Not sure which cheese to serve with a variety of wines? You’re not alone. But there’s a reliable, crowd-pleasing solution: firm, nutty cheeses.
Why It Works
Firm, nutty cheeses strike a beautiful balance. They have enough richness to stand up to bold reds, but they’re also delicate enough to complement lighter whites. Their versatility makes them a go-to choice when you’re pouring multiple styles of wine.
- Fat content smooths out tannins in red wines.
- Subtle flavors won’t overpower more delicate whites.
- Texture holds up well on a cheese board and pairs beautifully with both crisp and full-bodied wines.
Cheeses to Try
- Swiss
- Gruyère
- Abbaye de Belloc
- Comté Extra
- Emmental
- Gouda
Pairing Picks You’ll Love
Here are some classic wine and nutty cheese combinations to explore:
| Wine | Cheese |
|---|---|
| Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, St. Laurent, Schiava | Gruyère, Comté, Nutty Cow Cheeses |
| Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc | Cheddar, Gouda, Aged Cow Cheese |
| Montepulciano, Dolcetto, Nero d’Avola, Aglianico | Parmigiano-Reggiano, Asiago, Provolone |
| Sangiovese, Brunello di Montalcino, Chianti | Grana Padano, Pecorino, Asiago |
| Vin Santo, Moscatel de Setúbal, Tawny Port | Taleggio, Soft Washed Rind Cheeses |
| Port, Lambrusco Dolce, Brachetto d’Acqui | Stilton, Blue-Veined Cheeses, Soft Bloomy Rind Cheeses |
| Champagne, Crémant, Cava, Sparkling Wines | Délice de Bourgogne, Brie, Soft Bloomy Rind Cheeses |
| Sauvignon Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Chenin Blanc | Chèvre, Crottin, Morbier, Goat Cheeses |
| Garnacha, Cannonau, Côtes du Rhône, Priorat | Manchego, Ossau-Iraty, Semi-Hard Sheep Cheeses |
| Malbec, Shiraz, Monastrell | Abbaye de Belloc, Edam, Tomme, Gouda |
| Syrah, Mourvèdre, Blaufränkisch | Gouda, Edam, Soft-Ripened Cheeses |
Pro Tip
If you’re hosting a tasting, start with a firm, nutty cheese as your anchor. It’ll play nicely with nearly everything on the table—and it’s always a guest favorite.
