W3 Wine School

Goat Cheese

Goat Cheese

Goat Cheeses are the most popular and widely recognized cheeses in the world.

Soft goat cheeses typically have white mold on the outside, and a melt-in-the-mouth core.

Wine Pairing Goat Cheese

Blanc de Blanc

A classic pairing for Goat Cheese is Blanc de Blanc (Champagne or Crémant).

Prosecco

Another perfect pairing for Goat Cheese is Prosecco. The wine's bubbles, light body, and fruity flavors make it a delightful palate cleanser, enhancing the overall tasting experience.

Pairing wine with soft cheeses requires finding a balance between the creamy texture and often delicate flavors of the cheese. Here are some excellent options to complement Goat Cheese:


Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines are incredible with Goat Cheese. The bubbles cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity complements the creaminess of the cheese. Go for something light and dry:


White Wines

Choose a light-bodied white wine with crisp acidity. These wines will not overpower the delicate flavors of a soft cheese, but provide a refreshing contrast.

Chablis (France)

A light Chablis with flavors of lemon, apple, pear, and a touch minerals pairs beautifully with Goat Cheese.

Pinot Grigio (Italy)

A classic white wine pairing for Goat Cheese is Pinot Grigio. Look for a Pinot Grigio with bright acidity, citrus flavors, and a clean, crisp finish. The wine's freshness and subtle fruitiness complement the cheese's creamy texture without overwhelming its delicate flavor.

Albariño (Spain)

Soft cheeses like Goat Cheese, semi-hard cheeses, and salty feta cheeses are all perfect complements to Albariño.

Sauvignon Blanc

A crisp and refreshing Sauvignon Blanc with citrusy and herbaceous flavors can provide a nice contrast to the creamy texture of Goat Cheese. Look for Sauvignon Blancs with lively acidity and notes of lemon, lime, and green apple.

Gewürztraminer

Aromatic and slightly sweet Gewürztraminer can be a surprising but delicious pairing with Goat Cheese. Look for a Gewürztraminer with floral and tropical fruit notes. The wine's sweetness balances the cheese's mild flavor, while its aromatic qualities enhance the overall tasting experience.

Chenin Blanc

Chenin Blanc offers a range of styles, from dry to sweet, but its bright acidity and fruity character make it a versatile choice for pairing with soft and fresh cheese.

Semi-Sweet White Wines

If you prefer sweeter wines, consider pairing Goat Cheese with a semi-sweet white wine. Some soft cheeses pair well with sweet wines, especially those with a bit of acidity. The sweetness of these wines can enhance the flavors of Goat Cheese without overwhelming it:


Rosé Wines

Dry rosé wines, particularly those with bright acidity and fruit-forward flavors, pairs well with Goat Cheese. The wine's crispness and fruitiness complement the cheese's creaminess, making for a refreshing and balanced pairing.

Zinfandel rosé is a special choice. It offers a balance that combines dryness and moderate sweetness. This balance makes it a great rosé for pairing with basically any cheese.


Red Wines

If you prefer red wine, go for light-bodied and low-tannin options that will not overwhelm the cheese. Light wines can offer fruity flavors and a soft texture that complements the creaminess of Goat Cheese.

Beaujolais

A light-bodied red wine like Beaujolais, made from Gamay grapes, can complement the creamy texture of Goat Cheese without overpowering its flavors.

Beaujolais wines typically offer fruity notes of cherry and raspberry, along with soft tannins and refreshing acidity.

Pinot Noir

A light-bodied Pinot Noir with red fruit flavors, silky tannins, and a bright acidity is a nice match for Goat Cheese. The wine's fruity and earthy notes complements the cheese's delicate flavor without overpowering it.

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is a light-bodied wine with and moderate tannins. It has notes of red fruits, herbs, and jalapeno. These flavors are delicious alongside creamy cheeses, and the good acidity contrasts the creaminess of Goat Cheese perfectly.

Merlot

A soft and fruity red wine like Merlot can be a surprisingly good match for Goat Cheese. Merlot's ripe plum and cherry flavors, along with its smooth tannins, complements the cheese's creamy texture and enhance its flavors.


Dessert Wines

Soft Cheeses also pair well with white dessert wines:


Personal Preferences

As always, 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.

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

Wine and Cheese

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


Grows Together Goes Together

If it grows together it goes together.

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

France

Italy

Spain

Clara Peeters Still Life

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


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