I know it’s going to be a good night when two of my favorite things take center stage: wine and cheese. While setting up a wine and cheese pairing might seem simple, there’s a lot more to it. Both are shaped by terroir, timing, production techniques, and aging—factors that can dramatically influence their flavors. That’s what makes a wine and cheese tasting so interesting. Unexpected pairings can shine, and familiar favorites can surprise you.
The Wines
Jean Marie Reverdy Terres Blanches Sancerre 2023 – A classic Loire Valley Sauvignon Blanc with zesty citrus, crisp green apple, and a flinty minerality. Its vibrant acidity and refreshing finish make it an ideal match for fresh and tangy cheeses.
La Chablisienne Le Finage Chablis 2020 – A mineral-driven Chardonnay from Burgundy, showcasing bright lemon, green apple, and wet stone. With a silky texture and well-integrated acidity, this wine has enough structure to complement creamy cheeses without overwhelming them.
Le Grand Bouqueteau Chinon Reserve 2021 – A smooth, structured Cabernet Franc from the Loire Valley, with red fruit, and earthy undertones. Its balance of fruit and herbs pairs beautifully with cheeses that have a bit of nuttiness and depth.
The Cheese
Humboldt Fog Cypress Grove – A soft-ripened goat cheese from California, known for its creamy, tanginess and a distinctive line of edible vegetable ash. The rind almost feels like a separate cheese, adding texture and complexity. With age, the flavors become more pronounced and earthy.
Mitica Capricho de Cabra – A Spanish ash-rind goat cheese with a dense, creamy texture and subtle citrus notes. Its rich creaminess comes from the high fat and protein content of Murciana goat milk. The natural ash rind adds a touch of earthiness, balancing the bright, fresh flavors.
Gabietou – A semi-hard cow and sheep’s milk cheese from the Pyrenees, France. It has rich, nutty flavors with hints of caramel and a slightly grassy finish, making it a versatile pairing for both red and white wines.
Winning Pairings & Why They Work
Humboldt Fog + Sancerre – The crisp acidity and citrus notes of the Sancerre cut through the tangy creaminess of the goat cheese, while the wine’s minerality complements the cheese’s earthy, ashy rind.
Mitica Capricho de Cabra + Chablis – The rich, creamy texture of the cheese is lifted by the Chablis’ bright acidity. The two complemented each other beautifully.
Gabietou + Chinon – The tannins and red fruit of the Chinon soften the cheese’s nutty flavor. Herbal undertones in the wine contrast with the cheese’s earthy notes, creating a layered and balanced wine and cheese pairing.
Endless Options
Wine and cheese pairings are always exciting—some combinations are expected, while others surprise you. This tasting reinforced how balance plays a key role in bringing out the best in both. Whether it’s crisp acidity cutting through creaminess or earthy notes complementing savory flavors, the right pairing can truly elevate the experience. I recommend this guide to dive even deeper into wine and cheese pairings. And, to discover other wines to try with your favorite cheese, check out some of my favorite white wines or dive in to the Wines Worth Exploring series.
