National Cheese Day: 5 Cheese and Wine Pairings for All Palates

National Cheese Day- June 4th, 2024

Most people can agree that cheese and wine make a delightful combination. But which wines go best with which cheeses? Does the cheddar in my fridge pair well with sweet red wine? On this National Cheese Day, we’ve got the answers! Whether you want to create a show-stopping tasting experience for guests, or just a savory snack for a movie night by yourself, we will help you navigate through the intricate worlds of cheese and wine. If you’re a seasoned connoisseur or a leisurely novice, there’s something for everyone!

Know the facts:

Did you know cheese and wine have been a timeless pairing dating back hundreds of years? The two have been served together for generations, so intertwined that historians have even noted an evident connection between their geographical origins. Different regions of the world offer their own special variations of each. France with brie and Champagne, and Italy with asiago and Primitivo, to name a few.

Perhaps they make a great match due to their striking processing similarities. Both undergo processes requiring all the right conditions with factors like aging and fermentation. These factors result in unique varieties with complex flavors and textures. Components like temperature, spices, and seasonings also largely impact these variations when creating both wine and cheese. Thus, the possibilities for creating a harmonious match between the different cheeses and wines available are also seemingly endless. It is as much an art making cheese and wine as it is creating a perfect pairing of the two.

5 Cheese and Wine Pairings for National Cheese Day: 

From soft and creamy to hard and crumbly, there’s a cheese for every palate and a wine waiting to be its harmonious match. The art of pairing wine with cheese is also a delicate process. The goal is to enhance the characteristics and flavors of both without overpowering one another.

Brie: Creamy and buttery, brie pairs wonderfully with light and fruity white wines such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. The texture of the brie creates a balance of flavors by complementing the bright acidity of the wine.

Gouda: Nutty sweetness and caramel undertones, gouda pairs beautifully with medium bodied red wines like Merlot or Pinot Noir. The richness of the gouda stabilizes the wine’s acidity while accompanying the fruity notes and softening the moderate tannins.

Cheddar: Sharp and tangy, cheddar pairs perfectly with crisp and refreshing white wines like Riesling or Chenin Blanc. The wine provides a delightful contrast to the richness of the cheese with its fruity notes and tannic structure.

Blue Cheese: Bold and pungent, blue cheese demands rich and robust red wines with depth, to combat its intense flavor. The sweetness of Port-style wines balance the intense saltiness of the cheese.

Goat Cheese: Tangy and creamy, goat cheese pairs wonderfully with light, citrusy whites such as Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, or Pinot Grigio. The wine creates a vibrantly refreshing combination to the cheese while its citrusy flavors complement the cheese’s tanginess.

Linganore Winecellars Pairings:

Try it out:

So, as we celebrate National Cheese Day, let us raise a glass to the timeless combination of cheese and wine. There’s a special wine for everyone just as there is a cheese pairing waiting to go along with it. Next time you open a bottle of wine remember there is a perfect cheese ready to elevate your tasting experience. Gather your favorite cheeses, uncork a bottle of your preferred wine, and savor the delicious harmony of flavors that only cheese and wine can provide!

No cheese? No Wine? No problem! Head over to Linganore Winecellars! Try an award-winning wine and pair it with one of our cheeses crafted by local cheesemongers: Atwaters Creamery and Whispering Breeze Farm. Maybe try something you’ve never heard of or stick with the classics. Either way, make some pour decisions and try your perfect pairing! You never know, your favorite wine might find a new cheesy sidekick!

What will be your go-to wine and cheese pairing for this #NationalCheeseDay?

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