Wine and Cheese Pairings

Having a house party or event? What better way to pamper and prepare your guests for the main event than with the decadent foods you love and some of your favorite wines and cheese.

When it comes to food and wine pairing, sure, there are some general guidelines, but it really comes down to your personal taste and style- the possibilities are endless! Creative wine pairings can be a great way to add warmth- not to mention some extra cheer- to your party or dinner table.

Here’s our Wine Pairing Cheat Sheet that’ll inspire you to create a festive and fun spread for your loved ones.

Go-To Wine Pairing Principles

Mirror Pairing

This rule of thumb focuses on complimentary or flavor-matching pairings. Pop open a spicy Shiraz to go along with that hot sopressata or red pepper Primo Sale cheese. The spice notes in the wine will enhance the bold flavors within your dish; the 2 is better than one idea brought together on your plate! Consider this pairing also when selecting a sweet wine or rose to compliment your party treats.

Opposites Attract

As the title suggests, here we invite you to pair opposite or contrasting flavor profiles. The idea here is that the wine will provide a nice contrast and balance to your dish. Choose a bold red wine to go with a creamy and rich mushroom pasta, or a full-bodied red wine to cut through the fattiness of a nice Porterhouse steak.

Seafood & Wine

Few flavors complement each other as well as white wine and seafood. The crisp, refreshing flavor of a Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc is perfect with the fresh taste of a flakey fish. From subtle and sweet to crisp and acidic, white wines often enhance the delicate meat of most white fish and shellfish, such as mussels or oysters, among others. However, we invite you try a light Pinot Noir next time you have a tuna steak or swordfish; you’ll find its medium body stands up nicely to their meatier consistency.

Meats & Wine

Red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Montepulciano are traditionally better suited to heartier dishes; richer in body and ranging in spice and dryness, these wines can stand up to bold flavors in spicy dishes, fatty red meats, as well as vegetarian stews, and more. For instance, a delicious Primitivo would be a wonderful match for a Veal Bolognese. The wine’s subtle notes of fruit will bring out the sweetness of the tomatoes in the sauce, while it’s richer body nicely balances the meaty richness of the dish.

Here are some exceptional wine and cheese pairings:

Chardonnay

  • Mild Cheddar
  • Fresh Mozzarella
  • Provolone
  • Robiola
  • Cacio de Roma

Sauvignon Blanc

  • Mahon
  • Feta
  • Goat Cheese
  • Fresh Mozzarella
  • Havarti

Sparking Wines

  • Baby Swiss
  • Garrotxa
  • Brie
  • Mild Cheddar
  • Primo Sale

Chianti, or other Medium to Full bodied dry wines

  • Blue Cheese
  • Sottocenere
  • Barricato
  • Manchego
  • Grana Padano

Syrah- or a semi sweet red, red blend

  • Campo de Montalban
  • Pecorino
  • Romano
  • Gouda
  • Robiola
  • Provolone

Dessert Wine

Desserts will generally benefit from a lighter, sweeter wine, Lambrusco or Lillet Blanc!

  • Mascarpone
  • Gorgonzola Dolce
  • Brie
  • Valde
  • Bleu Cheese

Come visit us at Sansone Market for all your quality culinary needs and let us help you plan what cheeses to pair with your wine!