Cheese & Wine Matching Tips
We’re proud to work with great Kiwi brands Wither Hills and Lindauer to share a few tips on wine and cheese matching. There are a few things to keep in mind when pairing NZ cheese and wine, but first and foremost, listen to your taste buds and trust your palate. If you are enjoying a Marlborough Pinot Noir with soft, delicate goat cheese, then go with it, enjoy and savour what you like! There are no rights and wrongs, but if you’re looking for hints here are a few helpful tips to guide you on what to pair with your New Zealand cheese platter:
Fresh Goat Cheese
Best paired with crisp, high-acidity white wines like Wither Hills Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris. The bright acidity in these Marlborough wines complements the tangy acidity of goat cheese. Additionally, the Lindauer Prosecco Rosé, with its fresh fruit and crisp finish, is another excellent choice for pairing with soft goat cheese.
Camembert
The rich, creamy texture of Camembert is perfectly balanced by the effervescence and acidity of sparkling wines like Lindauer Prosecco. The bubbles help cleanse the palate, providing a refreshing contrast to the creaminess of this classic cheese. Lindauer Prosecco Rosé also works here, adding a touch of berry fruit to enhance the pairing.
Blue Cheese
The bold flavors of blue cheese are wonderfully balanced by the aromatic and slightly off-dry qualities of Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris. While traditionally paired with sweeter wines, the fruit-forward character of Pinot Gris, with its moderate sweetness and acidity, provides a lovely contrast to the salty and tangy flavours of blue cheese.
Gruyère
Gruyère’s nutty, rich flavours are best complemented by the earthy, savoury characteristics of a Pinot Noir. Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir with its notes of black cherry, red fruit, and subtle earthiness, pairs beautifully with the cheese, bringing out its complexity.
Aged Cheddar
A bold and rich cheese such as an aged cheddar needs a wine that can stand up to its intensity. For red wine lovers, Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Noir is an elegant option, with its savoury and fruit-forward qualities complementing the nutty sharpness of cheddar. Alternatively, Wither Hills Marlborough Pinot Gris can provide a crisp, refreshing balance for the white wine lover.
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Want more inspiration for your NZ cheese and wine matching? Check out our latest recipes.
