Wine and cheese are a delicious combination. The cheese's creamy textures offset the tang of your favorite white or red wine. While tastes differ according to the individual, you can get the most out of your wines and cheeses by matching them according to their textures, flavor profiles, and strengths. Here are some of the most delicious combinations.

Which Cheeses Can You Pair With Wine?

1. Washed-Rind

These cheeses are washed or rinsed in brining or mold-bearing agents as they age, giving them a reddish, firm rind and a strong, rich smell when cut. They can be firm, like gruyere or taleggio, or soft, such as Munster.

These strong-smelling and -tasting cheeses go best with fruity, sweet white wines, like a riesling and gewürztraminer, or dry, traditional sparkling varieties. The sweet flavors in these wines create a vibrant contrast of flavors to the rustic notes in washed-rind cheeses.

If you prefer red wine, opt for a lighter style, such as a cabernet franc. Heavier reds may take on a metallic flavor when paired with potent washed-rind cheeses, so choose the milder acidity in lighter options.

2. Bloomy Rind

Bloomy cheeses have soft, white, and occasionally fuzzy rinds, which result from the use of mold growth during production. Examples include brie and camembert, which all have a creamy or runny texture and earthy flavors with hints of mushroom and salt.

Pungent varieties pair well with dry, young, light-bodied red wines, like pinot noir, which have fruity flavors that complement the acidic tang. Creamier cheeses, like a buttery brie, work best with a dry white or sparkling wine, which acts as a pleasant palate cleanser between bites.

3. Fresh

Fresh cheeses require little aging and spoil in a few days; this variety includes mozzarella, ricotta, feta, and chevre. These cheeses can be dense or crumbly, and they're characterized by light, fresh flavors, from a slightly sour tang to a sweet or nutty profile.

Avoid overpowering the softer flavors in these cheeses by choosing a crisp, tart sauvignon blanc or young chardonnay. Young, fruity red wines, like cabernet francs, pair well with fresh cheeses, but dry roses, such as a provence rose, will allow mellower flavors to shine without masking them.

To choose a delicious white or red wine to complement your favorite cheeses, head to Oeno Winemaking in Kailua, HI. For over a decade, these dedicated enthusiasts have offered an extensive selection of bottles from across the globe for every occasion. They’re also open during regular business hours throughout the pandemic. Call (808) 263-6366 or visit them online to learn more about their products.