Bushra Griffith
Goat cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of wines. The most popular forms of goat cheese are soft, rich, and spreadable, known as chevre, which means goat in French. The most classic wine pairing for goat cheese is Sauvignon Blanc, a bright, acidic wine that cuts through the fat of the cheese. Other recommended pairings include Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah. If you're looking for a beer pairing, a HeffeWeise like Hoegaarden is a great match for goat's cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, Merlot, Syrah, Vermentino, Natural Wine, Malbec, Riesling, Rosé d'Anjou, Light Soft Red, Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, Albarino, Alvarinho, Chablis, Picpoul de Pinet, Pinot Grigio, Italian Whites, Dry Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Côtes de Provence Rosé, Provence-Style Rosé, Unoaked Chardonnay, Macon-Villages, HeffeWeise Beer, Belgian Ales |
| Wine Region | Loire Valley, Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, Saint Bris, France, New Jersey, Cool-Climate, Provence |
| Cheese Type | Goat Cheese, Chevre, Goat Cheddar, Goat Gouda, Herbed Chevre, Blue Goat Cheese, Aged Goat Cheese, Goat Brie, Humboldt Fog, Goat Brie, Goat Gouda, Goat Cheddar, Feta, Cottage Cheese, Fromage Frais |
| Cheese Origin | Loire Valley, France |
| Wine and Cheese Pairing Principles | What grows together, goes together; Bright, acidic wines cut through the fat in rich cheese; High-acid white wine pairs well with fresh goat cheese due to prominent acidity; Wines with citrus notes complement the tanginess of the cheese; Beer with citrus notes pairs well with goat cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing
When it comes to wine and goat cheese pairings, a classic choice is Sauvignon Blanc. This combination is so well-known that it might seem redundant to consider other options. However, goat cheese is versatile and can be easily paired with various wines.
Sauvignon Blanc is a recommended pairing for goat cheese due to its vibrant citrus flavour and tart acidity. These characteristics complement the creamy textures and pleasant acidity of goat cheese, creating a harmonious synergy between the two. The verdant, herbaceous notes of Sauvignon Blanc enhance the flavours of goat cheese without overwhelming it with overly floral notes.
The Loire Valley in France, known for producing goat cheese, also offers excellent Sauvignon Blanc wines. The region's cool climate contributes to the wine's lighter style, herbaceous notes, and tart acidity, making it an ideal match for the soft and impressionable nature of goat cheese. When choosing a Sauvignon Blanc from the Loire Valley, look for regional names like Touraine, Sancerre, Pouilly-Fumé, or Saint Bris.
While goat cheese can stand alone as a delicious snack, it is often enjoyed with other ingredients, such as asparagus, roast red peppers, or beetroot. In these cases, a wine with its own fresh acidity can enhance the overall dining experience. Sauvignon Blanc, with its crisp and dry characteristics, pairs exceptionally well with these types of dishes, making it a versatile choice for goat cheese-centric meals.
Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or a part of a more complex dish, goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc remain a classic pairing that showcases the best of both worlds. The acidity and citrus notes of the wine beautifully complement the creamy, buttery, and tangy qualities of goat cheese, making every bite a delightful sensory experience.
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Reds like Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir work well
When it comes to wine and goat cheese pairings, reds like Cabernet Franc or Pinot Noir work well.
Cabernet Franc is a great choice for those who prefer red wine with their goat cheese. The Loire Valley produces lighter styles of this wine with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity. This wine pairs well with goat cheese as it doesn't overwhelm the soft, impressionable nature of the cheese.
If you're looking for a specific type of goat cheese to pair with Cabernet Franc, consider trying a chèvre log. This combination is a classic, with the Cabernet Franc providing a nice contrast to the rich, creamy texture of the goat cheese.
Another option for red wine lovers is Pinot Noir, which pairs well with goat cheddar. This combination, suggested by Wine Folly, will provide an earthy flavour profile that is sure to delight your taste buds.
While Sauvignon Blanc is often recommended as a pairing for goat cheese, and is a great choice, reds like Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir offer a delightful contrast to the creamy, buttery, and grassy qualities of goat cheese. These red wines provide a different dimension to the goat cheese experience and are worth exploring.
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Try a beer like Hoegaarden or Orval
If you're looking for a beer to pair with your goat cheese, consider a brew like Hoegaarden or Orval. Hoegaarden, a Belgian wheat beer, has a long history dating back to 1445 when it was first crafted by monks in the village of Hoegaarden in the Flemish Brabant region. The beer's unique flavour comes from a blend of wheat malt, unmalted wheat, hops, coriander, and orange peel. The brewing process involves several steps, including mashing, boiling, fermentation, and conditioning, resulting in a refreshing and crisp beverage.
