Cheers, Houston! A Guide to the Ultimate Wine and Cheese Pairings for the Holiday Season

Be the talk of the town with a stellar wine and cheese spread this holiday season!

Here’s a list of wines and cheeses that complement one another harmoniously:

White Wines

Sparkling Wine & Champagne:

Light and mild cheese, such as brie, is a good option to pair with the symphony of flavors. The light and creamy texture of brie complements the effervescence and light notes of sparkling wine.

Sauvignon Blanc:

The crisp and refreshing nature of Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with a variety of cheeses, offering a balance of flavors from the creamy brie and feta to the sharper cheddar and parmesan.

Chardonnay:

For a chardonnay that usually has rich flavors such as oak and butterscotch, creamier cheese options such as fresh goat cheese, brie, parmesan, or gouda pair nicely with this. The richer flavors of Chardonnay can stand up to creamier cheeses, making this pairing a good choice.

Pinot Grigio:

With a more clean and dry flavor, a creamy cheese would also go well with this. In addition to the ones above, swiss, mozzarella, and gruyère would pair well with Pinot Grigio. Pinot Grigio's clean and dry flavor profile matches well with the creaminess of Swiss, mozzarella, and the nuttiness of Gruyère.

 Rosé

To touch on rosé before we transition into red wines, this wine also pairs well with goat cheese. Rosé and goat cheese is a delightful combination, as the acidity of the wine complements the creamy and tangy notes of goat cheese.

Red Wines

Cabernet Sauvignon or Franc:

This bold wine goes well with bold flavored cheese such as blue cheese. It can also be paired well with brie and cheddar cheese for a rich flavor profile. The bold and robust flavors of Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc can stand up to the intensity of blue cheese while also pairing well with the creaminess of brie and the sharpness of cheddar.

Syrah:

For this red wine option you will find that cheddar, parmesan, or gouda cheese option would be best. The suggested cheese options for Syrah align with the wine's bold and sometimes spicy characteristics, creating a well-balanced pairing.

Malbec:

For this bold red enriched with fruity flavors, a cheese with some body to it is a great option. The rich flavor notes of Malbec are complemented by the depth and complexity of aged cheddar or Manchego.