Andy Montoya
Goat cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with almost anything, from fruits and nuts to breads and crackers. When it comes to wine, the options are just as varied. A good starting point is to choose a wine and cheese combination from the same region, such as a French goat cheese with a wine from the Loire Valley. Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice to accompany goat cheese due to its zippy acidity, which matches the acidity in the cheese. Other recommended wines include Riesling, Pinot Noir, and Beaujolais. For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied variety such as Cabernet Franc or Merlot is a good option, while a crisp dry rosé or sparkling wine can also complement the flavours of goat cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Wine | Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, White Zinfandel, Shiraz, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Franc, Beaujolais, Gamay, Red Burgundy, Loire Cabernet Francs, Chardonnay, White Spanish Albarino, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, Italian Whites, Pinot Grigio, Chablis, Gruner Veltliner, Provence Rosé |
| Goat Cheese | Aged, Crumbly, Tangy, Earthy, Funky, Complex, Firm, Dense, Rich, Fresh, Creamy, Mellow, Milky, Floral, Fruity |
| Cranberry Ravioli | --- |
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What You'll Learn
- Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice to pair with goat cheese
- Riesling is versatile and rarely disagrees with cheese
- Crisp, dry rosé is a great complement to goat cheese
- Fruity red wines like Beaujolais and Loire cabernet francs are good options
- Cabernet Franc is a good choice if you prefer red wine with goat cheese
Sauvignon Blanc is a popular choice to pair with goat cheese
When it comes to wine and cheese, there are endless possibilities for pairings. However, goat cheese, or chèvre, is a variety that pairs exceptionally well with Sauvignon Blanc. This classic combination is a popular choice due to the complementary characteristics of both elements.
Sauvignon Blanc is a versatile grape variety that can produce wines with diverse flavour profiles, ranging from crisp and citrussy to grassy and herbal. The wine's acidity, minerality, and citrus notes make it an ideal match for the tanginess and creaminess of goat cheese. The acidity of the wine helps to offset the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and enjoyable pairing.
Goat cheese, with its subtle tang and creamy texture, serves as a blank slate that can be enhanced by the flavours of Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's freshness and acidity complement the cheese's nuances, resulting in a harmonious pairing that highlights the best qualities of both components.
While goat cheese can be paired with various wines, Sauvignon Blanc stands out as a preferred choice due to its ability to enhance and complement the cheese's characteristics. The versatility of both elements allows for a range of flavour combinations, ensuring a delightful sensory experience.
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, goat cheese also pairs well with other white wines such as Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Chenin Blanc. These wines offer similar acidity levels, which help balance the richness of the cheese. However, for those who prefer red wine, lighter-bodied varieties like Cabernet Franc, Gamay, and Pinot Noir can also be good options to consider when pairing with goat cheese.
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Riesling is versatile and rarely disagrees with cheese
When it comes to wine and cheese, Riesling is a versatile choice. Its sweetness and acidity make it a perfect match for spicy food, and its ability to reflect terroir results in a wide range of distinct styles. For instance, Riesling from Australia is usually dry and limey with a gingery spice, while those from California and Washington State are full-bodied with apple and peach flavours. Riesling from Austria and Alsace tend to be richer and drier, and Germany produces the widest range, from light and crisp to dessert wines.
Riesling is a great choice for a cheese board, as its mild sweetness, acidity, fruity aromas, and alcohol content allow it to pair well with a broad range of cheeses. Most wine experts suggest that a white wine like Riesling is the best choice for enjoying cheese. When pairing Riesling with cheese, it is generally recommended to match the weight and intensity of the wine and cheese, with sweeter Rieslings pairing well with salty cheeses like Edam, Feta, Halloumi, and Blue Cheese.
For hard and salty cheeses like Emmental, a dry Riesling is a better choice as it can stand up to the stronger flavours. Semi-hard, medium-aged cheeses pair well with a medium or dry Riesling. Dry Rieslings also go well with soft, creamy cheeses. Less fermented sugar in a wine means lower alcohol content, and some Rieslings have as little as 8% ABV, making it a great choice to indulge in a few glasses.
Riesling is also a good choice for goat cheese, which is often served with cranberry ravioli. The sweetness and light acidity of Riesling complement the goat cheese well. Goat cheese also pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc, another light-bodied white wine with good acidity. A crisp dry rosé or a fresh, fruity red wine like Beaujolais are also good options for goat cheese.
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Crisp, dry rosé is a great complement to goat cheese
Goat cheese, or chèvre, is a versatile cheese that can be paired with almost any type of food, making it a popular choice for snacks or full-course meals. Its ability to complement a wide range of dishes also extends to its compatibility with various wines.
