This Saturday, July 25th is National Wine and Cheese Day, and Sandra Guibord of Sandra’s Wine Life is offering up her best suggestions for the best pairings.
She believes that while the dog days of summer are at their peak that we can focus on lighter cheeses and chilled wines. Generally, she believes overall that white wines pair best with cheese because of the acidity in this varietal brightens up your mouth from the creaminess of the cheese, however, below is a list of recommendations for the ultimate wine and cheese pairings.
- SPARKLING WINE (Champagne, Sparkling Wine, Cava, Prosecco, etc.): The bubbles in these sparklers refresh your palate between each creamy bite of soft creamy cheeses such as Burrata Mozzarella, Brie, Chèvre.
- LIGHT AROMATIC WHITE WINES (Sauvignon Blanc, Albariño, Vermentino, Riesling, etc.): All of these bright fresh wines have notes of citrus and mouthwatering acidity that compliment cheese such as Feta, Goat Cheese, Havarti or Mozzarella.
- FULL FRUITY WHITE WINES (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Viognier, etc.): From peachy, nutty Chardonnays, Fruity Pinot Grigio and the beautiful floral notes of Viognier. These full bodied whites will carry the heavier cheeses such as Camembert, Gouda, Manchego.
- COOL SUMMER REDS (Pinot Noir, Grenache, Sangiovese, etc.): Be certain to serve these delicious reds nicely chilled in the summer. Don’t leave them out on a table in the hot sun. When they are chilled, not only are they refreshing in the heat, but you’ll notice all of the bright berry and spice that comes alive with the cooler temperature. The tannins in these reds will best pair with Gruyere, Cambozola, Smoked Gouda, Pecorino.
