Which Wine for Which Cheese? The Perfect Pairing by Vinodelice

Some pairings seem destined to be: bread and butter, sunshine and an aperitif… and of course, wine and cheese 🧀🍷. But once the table is set, the same question always arises: which wine goes with which cheese?

At Vinodelice, we love playing matchmaker.  It is why we regularly host our Wine & Cheese evenings in Paris, where we explore surprising pairings, timeless classics, and the occasional love-at-first-sip moment.

Here’s our guide to the best pairings, from French favorites to international gems.

The Golden Rules of Wine & Cheese Pairing

• Balance the intensity: a powerful wine can overwhelm a delicate cheese — and vice versa.
• Acidity cuts fat: the acidity in a white or sparkling wine cleanses the palate after creamy cheeses.
• Terroir meets terroir: often, the best pairings come from the same region (Comté + Jura wine, Roquefort + Sauternes).
• Dare to go beyond red: spoiler alert — white wines are often better partners than tannic reds.

Which Wine with French Cheeses?

Camembert de Normandie

This creamy classic loves artisan ciders (a nod to Normandy) but when it comes to wine, a Loire Chenin Blanc or a light Pinot Noir works beautifully.

Roquefort

Powerful, salty, intense → needs a sweet or fortified wine. Try Sauternes, Maury Grenat, or Rivesaltes Ambré. For an unforgettable experience, taste our Mas de Lavail Rivesaltes Ambré 1978 : the richness of an old vintage that elevates aged Roquefort.

Comté

A pressed cooked cheese that pairs magically with Jura’s Vin Jaune, or more accessibly, a Jura Chardonnay or ouillé Savagnin. For a twist, try the Brash Higgins Bloom 2015: an Australian Chardonnay aged over six years under flor, in the Jura and Burgundy tradition. Its oxidative richness and mineral tension make a stunning match with aged Comté.

Raclette

The ultimate comfort dish → pair it with a white from Savoie (Roussette, Jacquère) or a Swiss Chasselas. A light Gamay also works well.

Goat Cheeses (Crottin, Valençay, Sainte-Maure)

The unbeatable duo: Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé (crisp Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creaminess).

Reblochon

Perfect with a Mondeuse from Savoie or a white Savoie wine. For the bold, try a Jura Chardonnay.

Munster (Alsace): A slightly off-dry Gewurztraminer is the regional must-try pairing.

Which Wine with Italian Cheeses?

Parmesan (Parmigiano Reggiano)

Fruity and crystalline, it calls for a sparkling red Lambrusco or a Chianti Classico. For a perfect table pairing, try our Rocca delle Macìe Chianti Classico 2022 : an elegant Tuscan red that makes every shaving of Parmesan sing.

Gorgonzola

Italy’s answer to Roquefort → perfect with a Vin Santo from Tuscany or a Passito di Pantelleria.

Burrata

Fresh, creamy, and delicate → shines with a Prosecco or a crisp Verdicchio.

And Elsewhere in Europe 🌍

• Swiss Cheeses (Gruyère, Vacherin): pair perfectly with Fendant (Chasselas) or white Savoie wines.
• Dutch Cheeses (Aged Gouda): beautiful with a sweet wine or a Tawny Port.
• Spanish Cheeses (Manchego): match with a Rioja Reserva or a Fino Sherry.

Wine & Cheese with Vinodelice

Want to test these pairings in real life? 🎉

Join our Vin & Fromage Evenings in Paris:

•  A selection of characterful French and European cheeses.
• Wines from our catalog: reds, whites, and hidden gems (Malbec, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir…).
• A friendly, relaxed atmosphere to learn, taste, and share.

 To extend the experience at home, explore our selections of mineral white wines, our light reds, or our natural sweet wines, perfect for a cozy cheese board.

Cheat Sheet: Wine & Cheese Pairings 📌

Because it’s easy to forget once the table is full, here’s what to remember:

• Camembert → Chenin Blanc or light Pinot Noir
• Roquefort → Sauternes, Maury, or Rivesaltes Ambré 1978
• Comté → Jura’s Vin Jaune, Jura Chardonnay, or Bloom sous voile 2015
• Raclette → White from Savoie or Gamay
• Goat Cheese → Sancerre or Pouilly-Fumé
• Reblochon → Mondeuse or Jura Chardonnay
• Parmesan → Lambrusco or Chianti Classico 2022
• Gorgonzola → Vin Santo or Passito
• Burrata → Prosecco or Verdicchi
• Manchego → Rioja or Fino Sherry

 FAQ – Everything You Need to Know About Wine and Cheese

Does cheese always need red wine?

Not at all! White wines (Chardonnay, Chenin, Sauvignon) and sparkling wines (Champagne, Prosecco) often make much better companions.

What wine should I serve with a mixed cheese platter?

A Crémant or Brut Champagne: their bubbles and freshness cleanse the palate between different cheeses.

Can I try unconventional pairings?

Absolutely! Try orange wine with aged cheeses, or a robust rosé with sheep’s cheese — unexpected but delightful discoveries.