Wine and cheese are a natural pairing that have been loved and shared by many for centuries. There is something about the creamy feel of cheese alongside the acidity and sweetness of a well-paired wine that unlocks an exquisite mouthfeel and a welcome flavour on the palate.
We’ve put together our finest pairing recommendations so you can take your love of wine and cheese to a new level.
Sauvignon Blanc with Goats Cheese
A fresh, crisp white wine such as our Sauvignon Blanc is the perfect companion to the tangy flavours found in fresh goat’s milk cheeses like feta or chevre. Light and refreshing, the tropical fruit and fresh green flavours in this wine pair nicely with the tart, earthy flavours often found in these cheeses. The tangy acidity and zesty citrus notes of Sauvignon Blanc also balance the richness of the goat’s cheese without overwhelming its divine flavour.
Chardonnay with Triple Cream Cheese
A glass of Hawkes Bay Chardonnay is a wonderful wine to pair with many different cheeses, offering a divine combination of rich texture and high acidity. The oaky and buttery mouthfeel we so love in our Chardonnay beautifully accompanies the creamy texture of a rich semi-soft, triple cream camembert or brie.
Rosé with Mild Cheddar
A delicious and easy-going wine such as our Hawkes Bay Rosé pairs well with a variety of mild cheeses that aren’t too overpowering to this wine's delicate flavours. Fresh and crisp, our dry-style Rosé loves nuzzling up with an equally fresh and young cheese such as a mild cheddar, mozzarella or baby swiss. The red berry and stone fruit flavours in the wine bring a welcome brightness and acidity to these mild yet flavourful cheeses.
Syrah with Gruyere
Our velvety Syrah is best matched with a punchier cheese that offers enough flavour and complexity to match its bold red fruit flavours and undertones of wood and spice. This brooding red is at home with the smooth and salty flavours found in a Gruyere or Haloumi. The wine’s flavours of red berries and jam offer both liveliness and sweetness to balance out the bold notes in the cheese, providing a harmonious pairing.
Bordeaux Blends with Aged Cheese
A rich and complex Bordeaux Blend with brightness and character offers a memorable pairing with a bold hard cheese like an aged gouda or cheddar. With respectively strong characteristics, both the wine and cheese have just the right amount of aroma and complexity without overpowering each other. The dense, flavourful cheese elevates the dark fruit flavours of a Bordeaux Blend while the rich, earthy flavours and full-body tannins of the wine perfectly compliments the fatty nature and nutty flavours commonly found in these aged cheeses.