Andy Montoya
Goat's cheese is one of the easiest cheeses to pair with wine, and it's also very versatile. A classic pairing is a Sauvignon Blanc, a white wine that provides a great starting point due to its zippy acidity, which matches the acidity in the cheese. Another classic pairing is a Cabernet Franc, a red wine with herbaceous notes and tart acidity. Other options include a Merlot, Chardonnay, or a Syrah from Washington state or California. If you're looking for a beer pairing, a HeffeWeise like Hoegaarden is a good match, as it has citrus notes that work well with the tanginess of the cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine Type | Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Chardonnay, Rosé, Cider, Beer |
| Wine Region | Loire Valley, France |
| Wine Flavor | Citrusy, Acidic, Mineral-driven, Herbal, Crisp, Dry |
| Cheese Type | Goat Cheese |
| Cheese Region | Loire Valley, France |
| Cheese Flavor | Complex, Funky, Bright, Lemony Acidity |
| Salad Type | Simple, featuring fresh chèvre |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Sauvignon Blanc
Goat's cheese is a versatile cheese that comes in a variety of styles and flavours, and it is also suitable for those who are lactose intolerant. It is often described as a "blank slate" that can take on the flavours of the wine it is paired with. Sauvignon Blanc, with its acidity, minerality, and citrusy flavours, can bring out the herbal flavours in goat's cheese.
When it comes to a goat cheese salad, a varietal or Sauvignon Blanc-dominant AOC Bordeaux Blanc is an ideal pairing. This wine is crisp, energetic, and juicy, offering perfect freshness on the palate. It complements the freshness of the salad ingredients while enhancing the flavours of the goat cheese.
For a slightly different take on this pairing, a touch of sweetness can be added with a 'Sweet Bordeaux' from Sainte-Croix-du-Mont. This wine will surprise your guests with its delightful contrast of flavours.
If you're looking for a specific region to choose your Sauvignon Blanc from, the Loire Valley in France is a great option. Sancerre, a Sauvignon Blanc-based wine from this region, pairs very well with fresher styles of goat's cheese. The acidity in the wine ensures that neither the wine nor the cheese overpowers the other.
So, the next time you're enjoying a goat cheese salad, reach for a glass of Sauvignon Blanc to elevate your dining experience.
Creative Uses for Blueberry Goat Cheese You Need to Try
You may want to see also
Cabernet Franc
When serving Cabernet Franc, it is best served between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Serving it colder stifles its delicate floral aromas, while serving it warmer enhances its fruity notes and reduces its dryness. You can also decant the wine for 30 minutes or use an aerator to soften its natural spiciness and make it taste richer.
If you're 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's cheese. Wines made from Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah grapes are worth considering.
Goat Cheese Brie: A Tasty, Versatile Treat
You may want to see also
Rosé
When it comes to wine, goat cheese is a very versatile partner. While Sauvignon Blanc is a classic white wine pairing, rosé wines, especially crisp dry rosés, are also a great choice to accompany goat cheese in a salad.
Provence-style rosé wines are a perfect match for goat cheese. The crisp, dry character of Provençal rosé provides a great contrast to the creaminess of the goat cheese, and its refreshing acidity will cut through the richness of the cheese. This combination is a classic for a reason and is evocative of summer picnics.
When serving a goat cheese salad with ingredients like asparagus, roast red peppers, or beetroot, a rosé wine can be an excellent choice. The acidity in the wine will complement the flavours of the salad, while its crisp, dry character will refresh the palate.
For a successful pairing, consider the specific characteristics of the goat cheese and the other ingredients in the salad. A crisp, dry rosé will likely be a versatile choice, but if you are looking for a red wine, a light, fruity option with delicate flavours will be a better match for the goat cheese than a full-bodied, robust red.
Goat Cheese and Mexican Queso: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Merlot
When it comes to wine and cheese, personal preference is always the most important factor. If you like bold, full-flavoured wines, then Merlot is an excellent choice to pair with a goat cheese salad, especially if you are using aged goat cheese.
Aged goat cheeses have a harder texture and deeper, earthier, floral flavours. Merlot is a full-bodied red wine with robust flavours that can stand up to the stronger taste of aged goat cheese. It has a spicy, fruity character with notes of black cherry, plum, and sometimes even a hint of tobacco or anise. These bold flavours won't be overpowered by the cheese, and the wine's natural acidity will help to refresh your palate between bites. Merlot also has a relatively high tannin content, which can help to cut through the richness of the cheese. The tannins in the wine will provide a pleasant contrast to the creamy texture of the cheese, and their astringent quality will help to cleanse your palate.
If you prefer a lighter, more delicate wine, you might want to opt for a Pinot Noir or a Beaujolais, which are both lighter-bodied reds that can also pair well with aged goat cheese.
Goat Cheese Calcium Content: High or Low?
You may want to see also
Chardonnay
When selecting a Chardonnay to pair with goat cheese, opt for one that is not too oaky. A French Macon-Villages, Pouilly-Fuisse, or Chablis are excellent choices to consider. These wines will beautifully balance out the rich, aged goat cheeses and highlight their floral, fruity flavours. Some specific aged goat cheeses that pair well with Chardonnay include Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese.
If you're making a goat cheese salad, a Chardonnay vinaigrette can be a wonderful addition. The sweetness of the vinaigrette will complement the salty, unique flavour of the goat cheese. You can either make the vinaigrette yourself or purchase it from a store. A strawberry spinach goat cheese salad with a Chardonnay vinaigrette is a delicious, healthy, and beautiful option for any group.
Additionally, if you're looking for a natural pairing, consider choosing a wine and goat cheese combination from the same region. Goat cheese is the pride of the Loire Valley in France, so pairing it with wines from this region, such as Sauvignon Blanc, can be a wonderful choice.
Goat Cheese: A Healthier Alternative to Fight Inflammation?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Wines that complement goat cheese salads include Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé d'Anjou, and very light soft reds.
Yes, if you're feeling adventurous, try a glass of Merlot with aged goat cheese or a Chardonnay with creamy notes and refreshing flavors of apples and pears with Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, or Sunlight goat cheese.
A classic wine pairing with goat cheese is Cabernet Franc, especially those from the Loire Valley, which has lighter styles with more herbaceous notes and tart acidity.
