W3 Wine School

Brick (USA)

Brick is a washed rind Cow cheese from Wisconsin.

It is a rich and creamy cheese great for melting and perfect for gourmet grilled cheese.

Brick was created to be a milder version of Limburger.

Brick Cheese Limburger

Wine Pairing Brick

Brick cheese can vary a lot depending on age:

  • YOUNG: mild, buttery, semi-soft
  • AGED: sharper, earthier, more pungent

The best pairing depends on the style, but here are the best matches:


White Wines

White wines are actually some of the best pairings for brick cheese because they usually bring the two things the cheese most needs: acidity and moderate structure without harsh tannins.


Riesling

This is one of the safest and most versatile pairings. It is an excellent overall choice. Especially an off-dry Riesling with high acidity.

Acidity cuts through creaminess. Slight sweetness balances saltiness. Fruit brightens earthy cheese notes.

Chardonnay

The creamy texture and buttery notes align naturally with the cheese.

Unoaked for young brick. Lightly oaked for aged brick.


Aromatic White Wines

Aromatic white wines with floral and fruity notes can be excellent companions to washed-rind cheeses.

Try varieties with an aromatic profile that can complement the cheese's pungent aroma and add complexity to the pairing:

  • Riesling Spätlese (Germany)
  • Gewürztraminer (France)
  • Pinot Gris (France)
  • Marsanne (France)
  • Roussanne (France)
  • Sémillon (France)
  • Viognier (France)

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines such as Champagne, Prosecco, or Cava can be excellent choices for soft cheeses. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese.


Champagne

A Champagne with its toasty notes and lively bubbles can enhance the flavors of Brick and elevate the tasting experience.

Choose a dry or off-dry sparkling wine for a refreshing contrast.

Prosecco

The bubbles and acidity of Prosecco can cleanse the palate between bites of Brick, making it a delightful pairing option.


Dessert Wines

Dessert wines can work extremely well with brick cheese - especially if the cheese is aged, earthy, or slightly pungent. The key idea is the classic sweet + salty contrast.


Sauternes

This sweet, full-bodied French wine from Bordeaux, with its notes of honey, apricot, and nuts, is a delightful match for the bold and earthy flavors of Brick. The sweetness of Sauternes balances well the intense flavors of the cheese.

White Port

Lighter than red Ports, White Port offers a slightly exotic pairing for cheeses like Brick. Its freshness and hints of sweetness can enhance the creaminess of the cheese, making it a refreshing and less conventional choice.


Red Wines


Pinot Noir

A classic red option.

Brick cheese has enough flavor for Pinot Noir, but not so much that it overwhelms it. Low tannin avoids metallic clashes. Earthy cherry notes match the cheese’s savory side.

Beaujolais / Gamay

Fresh, juicy Gamay works especially well with mild brick cheese, cheese boards and casual snacking. Its bright fruit keeps the pairing lively.

Personal Preferences

Wine and Cheese

Enjoy your wine and cheese with local fruits nuts and bread!

Personal preferences play a significant role in wine and cheese pairings, so don't hesitate to experiment to find the combination that suits your taste buds best.

Consider adding some accompaniments like fruit, nuts, or bread to enhance the pairing experience:

  • Crusty Bread and Crackers
  • Nuts, Peanuts and Fries
  • Grapes and Berries
  • Olives and Garlic
  • Figs and Rasins
  • Apple and Honey
  • Sliced Pear
  • Dark Chocolate
  • Rosemary and Thyme

Clara Peeters Still Life

Clara Peeters - Still Life with Cheeses, Almonds and Pretzels 1615

If it Grows Together

If it grows together it goes together.

Pairing locally is a great way to learn more about wine and cheese:


France France

Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.

Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

French Sauternes with French Roquefort.


France Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.


France Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.


France Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.


Alcohol can be addictive. Always drink in moderation.

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