Which wine to choose with an assortment of cheeses?

Food and wine pairings with an assortment of cheeses can be tricky and depend on the type of cheese chosen.

Here are some suggestions for classic pairings that will delight the taste buds:

1. Soft cheeses (Brie, Camembert, Saint-Marcellin)

These cheeses have a creamy texture and a mild taste.
Dry white wine: A Chardonnay or a Chablis. The acidity of the wine balances the richness of the cheese.
Light red wine: A Pinot Noir. It is fruity and light, which complements the creamy texture without overpowering it.

2. Pressed cheeses (Comté, Gruyère, Emmental)

These cheeses often have a more complex and saltier flavor.
Dry and fruity white wine: A Savigny-lès-Beaune or a Riesling. Their acidity and fruity aromas go well with the firm texture of cheeses.
Light to medium red wine: A Gamay or a Pinot Noir.

3. Blue cheeses (Roquefort, Bleu d'Auvergne, Gorgonzola)

Blue cheeses are strong and salty, often with a pronounced moldy taste.
Sweet wine: A Sauternes or a Coteaux du Layon. The sweetness of the wine perfectly balances the spicy and salty taste of the blue.
Sweet Red Wine: A Zinfandel or Port can also pair well with these cheeses.

4. Goat cheese (Chavignol)

Goat cheeses have fresh, herbaceous aromas.
Dry and fresh white wine: A Sancerre or a Pouilly-Fumé. Their acidity and herbaceous notes blend perfectly with the freshness of the goat cheese.
Rosé wine: A Rosé from Provence can also be a good option, light and fruity.

5. Hard cheeses (Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino)

These cheeses are often very aromatic, salty, and sometimes grainy.
Full-bodied red wine: A Chianti Classico, Barolo or Côte du Rhône. Their structure and tannins complement the firm texture and intense aromas of hard cheeses.
Dry white wine: A Vermentino or Chablis can also be suitable, especially with cheeses like Pecorino.

6. Matured cheeses (Munster, Livarot, Époisses)

These cheeses are strong, with a pronounced flavor and sometimes a powerful aroma.
Powerful white wine: A Gewürztraminer or a Pinot Gris. The rich aromas of these wines pair well with the strength of the cheese.
Red wine: A Côte du Rhône or a Syrah.

7. Fresh cheeses (Ricotta, White cheese)

These cheeses are light and mild.
Light white wine: A Chablis, a Muscadet, or a Sauvignon Blanc. Their freshness and acidity go well with the lightness of fresh cheeses.

General tips:
Young, fruity wines often pair well with mild cheeses.
Older wines or those with more structure pair better with stronger cheeses.

Feel free to vary the textures and flavors in your cheese assortment to offer a richer and more contrasting experience with your wine choices.