Andy Montoya
Goat cheese and sauvignon blanc are a classic pairing. France's Loire Valley is famous for both chèvre and the sauvignon blanc-based wine Sancerre. The high-acidity and citrusy notes of sauvignon blanc make it a perfect match for the creamy, tangy goat cheese. The wine's acidity and freshness cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a harmonious combination that has made this duo a popular favourite.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc pairing | Two polarizing tastes that work great together |
| Goat cheese | Dense, creamy, nutty, salty, fruity, tangy, complex |
| Sauvignon Blanc | Nervy, electric, grassy, herbal, gooseberry, citrusy, acidic, mineral-driven |
| Goat cheese alternatives | Chardonnay with aged goat cheeses, Spanish Garrotxa, domestic Tumalo Tomme, Sunlight goat cheese |
| Sauvignon Blanc alternatives | Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, Albarino, Alvarinho, Chablis, Picpoul de Pinet, Pinot Grigio, Italian whites, dry Riesling, Gruner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Gamay, Dolcetto, Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Syrah |
| Regional pairing | Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both from France's Loire Valley |
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What You'll Learn
- Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both products of the Loire Valley
- Sauvignon Blanc's acidity matches the acidity in goat cheese
- Goat cheese is a blank slate, and Sauvignon Blanc adds flavour
- Sauvignon Blanc's citrussy notes complement the tanginess of goat cheese
- Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both polarising tastes
Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both products of the Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is home to hundreds of types of French cheese, and six of those cheeses with the protected AOC status are from the region. The signature style of cheese in the Loire Valley is chèvre, or goat cheese. The valley's mild and balanced goat cheeses, such as Crottin de Chavignol, pair perfectly with the crisp, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc wines produced in the region.
The history of goat cheese in the Loire Valley dates back to the Battle of Tours in 732, when the Franks drove the Umayyad forces out of central France. As the defeated Umayyad forces retreated, they supposedly left their goats behind, leading to an abundance of goats in the region. Over time, the Loire Valley developed a reputation for producing some of the finest goat cheeses in the world, with France itself being the leading global producer of goat cheese.
The Loire Valley's "goat cheese trail" is an unofficial tourist attraction, with farms and shops welcoming visitors to experience the region's cheese culture. Towns like Valençay, Sainte-Maure-de-Touraine, and Selles-sur-Cher are known for their cheesemakers and markets, offering a variety of goat cheeses with unique shapes, textures, and flavours. The goat cheeses of the Loire Valley are often described as having a delicate rind, a creamy texture, and a briny, goaty tang.
The Sauvignon Blanc wines of the Loire Valley, made from both Sauvignon Blanc and Sauvignon Gris grapes, are known for their delicate, citrusy notes. When paired with the region's goat cheeses, the crisp acidity of the wine complements the creamy, salty, and tangy characteristics of the cheese. This classic combination showcases the best of what the Loire Valley has to offer in terms of food and drink.
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Sauvignon Blanc's acidity matches the acidity in goat cheese
Goat cheese is often described as dense, creamy, nutty, salty, fruity, and tangy. Sauvignon Blanc is a white wine known for its high acidity and citrusy flavor. The wine's acidity and citrusy notes perfectly complement the creaminess and tanginess of the goat cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination.
The acidity in Sauvignon Blanc matches the acidity in goat cheese, resulting in a harmonious pairing. The wine's crisp, dry, and refreshing qualities balance out the richness of the cheese, creating a delightful contrast between the two. This pairing is especially successful when the goat cheese is fresh and creamy, as the bold wine provides a nice counterbalance to its flavor.
Goat cheese, also known as chèvre, is a versatile ingredient that can be enjoyed in various dishes, from salads to cheeseboards. When paired with Sauvignon Blanc, the wine's acidity enhances the flavor of the cheese, making it the perfect companion for a summer picnic or a simple snack of goat cheese on crackers.
While the Loire Valley in France is known for producing both excellent goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc, you don't need to be too concerned with the origin of the wine. Sauvignon Blanc from other regions, such as Italy or New Zealand, can also pair well with goat cheese due to their similar acidity and citrus characteristics.
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, other wines with high acidity and crisp, dry qualities can also complement goat cheese. Wines such as Pinot Grigio, Albarino, and dry Riesling are excellent alternatives, offering a different nuance to the pairing while still emphasizing the acidity of the cheese.
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Goat cheese is a blank slate, and Sauvignon Blanc adds flavour
Goat cheese is often described as dense, creamy, nutty, salty, fruity, and tangy. It is also known for its complex, nuanced, and goaty flavour. However, despite its strong flavour, goat cheese is considered a blank slate when it comes to pairing with wine. This is because goat cheese has a unique ability to take on new flavours without losing its distinct character.
Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is a crisp, dry white wine known for its grassy, herbal, and citrusy notes. It is produced in several regions, including the Loire Valley in France, Italy's Alto Adige, and Costers del Segre in the Pyrenees. The wine's grassy and herbal notes are sometimes compared to cat pee, which can be off-putting to some drinkers. However, when paired with goat cheese, the wine's acidity and minerality complement the cheese's tanginess, creating a fresh and invigorating combination.
The Loire Valley, in particular, is known for producing both excellent goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc wine, making them a natural pairing. The region's cool climate and soil characteristics contribute to the unique flavours found in both the cheese and wine. When paired together, the wine's acidity and minerality enhance the cheese's flavours, creating a well-rounded and satisfying culinary experience.
In addition to Sauvignon Blanc, other wines that pair well with goat cheese include Pinot Grigio, Albarino, and dry Riesling. These wines share similar characteristics to Sauvignon Blanc, such as high acidity and crispness, which complement the tanginess and creaminess of the goat cheese. When choosing a wine to pair with goat cheese, it is essential to consider the specific type of goat cheese and its ageing process, as older, more pungent cheeses may require a bolder wine to balance their strong flavours.
Overall, the combination of goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing that showcases the versatility and complexity of both the cheese and the wine. The blank slate nature of goat cheese allows the flavours of the wine to shine through, creating a delightful sensory experience that has made this pairing a favourite among food and wine enthusiasts.
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Sauvignon Blanc's citrussy notes complement the tanginess of goat cheese
Goat cheese is often described as dense, creamy, nutty, salty, fruity, and tangy. Sauvignon Blanc, on the other hand, is known for its citrussy notes, as well as its grassy, herbal, and tropical fruit flavours. The wine's acidity and citrusy flavours complement the tanginess of goat cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination.
The high acidity in Sauvignon Blanc matches the acidity in goat cheese, resulting in a harmonious pairing that enhances the flavours of both elements. The wine's citrus notes also work to balance the creaminess of the cheese, adding a refreshing dimension to the pairing.
In addition to its citrussy notes, Sauvignon Blanc often exhibits grassy and herbal flavours, which can include notes of fresh-cut grass and hay, and tropical fruit. These flavours further enhance the complexity of the pairing, providing a contrast to the nutty and salty characteristics of the goat cheese.
While goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both known for their distinct and polarizing flavours, the combination of the two can create a delightful sensory experience. The tanginess of the cheese is accentuated by the wine's acidity and citrus notes, while the creaminess of the cheese is offset by the refreshing qualities of the wine.
When pairing goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc, it is also worth considering the regionality of the products. France's Loire Valley is renowned for both its goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc-based wines, such as Sancerre. Choosing a wine and cheese combination from the same region often results in a successful pairing due to the similar taste profiles and complementary characteristics of the local ingredients.
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Goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are both polarising tastes
Goat cheese, with its dense creaminess, slight nuttiness, saltiness, fruitiness, and tang, is a complex food that pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc. The wine's zippy acidity matches the acidity in the cheese, creating a fresh and invigorating combination. The wine's citrusy and herbal notes also complement the cheese's tang, enhancing its flavours.
The pairing of goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc is also a natural regional pairing, as both are specialties of France's Loire Valley. This means they share similar taste profiles, showcasing the regional varieties of both the cheese and the wine. When it comes to wine and food pairings, a good rule of thumb is to pair items that are grown or produced in the same region.
While goat cheese and Sauvignon Blanc are classic partners, other wines can also complement goat cheese. For those who prefer red wine, Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley is a great choice, as its lighter style has herbaceous notes and tart acidity that won't overwhelm the soft, impressionable nature of goat cheese. Other red wine options include Gamay, Malbec, Merlot, and Syrah, which have higher acidity and delicate flavours.
For those who enjoy white wine, alternatives to Sauvignon Blanc include Albarino, a crisp and clean Spanish wine with bold acidity and citrusy flavours that can stand up to tangy goat cheese. Other citrussy whites such as Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, and Rueda, and crisp whites like Pinot Grigio and dry Riesling, also pair well with goat cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
The zippy acidity in the wine matches the acidity in the cheese. The combination of Sauvignon Blanc and goat cheese is fresh and invigorating.
Wines with similar characteristics to Sauvignon Blanc, such as other citrussy whites like Bacchus, Côtes de Gascogne, Rueda, and other crisp whites like Albarino, Alvarinho, Chablis, and Pinot Grigio.
Yes, a HeffeWeise beer, such as Hoegaarden, is said to go well with goat cheese due to its citrus notes that complement the tanginess of the cheese. Belgian ales, especially those with a brettanomyces character, are also recommended.
Yes, France's Loire Valley is famous for both chèvre and the Sauvignon Blanc-based wine Sancerre.