Hoegaarden's citrusy and herbal notes make it an excellent choice to pair with goat cheese. The carbonation and alcohol content in the beer help to cut through the creaminess and intensity of the cheese, leaving your palate refreshed and ready for the next bite. Its soft, sweet, and sour flavours also complement the sharpness of goat cheese, creating a delightful combination.
Orval, on the other hand, is a classic Belgian Trappist ale with a unique character. Brewed within the walls of the Abbaye Notre-Dame d’Orval, Orval is a medium-bodied pale ale with subtle citrus hops and an ABV of 6.2%. The beer is dry-hopped and fermented with Brettanomyces yeasts, resulting in an herbal, savoury, and zesty orange flavour profile.
The complex flavours of Orval make it a perfect match for goat cheeses, especially those with umami notes. Washed rind cheeses, such as Munster or St Cera, and alpine cheeses like Gruyere, Comte, and L’Etivaz, pair exceptionally well with Orval. The beer's citrus notes also work harmoniously with the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a well-balanced and satisfying pairing.
Whether you choose Hoegaarden or Orval, both beers offer a refreshing and flavourful experience that will enhance the enjoyment of your goat cheese. So, why not step outside the wine box and give these beer pairings a try? Your taste buds are sure to thank you!
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Unoaked Chardonnay for bright, crisp notes
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile cheese that can be paired with a variety of wines. While some sources suggest that goat cheese pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, others recommend branching out and trying other wines. Unoaked Chardonnay, for example, can be an excellent choice for those seeking bright, crisp notes in their wine.
Goat cheese is known for its creamy, buttery, and decadent texture and flavour. It often has a more grassy quality compared to cow's cheese due to its connection to the land. When it comes to pairing wine with goat cheese, a bright, acidic wine is often recommended to cut through the richness of the cheese. Unoaked Chardonnays, such as a Chablis of Macon-Villages, can provide a delightful contrast to complex, aged goat cheeses. These Chardonnays offer bright notes of crisp apples, pears, and citrus that complement the creamy and buttery characteristics of goat cheese.
The key to a successful pairing is to find a wine that will enhance the flavours of the goat cheese without being overwhelmed by its richness. Unoaked Chardonnays are known for their light effervescence and crisp flavours, making them an ideal choice for those seeking a refreshing and elegant pairing. The crisp acidity of these wines can also help to balance the creaminess of the goat cheese, creating a harmonious combination.
When selecting an unoaked Chardonnay to pair with goat cheese, look for those that emphasize bright, crisp notes. These wines often feature flavours of green apples, pears, and citrus fruits, such as lemons or limes. The acidity in these wines can also help to highlight the subtle nuances of the goat cheese, such as its pleasant acidity and grassy notes.
In addition to unoaked Chardonnay, other wine varieties that can pair well with goat cheese include Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah. However, when it comes to finding the perfect pairing, personal preference is essential. Experimenting with different wines and trusting your taste buds can lead to some delightful discoveries.
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Riesling is a great contrast to goat cheese
When it comes to wine and cheese, it's often said that "what grows together, goes together". As goat cheese is the pride of France's Loire Valley, it's natural to pair it with wines from that region. Popular choices include Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc. However, if you're looking for a contrast to goat cheese, Riesling is an excellent choice.
Riesling is a versatile wine that can be dry, off-dry, or sweet, and it pairs beautifully with many kinds of cheese. The high acidity and citrus flavours of Riesling provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, buttery qualities of fresh goat cheese. The crispness of the wine cuts through the richness of the cheese, creating a refreshing and enjoyable pairing.
When considering a Riesling and goat cheese pairing, it's important to take into account the type of goat cheese you have. Fresh goat cheeses with a mellow, milky flavour pair well with the citrus notes of Riesling. On the other hand, aged goat cheeses with harder textures and earthier, floral flavours can also complement Riesling. The lush, floral notes of the wine become more distinct and pleasing when paired with these mature cheeses.
For a specific recommendation, the Famille Hugel Classic Riesling 2016 has been praised as a wonderful wine to pair with goat cheese. Its dry and high-acidity profile makes it a perfect match for goat cheese, whether you prefer young and fresh or semi-hard with earthy flavours. So, if you're looking to step outside the traditional Loire Valley pairings, Riesling is a fantastic choice that will make your taste buds sing!
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Frequently asked questions
Wines that complement goat cheese include Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
Yes, the Loire Valley in France produces wines that pair well with goat cheese, including Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Franc.
Yes, goat cheese pairs well with beer, especially HeffeWeise beer, such as Hoegaarden, which has citrus notes that complement the tanginess of the cheese.
Yes, the serving temperature of the cheese and the presence of other ingredients, such as fruit or vinegar, can influence the ideal wine pairing.
