What Is The Best Wine Match for Goat’s Cheese?

Goat cheese, also known as “chèvre”, is a versatile, tangy delight that is great in salads, starters, on its own or as part of a cheeseboard. Its lighter, zestier character compared with other cheeses makes it an interesting choice to pair with wines. Whether you have fresh, lemony goat cheese or a nutty, aged variety, the right wine can complement the flavours of the cheese. Read on to explore the best wines for goat cheese pairings.

What is the best wine match for goat’s cheese?

A crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé, is frequently served with goat’s cheese because it can soften the tanginess of the cheese.  A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, can match well with the goat cheese’s earthy flavours. It’s a good idea to experiment with a few possibilities and discover what works best for you: the ideal wine match will rely upon personal preferences and the goat cheese being served.

Which Sauvignon Blanc pairs best with goat’s cheese?

Because it has a light, acidic profile and has crisp, refreshing flavours that match the tanginess of the cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing for goat’s cheese. Try an unoaked Sauvignon Blanc with lemony or grassy flavour when selecting the wine, something which will complement the cheese.

The best Sauvignon Blanc to pair with goats cheese can vary depending on the specific flavours and characteristics of both the wine and the cheese. My preference to serve with a fresher, younger style of “chèvre” would be for a Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire, with herbal and grassy notes such as Sancerre or Pouilly Fume can complement the earthy nuances of the cheese. Try Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Graveliere or their Pouilly Fumé Le Troncsec.

For a fruitier pairing, try with a South African or Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc with vibrant citrus and tropical notes, ideal for creamy goat cheese. Kleine Zalze Family Reserve Sauvignon Blanc or Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc would be good options.

Pairing Goat Cheese with Pinot Noir

The earthy flavours of an aged cheese can be complemented by a Pinot Noir with earthy, peppery, or mushroom undertones. Generally speaking, a Pinot Noir from a cooler climatic region, or perhaps from the Burgundy region in France or the Willamette Valley in Oregon would be good options. Resonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir has lively acidity and red fruit flavours that will complement goats cheese.

The potency and flavours of the particular goat cheese being served can also be taken into account. A richer and creamier cheese may go better with a Pinot Noir with more depth and structure, such as the Marimar Estate Cristina Pinot Noir from the Russian River, than a tart, fresh goat cheese.

Alternative wine pairings for goat’s cheese

Goat’s cheese and Champagne make a fantastic wine pairing; indeed, it is often said that Champagne goes with everything. Champagne’s sparkling acidity and fizz will help to balance the tanginess of the cheese and also help cleanse the palate in between bites.

A tart and fresh goat cheese might work nicely with a Brut or Extra Brut Champagne with lemony and mineral undertones. And don’t forget to support our local wine growers, a Hampshire Sparkling wine like The Grange Classic, or their superb Pink Fizz will work equally well.

Dessert wines can work too. Experiment with a Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling for younger, fresher cheese, or try something a bit richer and nuttier with a mature cheese, possibly a Tawny Port like Dow’s 20 Year Old Tawny Port. Or, if you have a particularly nutty, umami-rich cheese, maybe a sweet and a Pedro Ximenez dessert Sherry.

English Goat’s Cheeses to try

There are many excellent English goat’s cheeses available. Here are just a few of my favourites to look out for:

1. Rosary – A soft and creamy cheese with a mild and tangy flavour.
2. Cerney Ash – A soft and crumbly cheese coated in ash, with a subtle lemon-y nuances and a creamy texture.
3. Kidderton Ash – A soft and fresh cheese with a light, citrusy taste and a delicate texture.
4. Capricorn – A creamy, semi-hard cheese with a mild and nutty flavour.
5. White Lake – A range of goat’s cheeses made in Somerset, including the soft and tangy Rachel and the fresh, lemony Eve.

Tips for Perfect Goat Cheese Wine Pairings

• Try and Match Texture and Age: Pair a fresh, tangy goat cheese with crisp whites or sparkling wines. A mature, nutty cheese will pair better with red or fortified wines.
• Balance Intensity: Ensure the wine’s body matches the cheese’s richness to avoid overpowering either. A heavyweight, oaky Chardonnay won’t work with a fresher, lighter cheese. Likewise, a heavy red wine will be overpowering.
• Other Considerations: If goat cheese is in a salad with herbs or nuts, choose wines with complementary flavours. For example, try with a Sauvignon Blanc for herbaceous notes.

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