Wine Pairing Semi-Hard Cheese

When pairing semi-hard cheeses with wine, consider the richer and more complex flavors of the cheese.

Red Wines

Semi-hard cheeses can stand up to the depth of medium bodied red wines.

Select a fruity wine that can enhance the robust flavors of a semi-hard cheese without overwhelming it.

• Merlot (France)
• Chianti (Italy)
• Tempranillo (Spain)
• Primitivo (Italy)
• Zinfandel (USA)

White wines

Look for white wines with a bit of complexity and richness to match the flavors of semi-hard cheeses.

Chardonnay, especially those with some oak aging, can be a great choice. Additionally, a Viognier or an aged Riesling with its petrol notes can provide an interesting contrast.

• Chardonnay (France)
• Riesling Spätlese (Germany)
• Viognier (France)
• Marsanne-Roussanne (France)
• Gewürztraminer (France)

Rosé Wines

Dry and slightly fuller-bodied rosé wines pair well with semi-hard cheeses. Look for rosés with a bit more structure, as they can complement the cheese's texture and flavors.

• Syrah Rosé
• Grenache Rosé
• Zinfandel Rosé

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.

Sparkling Wines

Sparkling wines like Champagne, Cava, or Trentodoc can be versatile pairings with semi-hard cheeses.

The bubbles help cleanse the palate between bites and the acidity cut through the richness of the cheese.

• Champagne (France)
• Crémant (France)
• Franciacorta (Italy)
• Trentodoc (Italy)
• Cava (Spain)
• Sparkling Rosé
• Prosecco (Italy)
• Sekt (Germany)
• Lambrusco (Italy)

Fortified wines

Fortified wines can offer interesting and complementary flavors when paired with semi-hard cheeses.

A dry Fino or Manzanilla Sherry can provide a nutty contrast, while a medium-dry Madeira can offer caramelized notes that enhance the cheese's complexity.

• Madeira
• Fino Sherry
• Manzanilla Sherry

Personal Preferences

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
• Slised Apple and Pear
• Dark Chocolate
• Rosemary and Thyme

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

Chèvre from Loire is great with Sauvignon Blanc from Loire.

Munster from Alsace is great with Gewürztraminer from Alsace.

French Sauternes with French Roquefort.

Italy

Strong Gorgonzola pairs perfectly with Barolo.

Pecorino pairs well with Chanti.

Pino Grigio goes well with Mozzarella.

Spain

Manchego is gorgeous both with Cava and Rioja.

Alpine

Alpine wines were made with dishes like Raclette in mind.