While “wine and cheese” is a legendary phrase, random pairings can clash, causing metallic or overly bitter tastes. Here is how to match four standard cheese families with their ideal wine partners.

1. Bloomy Rind (Camembert, Brie) & Creamy Chardonnay or Light Pinot Noir

Rich, gooey cheeses coat the mouth. Match them with an oaked Chardonnay that echoes their buttery texture, or a fruit-forward Pinot Noir to lift the palate.

2. Hard & Aged Cheese (Comte, Parmigiano) & Medium-to-Full Red

Nutty, aged cheeses packed with umami protein crystals pair easily with structural reds like Cabernet or Chianti. The salt in the cheese tames the wine’s dry tannins.

3. Blue Cheese (Roquefort, Gorgonzola) & Sweet Dessert Wine

Pairing intensely salty, pungent blue cheese with sweet Sauternes or Tawny Port creates a famous contrast. The sweetness tames the mold’s sharp sting.

4. Fresh Goat Cheese (Chèvre) & Sauvignon Blanc

Goat cheese has a bright, grassy acidity. Pairing it with a highly acidic, herbal Sauvignon Blanc creates a refreshing harmony.