5 Wines and the Cheeses That Love Them
Romanticizing Your Valentine’s Day and Beyond

Wine and Cheese is a love story worth sipping on. They are a time-honored duo, but something about the season of love elevates this classic pairing into an art form. While flowers and traditional gifts certainly have their charm, let’s be real… nothing wins my heart quite like the satisfaction that comes from the perfect bite of food and sip of a beverage. Whether it’s part of a grand romantic gesture or just a regular Tuesday indulgence is another story.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, embrace the motif of passion in all its forms. Whether you’re head over heels, happily solo, or gathering with your favorite people to show your appreciation, there’s always room for a little indulgence. Love comes in all forms—romantic, platonic, familial, and self—and what better way to celebrate than with a perfect pairing of wine and cheese? No need for haphazardly thrown-together pairings, this mini blog guide offers a little inspiration to make your selections intentional and yummy.

Pairing wine and cheese can seem daunting, but it’s really just an invitation to explore. With so many incredible producers and styles out there, this is simply a starting point. Be open, experiment, and above all, enjoy the vibe it brings!

Gewürztraminer

Gewürztraminer, especially from regions like Alsace or Alto Adige, pairs beautifully with a wide range of cheeses. Though its aromatic nose is often sweet with tropical fruit and floral notes, many versions are actually dry and develop savory characteristics as they age. Its intensity makes it a natural match for nutty and creamy cheeses that can stand up to its bold character.

Cheeses to pair it with: Gruyère, Pont l’Évêque, Taleggio, Boursin
Producers to try: Erste & Neue, Trimbach, Domaine Weinbach, Cantina Kurtatsch

Moscato d’Asti

Moscato d’Asti somehow gets a bad rap for seeming too casual. But when you look beyond the surface, it’s clear there are so many options which are much more refined and sophisticated than its reputation suggests. Its ability to bring people together effortlessly is part of its magic. Lightly sparkling, refreshingly sweet, and bursting with aromatic charm, it’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Cheeses to pair it with: Gorgonzola, Stilton, Époisses, Manchego
Producers to try: Saracco, Michele Chiarlo, Vietti, Elio Perrone

Barbaresco

Long overshadowed by its bolder sibling Barolo, Barbaresco has earned its own place in the spotlight with its elegant floral aromas and complex layers of cherry, truffle, and licorice. Aged versions soften into something smoky and seductive, making it ideal for both cheese pairings and charcuterie spreads.

Cheeses to pair it with: Fontina, Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Romano, Aged Cheddar
Producers to try: Marchesi di Grésy, Cascina Roccalini, Nada Fiorenzo, Produttori del Barbaresco

Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc is the parent grape of several wines, including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Carménère. From France’s Loire Valley to Napa Valley, Canada, and Argentina, you can find beautiful expressions of Cabernet Franc that can truly shine on its own. This versatile grape often leans herbaceous and peppery with a lively acidity that makes it an unexpectedly perfect cheese companion. It’s a great choice for those seeking a lighter-bodied red.

Cheeses to pair it with: Goat Cheese, Brie, Saint-Marcellin, Camembert
Producers to try: Le Rocher des Violettes, Le Macchiole, Ashes & Diamonds, Kunin

Rosé Champagne

Rosé Champagne feels perfectly festive for Valentine’s. There’s so many different types of Rosé Champagne. To start, Champagne can only be made with three grape varieties; Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier or Pinot Noir. The most common method of making it (Assemblage) blends white wine with a splash of red (5-15%). The second method (Saignée), involves briefly macerating the grape skins to impart color, flavor, and aroma, often leading to a deeper pink hue and a bolder taste. Rosé Champagne is the perfect bottle to pop when love is in the air—or just because you feel like it.

Cheeses to pair it with: Triple Créme, Piave, Chaource, Aged Chèvre
Producers to try: Delamotte, J. Lassalle, Ayala, Charles Heidsieck

Key Pairing Principles

  • Complement or contrast: Match cheese and wine in intensity, or go for bold opposites! Think blue cheese with a sweet Moscato or nutty aged cheddar with structured Barbaresco.
  • Acidity is key. Heavily oaked, low-acid wines, can amplify tannins and clash with some cheese.
  • Arrange cheeses from mild to strong to keep your palate from getting overwhelmed too fast, too soon.

At the heart of it all, wine and cheese is all about pleasure. No need to overthink it! Pairing wine and cheese should feel as effortless as good conversation. Consider this your little cheat sheet to jumpstart to a delicious Valentine’s experience. Bookmark it now, flex later. However you choose to celebrate the day of love, the most important rule is to have fun!

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