Wine + cheese = joy.
Cheeseboards and charcuterie can and should absolutely be enjoyed all year long but there’s something about bringing a spread to the park on a sunny day or hanging out on a patio watching a sunset on a warm evening that really just makes it all taste so much better.
We’ve provided some of our favorite pairings for the summer season to get you started.
Manchego + Cava
Generally, it’s not necessary to keep things from the same country when you’re pairing but in this case, it really works. Manchego has that slight sharpness that comes with a bit of oily texture which is cut beautifully by the bubbly, fruity Cava. You could go with a Prosecco or Champagne if you wanted but Cava has a relaxed palate that lets the subtle Manchego shine.
Bleu + Finger Lakes Riesling
If you’re a fan of bleu cheese, you know that a good funk needs some balance. Enter a Finger Lakes Riesling. Bleu cheese always does well with a sweet friend- think pears and peaches in a salad- which is why the Riesling is absolutely perfect in this capacity. Plus you can’t go wrong with anything from the Finger Lakes.
Burrata + Chenin Blanc
Oh burrata, when are you not a good idea? You can’t find anything creamier than good burrata and it must be paired with something as equally wonderful like Chenin Blanc. It’s a super crisp white wine that is ultra refreshing and on the milder side which is a great match for that fatty, rich cheese ball you’re devouring.
Fresh Goat Cheese + Sauvignon Blanc
Similar to the pairing above, you’ve got super creamy plus crisp and fruity which equals delicious. Goat cheese has that added tang that you can only get from a quality chevré so its wine pairing must be something that accentuates but doesn’t overpower that flavor profile.
Pecorino + Rosé
We’ve previously established that rosé pairs well with summer but what pairs well with rosé? Salty, sharp, magnificent Pecorino. Maybe you don’t usually just munch on a block of Pecorino for your evening cheese board but you should. Or even if it’s getting grated over your favorite bowl of pasta, look to a slightly sweet rosé to really round out the experience.
BONUS: Everything + Gewurztraminer
Gewurztraminer is just meant to be had with cheese of pretty much every kind, especially once it’s been chilled. There’s nothing that doesn’t taste better when it’s paired with that sweet, super refreshing white, particularly on a warm summer day. You should probably keep a bottle or two around just in case.
