Why Does Cheese Pair So Well With White Wine?
Do you love cheese and wine? If so, you're not alone. People around the world associate these two foods with luxury, decadence, and delight, and for good reason! If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Why does cheese pair so well with white wine?” then read on. Discover the reasons this pairing works and get some ideas for your next wine and cheese night.
The Science Behind Wine and Cheese Pairing
Cheese is one food with exceptional amounts of fat and proteins. On their own, most cheeses are rich and difficult to enjoy after a handful of pieces. White wines have a high acidity level, which helps balance out the cheese's overwhelming richness. Additionally, the bubbles in white wine can help to cleanse your palate between bites of cheese.
That said, cheese is a very versatile food, and there are countless different varieties to choose from. Some cheeses are creamy, tangy, smooth, crumbly, and even sweet. While wine pairs well with cheese in general, some cheese and wine pairings are more successful than others.
The Best Cheeses To Pair With White Wine
There are many different varieties of white wine available to suit a variety of tastes, so there is no right or wrong answer when choosing what you want to enjoy together. That said, if you're looking for some suggestions as to what types of white wine pair well with cheese, here are some of our favorites:
- Brie: This soft and creamy cheese is perfect for pairing with a crisp sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio.
- Camembert: Another soft and creamy cheese, Camembert pairs well with chardonnay and Riesling.
- Goat cheese: Try pairing this rich and tangy cheese with a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc for the best results.
- Swiss: This nutty and mild cheese is an excellent accompaniment to white wines like chardonnay or Riesling.
- Asiago: This hard cheese has a sharp flavor that pairs well with sauvignon blancs and pinot gris.
How To Prepare Your White Wine and Cheese Board
One of the most satisfying ways to enjoy wine and cheese together is by creating a cheese board, an iconic and beautifully arranged cheese assortment. For every kind of cheese, you'll want to have a corresponding glass of white wine beside it.
When pairing wines with cheeses on a board, there’s one bit of guidance to keep in mind: a little wine goes a long way. You only need a few ounces of wine for each cheese, so stick to small pours for the best flavor experience. We also suggest you enjoy this combination by tasting the cheeses and wines together at room temperature.
Anyone who has experienced the pairing knows without a doubt that cheese pairs very well with white wine. If you haven’t tried the combination yet or are looking to treat yourself again, VS Liquor is happy to help. We offer a variety of rare champagnes for sale so you can find the perfect match for the cheese assortment you have planned.