Pair cheese and wine like a pro

Does red wine go with your cheeseboard, or do you have to stick to sparkling wine or Port? Master the art with these five tips and click on the quick-reference cheese-and-wine pairing infographic below.

  1. PAIR A BOLD RED WINE WITH AGED CHEESE

    The fat content in an aged cheese such as Gouda or Gruyère is generally a good match for the high tannins in a big red wine. Think Cabernet Sauvignon with mature Cheddar or Gouda.

  2. MATCH INTENSE WINES WITH INTENSE CHEESES

    A strong-flavoured cheese sohuld be matched with a wine containing over 14.5% alcohol by volume (ABV). Anything less than that and the wine is likely to overwhelm the flavour of the cheese.

  3. SERVE BLUE CHEESE WITH A SWEET WINE

    Stilton, Roquefort or Gorgonzola, along with the nuts and sliced figs on a cheeseboard, will be a good match for Port or the sumptuous fruit and honeyed notes of a Noble Late Harvest.

  4. PAIR BUBBLY WITH A CREAMY CHEESE

    Pop the cork on a bottle of Cap Classique when you're serving a creamy Brie. The acidity of the bubbly in your glass will contrast beautifully with the richness of the cheese. Or, if you prefer a still wine, open a bottle of Chardonnay.

  5. POUR SAUVIGNON BLANC WITH GOAT'S CHEESE

    An earthy, slightly nutty goat's cheese is a great match for the citrus notes and minerality found in Sauvignon Blanc. Chenin Blanc will also be a good pairing.

    WINE WHEEL OF CHEESE