Wine Pairing Aged Cheese

Pairing wine with aged cheese can be a delightful experience, as both offer complex flavors that can complement or contrast each other in interesting ways.

Fully aged cheeses are often stiffy and hard with a nutty and salty flavor.

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Red Wines

Aged cheeses have strong flavors that can stand up to bold red wines.

These wines have enough tannins and structure to balance the richness of an aged cheese:

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Barbaresco / Barolo (Italy)
• Malbec (Argentina)
• Rioja Reserva (Spain)
• Syrah (France)
• Shiraz (Australia)

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White Wines

While red wines are often the first choice for aged cheese pairing, certain white wines can work well with aged cheeses too.

Look for full-bodied whites like oaked Chardonnay, aged Riesling, or even oak-aged Sauvignon Blanc.

These wines can offer enough complexity and weight to match the intensity of aged cheeses:

• Chardonnay (France)
• Gewürztraminer (France)
• Pinot Gris (France)
• Soave Classico (Italy)
• Condrieu (France)

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Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines can be surprisingly good matches for aged cheeses.

The bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites, while the acidity can cut through the richness of the cheese.

• Champagne (France)
• Cava (Spain)
• Franciacorta (Italy)
• Trentodoc (Italy)
• Prosecco (Italy)
• Sekt (Germany)
• Espumante (Portugal)
• Sekt (Germany)

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Fortified Wines

Sweet fortified wines can pair well with aged cheeses.

The sweetness and complexity of these wines complement the salty and nutty flavors of aged cheeses:

• Port (Portugal)
• Sherry (Spain)
• Madeira (Portugal)
• Vin Santo (Italy)
• Marsala (Italy)

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Dessert Wines

Sweet dessert wines late-harvest Riesling can create interesting contrasts with aged cheeses. The sweetness of the wine can balance the saltiness of the cheese, creating a harmonious pairing.

• Sauternes (France)
• Riesling Auslese (Germany)
• Ice Wine (Canada)

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