When it comes to wine and cheese pairings, the general rule is to match the weight and intensity of the cheese and wine. A light-bodied white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, is often recommended to balance the richness of goat cheese. However, a crisp, dry rosé offers a similar refreshing quality, with its own unique floral and fruity notes.
The key to a successful pairing is to consider the characteristics of both the wine and the cheese. For example, a dry rosé with crisp acidity can contrast and complement the creamy, buttery qualities of goat cheese. The specific type of goat cheese can also make a difference. Aged goat cheeses, for instance, may have a deeper, earthier flavour that can be enhanced by the nuttiness of certain rosés.
Additionally, the occasion and personal preference play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings. A crisp, dry rosé is often associated with summer picnics and elegant gatherings, making it a delightful choice to enjoy with goat cheese on a warm day or when seeking a sophisticated drinking and dining experience.
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Fruity red wines like Beaujolais and Loire cabernet francs are good options
When it comes to wine, goat cheese is a versatile partner. It can be paired with almost any type of wine, from light and fruity to bold and acidic. While some sources suggest that goat cheese is best served with a young, lightly chilled white wine, others recommend fruity red wines like Beaujolais and Loire cabernet francs.
Beaujolais, a French wine made from the Gamay grape, is known for its fruity and floral aromas. It has a light to medium body and low tannins, making it a good option for those who prefer less acidic wines. Its delicate flavours pair well with the soft, impressionable nature of goat cheese.
Cabernet Franc, on the other hand, is a red wine varietal from the Loire Valley. It is known for its herbaceous notes and tart acidity. The Loire Valley produces lighter styles of Cabernet Franc, making it a good choice for those who want a red wine without overwhelming the goat cheese.
While bigger, fruitier wines may sound appealing, they can sometimes overpower the delicate flavours of goat cheese. Hence, it is essential to consider the balance of flavours when pairing wine with goat cheese and cranberry ravioli.
In conclusion, when looking for a wine to pair with goat cheese and cranberry ravioli, consider a fruity red wine like Beaujolais or a Loire Cabernet Franc. These wines offer a delightful combination of freshness and acidity that complements the richness of the cheese. However, ultimately, the choice of wine depends on personal preferences, and experimentation is encouraged to find your favourite pairing.
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Cabernet Franc is a good choice if you prefer red wine with goat cheese
If you're a fan of red wine, you might want to consider a Cabernet Franc to go with your goat cheese and cranberry ravioli. While goat cheese is often paired with white wines like Sauvignon Blanc, it is also a very versatile cheese that can be enjoyed with reds, especially the lighter styles of Cabernet Franc.
Cabernet Franc is an excellent choice for those who prefer red wine with their goat cheese. The Loire Valley in France is known for producing exceptional Cabernet Francs that pair well with goat cheese. The region's single-variety red wines, as well as its rosé and sparkling wines made from Cabernet Franc grapes, are highly regarded. When choosing a Cabernet Franc, 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, which enhance the flavours of goat cheese.
The Loire Valley Cabernet Francs tend to be lighter and more herbaceous, with tart acidity that complements the soft and impressionable nature of goat cheese. They have delicate flavours and higher acidity, which is a good match for goat cheese. Bigger, fruitier wines may sound appealing, but they can overwhelm the subtle characteristics of goat cheese.
If you're unable to find a Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, other cool-climate red wines with similar characteristics can also be considered. Wines made from Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, or Syrah grapes are good alternatives. These wines have higher acidity and delicate flavours that won't overpower the goat cheese.
When serving Cabernet Franc with goat cheese, temperature is important. It is recommended to serve the wine between 65 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Serving it too cold will mask the delicate floral aromas, while serving it warmer will enhance the fruitiness and reduce its dryness.
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Frequently asked questions
Some popular wine and goat cheese pairings include:
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Riesling
- Pinot Noir
- Cabernet Franc
- Shiraz
A light-bodied white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling, would go well with goat cheese ravioli.
A crisp, dry rosé or a light, summery wine like a white Zinfandel would complement cranberry ravioli.
A Sauvignon Blanc or a Riesling would be a good choice for this dish, as they are light-bodied wines with sweet flavours and refreshing acidity that can help offset the richness of the cheese.
Yes, goat cheese is a versatile food that can be paired with a variety of drinks, including beer, cider, and spirits. For example, a Hefeweizen beer like Hoegaarden or a crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio can complement the tanginess of goat cheese.
