Top wine pairings for cheesy dishes

Entertaining is a breeze when you've built a classic cheeseboard piled with fruit, nuts, crackers and a range of cheeses. Now all that's left is to choose the best wines. You can't go wrong with fizz – the acidity of a Cap Classique makes a perfect match for Brie and Camembert. So do the peach and vanilla flavours of the Weltevrede Vanilla Chardonnay. For blue cheese, look for a Noble Late Harvest, and a good Cab like the Woolies House Cabernet Sauvignon for mature Gouda.

Whether you're toasting it in a pan or tossing it onto the braai, if it's oozing melty mature Cheddar, we recommend a bottle of Pinotage. You'll love the ripe cherry, plum and gentle spiciness of the Diemersfontein Pinotage, but the La Motte Merlot is also a winner. Serving your grilled cheese with a bowl of tomato soup? Chianti is your go-to wine.

A comforting mac 'n cheese is a match made in heaven with the Paul Cluver Ferricrete Riesling, especially if you're adding bacon. In fact, this fresh 'n fruity wine is a great partner for all creamy pastas, as well as slightly spicy dishes. Also try the Kleine Zalze Chenin Blanc, which is available in a two-litre box (great for entertaining!).

When a classic margherita's on the menu, you're really spoilt for choice. Prosecco is the obvious pick to match the slight tang of the bubbly mozzarella, gentle sweetness of the tomato and the vegetal flavour of the basil. Red-wine lovers can't go wrong with a Rhône-style blend like the Ken Forrester SGM or an Italian classic like the Terra del Capo Sangiovese.

This decadent classic French dish stars potato, bacon, Brie (or Camembert), onion, cream and crème fraîche, baked in the oven until golden and bubbly. And only a Burgundian-style wine like the cool-climate the Iona Ten Barrels Chardonnay will do. The fresh acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the dish and its floral notes, as well as a hint of almonds and brioche, are the perfect complement. Bon appetit!