Suggested Wines To Complement Cheese

11:57 pm on 2 March 2009

General overview of cheese and wine match with wine commentator John Hawkesby

Washed Rind Cheeses
Pinot Noir or Merlot

Fresh Cheeses
Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling or Gewurztraminer

White Mould Cheeses
Chardonnay (Brie)
Pinot Noir (Camembert)

Blue Cheeses
Sweet or Dessert Wines
Riesling (especially if cheeses is creamy and fatty)

Semi-Hard Aged Cheeses
Merlot

Hard Cheeses
Chardonnay
Merlot (for Aged Cheddar, Aged Gouda or Elsberg)

Rule of thumb: Let the cheese dominate - don't try and let the wine compete.