The best companion for wine is, of course, cheese. However, you may often find yourself wondering which cheese to pair with which wine.

A combination of wine and food called a “marriage.” You don’t have to think about it too hard. Just by knowing a few basic rules, you can have a blissful experience that brings out each other’s tastes. In this guide, we’ll show you which wines are the best companions for each type of cheese.

1. Fresh type × Refreshing white wine

Fresh cheeses that are not aged, such as mozzarella, ricotta, and cream cheese, are best matched with fresh, acidic white wine.

• Recommended wine: Sauvignon Blanc (especially from New Zealand), a refreshing sparkling wine
• Taste Tips: The refreshing milkiness of the cheese and the citrus aroma of the wine harmonize beautifully in your mouth.

2. White mold type × light to medium red wine

White mold cheese represented by Camembert and Brie. It has a creamy, mild taste and a slight mushroom-like aroma from the outer skin.

• Recommended wine: Pinot Noir, Merlot, or full-bodied Chardonnay
• Taste Tips: The moderate tannins (astringency) of the red wine wash away the fat content of the mellow cheese, amplifying the flavor.

3. Hard/semi-hard type × Rich red wine

Hard cheeses such as Gouda, cheddar, Comté, and Parmigiano-Reggiano are low in moisture and have a concentrated flavor.

• Recommended wines: Full-bodied red wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah
• Taste points: The amino acids (umami ingredients) of the cheese and the strong structure of the red wine collide to create an explosive deliciousness in your mouth.

4. Blue mold (blue) type × extremely sweet wine

Blue cheeses such as Gorgonzola and Roquefort are salty and have a unique pungency. To do this, we use a trick called ``matching opposites.''

• Recommended wines: Sweet wines such as noble rot wine and port wine
• Taste points: Salty cheese and sweet wine. At first glance, it may seem like a mismatch, but you can enjoy the ultimate contrast between salty and sweet, like ``melon and raw ham,’’ and it has a magical power that you won’t be able to escape once you try it.

Start by buying two or three types of cheese at the supermarket, open a bottle of your favorite wine, and experiment. The world of wine becomes even more fun when you discover something unique to you: ``This combination is the best!''