, N.Y.)
• Domaine de la Chanteleuserie 2006 Bourgueil Les Alouettes (Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, Calif.)
• Yves Lambert 2005 Saumur-Champigny Domaine Saint de Just (J. Cambier Imports, McLean, Va.)
• Langlois-Chateau 2005 Chinon Les Montifault (Paterno Wines International, Lake Bluff, Ill.)

Remember, when serving Cabernet Franc, aim for a temperature between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Chilling the wine colder will stifle its delicate floral aromas and flavours, while serving it warmer will enhance its fruity notes and reduce its dryness. Additionally, consider decanting the wine for 30 minutes or using an aerator to soften its natural spiciness and make it taste richer.

Sparkling wines

A Crémant de Loire, made from a blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc, is a great option for semi-aged or creamy goat's cheese. The nutty notes of this wine go well with walnuts, which often accompany goat's cheese.

For a more indulgent pairing, opt for a Blanc de Noirs Champagne, made from the Pinot Noir grape variety. The fine bubbles of this Champagne complement the texture of the goat's cheese, and the effervescence refreshes the palate.

If you're looking for a more affordable option, a Crémant from the Loire Valley is a great choice. These sparkling wines are made using the traditional method and can rival Champagnes in terms of quality.

Chardonnay

A Chardonnay with these characteristics will complement aged goat cheeses, such as Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese. The creaminess of the wine will balance the richness of the cheese, while its fruity notes will be accentuated.

Additionally, when pairing wine and goat cheese, it is often recommended to choose a combination from the same region, as this provides similar taste profiles and showcases the regional specialities. For example, goat cheese from the Loire Valley in France pairs well with wines from the same region, such as Sauvignon Blanc.

While Chardonnay can be a good match for aged goat cheeses, other wine varieties, such as Sauvignon Blanc, are more versatile and widely recommended for various types of goat cheese. These include fresh, creamy, and aged goat cheeses. The zippy acidity in Sauvignon Blanc matches the acidity in the cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination.

Syrah

Goat's cheese is often tangy and acidic when young and fresh, but when aged, it becomes sweeter, with a sharp, caramelised finish. These flavours are beautifully complemented by the ripe summer berries found in Syrah, especially those from California or the Pacific Northwest. The wine's bold, peppery notes also help to mellow out the bitter flavours that some people find off-putting in goat's cheese.

For a classic pairing, try Chevre Noir, a goat's cheese made in the style of cheddar, or goat gouda, such as Midnight Moon from California or Arina from Holland.

Frequently asked questions