There’s nothing quite like ending a meal with a beautifully arranged cheese platter. While cheese is a cornerstone of French gastronomy, finding the perfect wine to complement its flavors can sometimes be tricky. Although red wine is often the go-to choice, seasoned enthusiasts know that white wines can be just as, if not more, successful in creating unforgettable pairings.
At Xavier Vignon, we’re passionate about discovering pairings that elevate flavors to new heights. Here are our tips for mastering the art of wine and cheese pairings!
Why do wine and cheese pair so well?
Wine and cheese share a natural affinity, thanks to their complex aromas and rich flavors. The creamy texture and fat of cheese are perfectly balanced by the acidity and freshness of wine, while their respective aromas can either complement or contrast each other beautifully. The magic lies in finding the balance that suits your personal taste!
Red or white wine ? How to create the perfect cheese pairing
The idea that “red wine works with everything” is a bit of a myth. While reds can pair nicely with hard cheeses and tommes, their tannins often overwhelm the delicate flavors of softer, more subtle cheeses. White wines, on the other hand, are often underrated but can be fantastic partners for cheese. Their freshness, brightness, and sometimes mineral edge balance the creaminess of cheeses perfectly, creating elegant and harmonious pairings.
On the other hand, sweet or dessert wines are the perfect match for intensely flavored cheeses like blue cheese or Époisses. The wine’s sweetness balances the salty, tangy intensity of these cheeses, creating a harmony of flavors that’s hard to beat.
So, how can you choose the perfect wine for your cheese platter ?
- Take into account the type of cheese you’re serving
- Soft Cheeses with Bloomy Rinds (Brie, Camembert) : Pair these creamy, earthy cheeses with a fresh, subtly rounded white wine. Intra, a multi-vintage Châteauneuf-du-Pape white, is an ideal choice. Its unique aging in Vinarium® imparts delicate, complex notes that beautifully balance the creamy texture and lightly earthy flavors of these cheeses.
- Hard Cheeses (Comté, Beaufort, Tomme) : Aged cheeses like these call for structured, rich wines. Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Vieilles Vignes pairs wonderfully, offering a balance of power and freshness, complemented by red fruit and spice aromas. For a bolder choice, try our Crozes-Hermitage 2021, where Syrah brings notes of black fruits and an elegant structure.
- Blue Cheeses (Roquefort, Fourme d’Ambert) : Nothing beats a sweet or dessert wine to balance the salty, creamy intensity of blue cheeses. Alternatively, a slightly oxidative red, like Ventoux Natura In Fine, with its dried lavender and ripe black fruit notes, provides a contrast of intensity and softness that’s equally striking.
- Goat Cheeses (Fresh or Aged) : For cheeses with bright acidity, a dry, mineral white is essential. L’Extra, a multi-vintage Côtes du Rhône white, delivers the perfect tension with its balanced varietals and innovative winemaking, elevating the freshness of goat cheeses beautifully.
- Get inspired by the region
One of the most reliable approaches is pairing wine and cheese from the same region. A Sancerre with a Crottin de Chavignol, a Vin Jaune with aged Comté, or a Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc with truffle-infused Brie—these traditional combinations often highlight the unique characteristics of the local terroir.
- Choose by grape varieties
Certain grape varieties naturally complement cheeses:
- Grenache Noir, Syrah, and Cinsault: Found in Ventoux Natura In Fine, these varietals offer a complex aromatic profile that pairs wonderfully with pressed cheeses or tommes.
- Clairette, Grenache Blanc, and Roussanne: In Intra Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc, these grapes bring roundness, finesse, and freshness, making them ideal for creamy cheeses or aged goat cheeses.
- Syrah: The Crozes-Hermitage Terroirs d’Exception showcases spicy, fruity richness that elevates hard or semi-hard cheeses beautifully.
- Consider the season
Seasonality can also guide your choices.
- Winter: Rich and bold cheeses like Reblochon or Époisses pair well with full-bodied whites or supple reds.
- Spring and Summer: Fresh goat cheeses and lighter varieties are best matched with crisp, fruity whites.
Final advice
Pairing wine and cheese is all about balance and creativity. While there are traditional guidelines to help you make confident choices, don’t hesitate to explore new combinations and, above all, enjoy yourself! Whether you go for a classic pairing or opt for bold contrasts, Xavier Vignon wines are here to elevate every gastronomic moment—from starters to dessert and of course, the cheese course.
And don’t forget to share your favorite pairings with others—after all, every tasting is a celebration of conviviality and the art of living.
Cheers and bon appétit!
