Wine and Cheese to Pair

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Do you drink red or white wine with cheese?

Trick question—the answer is both! Both California reds and whites offer their own distinct benefits to your perfect match. Flavor, as well as acidity, tannin, texture, mouthfeel and aroma all come into play. So when it comes to pairing cheese with Paso Robles wine, you can’t go wrong. Paso’s premium, sun-ripened wines were born to be enjoyed with food. Looking for more cheese and wine pairing recommendations for beginners? Read on.

What cheese goes with white wine?

In general, soft, fresh cheeses are suitable for California’s crisp white wines, dry roses and sparkling vintages. Try serving a bright, crumbly Greek feta and tart chevre with a vibrant Paso Robles sauvignon blanc, as the floral notes in your glass pair nicely with the cheese’s piquant charm. Buttery chardonnay on the brunch menu? Reach for the sumptuous double cream brie or camembert. Tip: Don’t overlook light-bodied reds with lower tannins (like grenache). These milder reds can slay a goat cheese crostini.

What cheese goes with red wine?

Rich California reds like cabernet sauvignon, syrah, Bordeaux-style blends and port shine alongside a heftier cheese like aged parmesan or blue stilton. Semi-hard cheeses like gouda or gruyère pair nicely with medium-bodied red wines like Paso Robles merlot or pinot noir. Why does California red wine call out for a more robust cheese? Fat is the perfect playmate for these wines’ mouth-drying tannins and bold appeal.
If you are ever in doubt about what to pair or how, just read a guide such as this. Your favorite wine and cheese shop can also help. When you find that perfect pair, please tell me about it.

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