Wine and cheese? Say less. They are a match made in heaven, and that’s not up for debate around here. So naturally, anytime we pour a crisp glass of wine, our mouths water for it’s sidekick, and we happily welcome that. But why exactly is wine and cheese such a popular combination—and how do you know which types complement each other?
The best way we can answer that question is by seeking the advice of true wine and cheese experts. So we turned to La Crema, one of the leading luxury wine producers since 1979, and their executive chef, Tracey Shepos Cenami. Tracey played a pivotal role in developing the culinary program at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard, including introducing a VIP wine and cheese pairing experience—a lesson in the fundamentals of wine and cheese pairing which expertly couples local artisan cheeses with La Crema wines.
“Wine and cheese were meant for each other. Like wine, cheese comes in a variety of flavors and textures, so it’s natural that they complement each other so well,” Chef Tracey says. When she is preparing pairings for her guests, she recommends offering 3-5 cheeses per person and choosing an assortment of high-quality cheeses with a variety of flavors. She’s also a fan of cheese boards (who isn’t?) and likes to “offer a variety of wine options with a cheese tray so people can experiment the ‘wow’ of different pairings.”
We’re craving these combos already, and we bet you are too. Keep reading to check out six of the best wine and cheese pairings chosen by Chef Tracey!
Graphics by: Caitlin Schneider
Monterey Pinot Noir & Gruyère
The plush texture and balanced acidity of La Crema’s 2021 Monterey Pinot Noir is a perfect match for the rich, nuttiness of Gruyère cheese. Pinot Noir is known for its juicy, berry flavors and aromas—this one in particular has notes of boysenberry and blackberry. Gruyère has equal amounts of complexity, so neither runs the risk of overpowering each other. Chef Tracey also recommends using an older, more robust Gruyère to match the boldness of Pinot Noir.
Monterey Chardonnay & Manchego
Chef Tracey suggests pairing La Crema’s full-bodied 2021 Monterey Chardonnay with a creamier cheese like Manchego. Manchego cheese is a pleasant mix of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Monterey Chardonnay balances this cheese out with its aromas of baked apple, graham cracker, and Meyer lemon followed by flavors of Asian pair and orange-tangerine.
Monterey Pinot Gris & Toma
La Crema’s 2022 Monterey Pinot Gris requires a cheese that can keep up with its bright acidity. Chef Tracey suggests a cheese, like Toma, that exhibits tangy flavors and some saltiness. The creaminess of Toma is a great counterbalance to the crisp notes of citrus blossom, Meyer lemon, and ruby grapefruit of this wine.
Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé & Havarti
Havarti cheese has a similar flavor to Monterey Jack but with a buttery taste and creamy texture. Havarti’s buttery notes are best suited with the juicy acidity of La Crema’s 2022 Monterey Pinot Noir Rosé. Combine this rosé’s flavors of strawberry, peach, and orange creamsicle and the smoothness of havarti, and your taste buds will be begging for more.
Saralee’s Vinyard Blanc de Blancs & Brie
The richness of brie cheese meets its match with the acidity of La Crema’s sparkling 2017 Blanc de Blancs. This wine combines flavors of lime and hazelnut and provides a long, mouthwatering finish that’s only accentuated by the soft, earthiness of an aged brie. Blanc de Blancs also has subtle hints of proofing dough as you breathe it in, which is complemented by the buttery cheese.
Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc & Goat Cheese
The vibrant citrus bloom and lemon grass scent of La Crema’s 2022 Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc is ideal for the earthy flavors of goat cheese. Tropical notes of kiwi, mango, and guava also give this wine an exotic flair that perfectly contrasts goat cheese’s sharp tang.
This post is sponsored by La Crema but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board.
