Kamil Perry
There's nothing more comforting than a grilled cheese sandwich, except perhaps a grilled cheese sandwich with a glass of wine. Whether you're a traditionalist who likes their grilled cheese with a slice of tomato or like to experiment with additions like pesto, arugula, or even a smear of spicy mustard, there's a wine pairing for you. From sparkling wines to Chardonnays, and Rieslings to Pinot Noirs, there's a whole world of wine to explore with your grilled cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine type | Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Moscato, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Lambrusco, Prosecco, Chianti, Beaujolais, Zinfandel, Pinot Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Pinot Noir |
| Wine attributes | Full-bodied, light-bodied, slightly sweet, sweet, bubbly, sparkling, dry, light, juicy, fruity, acidic, earthy, crisp, refreshing |
| Cheese type | Cheddar, Gruyere, Brie, Mozzarella, Ricotta, Halloumi, Feta, Kashkaval |
| Additional ingredients | Arugula, pesto, bacon, ham, turkey, sourdough, pear, honey, spicy mustard, sriracha, pickles, kimchi, za'atar, oregano, mushrooms, garlic, onions, figs, tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella |
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What You'll Learn
- Bubbly wines, like Prosecco or Lambrusco, pair well with grilled cheese
- White wines, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc, complement grilled cheese
- Red wines, like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon, are a good match
- Moscato or Rosé are sweet wines that pair well with grilled cheese
- Chianti or Beaujolais are also recommended for a classic grilled cheese
Bubbly wines, like Prosecco or Lambrusco, pair well with grilled cheese
If you want to add bacon to your grilled cheese, a Pinot Noir will complement the saltiness of the bacon. The refreshing and silky flavours of cherries and strawberries will ensure each bite tastes fresh. Pinot Noir also has a mysterious side, as it has earthy notes of forest floor and truffle. Chardonnay is another wine that goes well with grilled cheese. It complements the buttery bread and delivers smooth flavours of apples, lemon, melon, pineapple and tangerine.
If you're adding greens like pesto or arugula to your grilled cheese, a light-bodied wine with some acid like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a good choice. A Riesling is also a great option for grilled cheese, especially if you're looking for something crisp and fruity with hints of apple and pear. When in doubt, a full-bodied white like Chardonnay is a safe bet as it will always complement the buttery bread, no matter what's inside.
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White wines, such as Chardonnay, Riesling, or Sauvignon Blanc, complement grilled cheese
Riesling, a slightly sweet white wine, is another excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches, especially those with spicy additions like arugula or pesto. It has the acidity needed to cut through the richness of the sandwich and its sweetness can complement sugary elements while balancing out spiciness. Riesling pairs well with Swiss and other Alpine cheeses, Asiago, Blue Cheese, and Gouda.
Sauvignon Blanc, a light-bodied wine with some acidity, is a versatile wine that pairs well with many artisanal cheeses, including Cheddar, Gouda, and Parmesan. It is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches with "green" ingredients like arugula or pesto. Sauvignon Blanc is also a good option if you are looking for a bubbly wine to pair with your grilled cheese.
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Red wines, like Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon, are a good match
Merlot, a light- to medium-bodied red with reasonable acidity, works well with any combination of cheddar and turkey, ham or bacon sandwiches. If you're a fan of classic sandwiches with cheddar cheese, Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect pair. The sharpness of cheddar can be cut through by the high acidity of a German Riesling, which also has hints of apple and pear to complement the sandwich.
While white wines are typically associated with grilled cheese, don't be afraid to experiment with reds. The fruitiness and acidity of red wines like Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Chianti, and Beaujolais create fantastic pairings with the gooey and toasty treat. So, whether you're indulging in a classic grilled cheese or getting creative with additional fillings, consider reaching for a glass of red wine to elevate your comfort food experience.
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Moscato or Rosé are sweet wines that pair well with grilled cheese
Moscato and Rosé are sweet wines that pair well with grilled cheese. When it comes to choosing a wine to pair with grilled cheese, both Moscato and Rosé offer delightful options with their sweet and fruity notes.
Moscato, with its fruity and aromatic profile, is an excellent choice for grilled cheese sandwiches that have a spicy kick. The sweetness of Moscato also pairs well with salty foods, such as bruschetta or salty chips and nuts. If you're looking for a unique combination, try a spicy rollup or a soft, light cheese with your Moscato. For a more indulgent treat, baked Brie with cranberry sauce is a perfect match for Moscato, as the creamy and buttery Brie complements the wine's fruity notes.
Rosé, with its refreshing and fruity characteristics, is another great option for grilled cheese pairings. The key to pairing Rosé with cheese is to match intensities, choosing lighter-bodied wines for milder cheeses and vice versa. Lighter-colored Rosés tend to have a flavor profile similar to crisp white wines, while darker Rosés with deeper pink hues offer more body and fruitier flavors. When in doubt, pair a pale pink Rosé with fresh cheeses like chevre, fromage blanc, or fresh mozzarella. If you're a fan of bubbles, a sparkling Rosé is a delightful choice to pair with soft, creamy cheeses.
Both Moscato and Rosé offer versatility in their pairings with grilled cheese, depending on your preferences and the specific ingredients in your sandwich. Whether you choose a crisp white wine or a fruitier style, these sweet wines will surely enhance your grilled cheese experience.
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Chianti or Beaujolais are also recommended for a classic grilled cheese
Chianti and Beaujolais are both recommended for those who enjoy a classic grilled cheese sandwich. Chianti wines, such as the Bell'Agio Chianti DOCG, Bolla Chianti DOCG, and Banfi Chianti Superiore DOCG, are said to pair beautifully with grilled cheese. The Bedford Cheese Shop, in partnership with Banfi Wines, offered a unique insight into the art of crafting the perfect grilled cheese to pair with Chianti. They suggested using cheeses such as fresh mozzarella, Comte, cheddar, gouda, and manchego. While some of these cheeses may not melt as well in grilled cheese due to their fat and water content, they still make excellent pairings.
Beaujolais, a versatile wine with a reputation for being drunk absurdly young, comes in a variety of colours, including red, white, and rosé. Beaujolais is made with an abundance of fruit, has high acidity, and low alcohol content, making it light and ideal for pairing with food. Beaujolais' fruity flavours complement soft, creamy French cheeses like Camembert, Brie, and Munster, as well as semi-hard cheeses like Edam and Swiss. Beaujolais is also a perfect match for feta's saltiness and pairs well with mild cheddar.
When choosing a wine to pair with a classic grilled cheese, it's important to consider the type of cheese used and your personal preferences. Chianti and Beaujolais offer a range of options to suit different tastes and enhance the grilled cheese experience.
Additionally, when it comes to grilled cheese sandwiches, bubbly wines are always a good choice, as they go well with any type of cheese and sandwich. A full-bodied white wine, such as Chardonnay, is another safe bet, as it complements the buttery bread of the sandwich. If your sandwich contains greens like arugula or pesto, a light-bodied wine with some acidity, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, would be a good choice.
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Frequently asked questions
A light-bodied wine with some acid like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
A Pinot Noir would be a good choice as its refreshing and silky flavours of cherries and strawberries will wash away the grease and saltiness of the bacon.
A light- to medium-bodied red with reasonable acidity like a Merlot or a Pinot Noir.
