National Cheese Lover’s Day is January 20th, giving us an excuse to indulge in one of our favorite foods – and pair it with wine, of course.
Wine and cheese are a match made in heaven, with endless pairing possibilities. Here are some of our favorites:
FRESH GOAT CHEESE & SAUVIGNON BLANC
This pairing is a classic and never disappoints. The raw acidity of good fresh goat cheese and a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (like this bottle from Foley Johnson) is a perfect match to enjoy with fresh bread or crackers.
SWISS-STYLE CHEESE & CHARDONNAY
Whether it’s Jarlsberg, Emmenthaler, Appenzeller, Gruyere, or Comte — these cheeses have less acid, more elastic texture, and a little bite. No matter which you choose, any of these would work great with Chalk Hill Chardonnay. The richness and roundness of the wine pick up the bite of the cheese.
AGED GOUDA & CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Cabernet Sauvignon can be difficult to pair with cheeses, because a lot depends on the age and style of the wine. We recommend trying an aged gouda with one of our favorites, a Lancaster Cabernet. Both wine and cheese are rich with moderate acidity, and the aging of the gouda adds a creaminess and texture that matches the riches of the wine.
MEDIUM-SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR & ZINFANDEL
Zinfandel is a very cheese-friendly wine, so have fun with it! We love it with Dry Sonoma Jack, a medium-sharp white cheddar, or asiago. While any Zinfandel will do, the Kuleto Estate Zinfandel features a plush mid-palate and lower acidity that falls in a great spot for matching cheese.
