Cheese + Wine: 7 Mistakes That Ruin the Pairing

Cheese and wine may seem like a perfect match, but not every red wine works with every cheese.

• Pairing a bold red with a delicate cheese. Strong tannins can easily overpower the cheese’s creamy flavor.

• Pairing a dry wine with blue cheese. A sweet wine often works better, balancing the cheese’s saltiness and intensity.

• Pairing a heavy red with goat cheese. The fresh acidity of goat cheese usually pairs better with Sauvignon Blanc and other crisp white wines.

• Ignoring the cheese’s age. The older and more intense the cheese, the more full-bodied a wine it can handle.

• Looking only at the wine’s color. Acidity, sweetness, and tannins matter more than whether the wine is red or white.

• Being afraid of sweet wines. They can work especially well with salty cheeses.

• Overcomplicating things. A simple rule: delicate cheese likes a lighter wine, while a rich, intense cheese calls for a more expressive partner.