Tips on pairing wine and cheese

Published : 10/14/2023
Categories : Let yourself be Inspired

Tips on pairing wine and cheese

Life is too short not to taste the best harmony between a good cheese and a good wine. Would you agree?

If you've ever served a cheese board at a get-together with friends, family or even in a romantic moment for two, you've probably felt a little uncertain about the ideal combination of cheese and wine. This can be a difficult task, as there is so much available to choose from!

Learn how to avoid a wine and cheese pairing failure with the tips we have for you. In this article, we'll answer all your questions.

Know the origin of the products

First analyzing the organoleptic properties of the wine and the main characteristics of each cheese helps to create more interesting pairings.

Are you familiar with the French term terroir? In simple terms, this concept refers to the environment in which the wine is produced and which will subsequently dictate its taste and aroma. The same goes for cheese. Factors such as the origin of the milk, the environment in which the animal lived and what it consumed, and the presence of certain bacteria in the dairy dictate the final characteristics of each type of cheese.

What to choose first: cheese or wine?

The first step is to choose the selection of cheeses you are going to serve. They vary in texture and flavor, and each type can be best enjoyed with a specific wine. Find out what the best combinations are:

Brie cheese: This cheese made from cow's milk is soft and creamy. It pairs perfectly with white wines such as Chardonnay or sparkling wines. It has a discreet nutty flavor, and its texture enhances the fruity notes of the wine.

Camembert cheese: This soft, creamy cheese goes perfectly with sparkling wines.

Gorgonzola cheese: With its intense and very characteristic flavor, gorgonzola goes well with fuller-bodied and drier red wines, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon.

Emmental, Pecorino and Gruyère cheeses: These cheeses are distinguished by their hard texture, with a very complex and distinctive flavor. To accompany them, opt for wines with strong tannins that complement the experience. In particular, Italian (Chianti and Barolo), French (Rhône and Bordeaux) and Portuguese red wines from the Alentejo region.

Cheddar cheese: An aged cheddar can be accompanied by full-bodied red wines such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. This combination brings out the complexity of the cheese and the wine.

'Serra da Estrela' cheese: This traditional Portuguese cheese goes very well with the strong aromas of Port and Madeira wines. 

Mozzarella cheese: Usually used on pizza and salads, this cheese goes well with a rosé wine that doesn't overpower the delicate flavor of the cheese.


For serving cheese, we suggest:

Important tips:

  • Pair cheeses and wines with similar intensities to avoid overlapping flavors.

  • Wines with an alcohol content of more than 14.5% are considered intense and go well with strong cheeses.

  • Wines with an alcohol content of less than 12% go better with cheeses with more delicate flavors.

  • Bold red wines are infallible allies for aged cheeses, rich in strong flavors.

  • White wine is the most versatile of wines and pairs easily with different types of cheese, except for Roquefort.



Nothing beats the classic wine and cheese combo! Find the best utensils for enjoying a tasty cheese board and a good glass of wine at In & Out Cooking.

Let yourself be inspired!