The Best Wine Match for Goat’s Cheese?

Many wines pair well with goat’s cheese, however, there are a few important considerations to make when matching wine with goat’s cheese. Since goat’s cheese tends to be lighter and tangier than other cheeses, it goes well with lighter more acidic wines. The flavours of the cheese shouldn’t be dominate the taste of the wine and vice versa. Indeed, when pairing wine and cheese, they should complement each other, enhancing the flavours of both.

What is the best wine match for goat’s cheese?

A crisp white wine, such Sauvignon Blanc or a dry rosé, is frequently served with goat’s cheese because it can soften the tanginess of the cheese.  A light-bodied red wine, such Pinot Noir can match well with the goat cheese’s (also known as “chèvre”) earthy flavours. It’s a good idea to experiment with a few possibilities and discover what works best for you: the ideal wine match will rely upon personal preferences and the goat cheese being served.

Which Sauvignon Blanc pairs best with goat’s cheese?

Because it has a light, acidic, and has a crisp, refreshing flavours that matches the tanginess of the cheese, Sauvignon Blanc is a classic pairing for goat’s cheese. Try an unoaked Sauvignon Blanc with lemony or grassy flavour when selecting the wine, something that will complement the cheese.

The best Sauvignon Blanc to pair with goat cheese can vary depending on the specific flavours and characteristics of both the wine and the cheese. My preference to serve with a fresher, younger style of goat’s cheese would be for a Loire Sauvignon Blanc. Sauvignon Blancs from the Loire, with herbal and grassy notes such as Sancerre or Pouilly Fume can complement the earthy nuances of the cheese. Try Joseph Mellot Sancerre La Graveliere or Domaine Seguin Pouilly Fume.

“Goats cheese” (CC BY 2.0) by adactio

Generally speaking, a Pinot Noir from a cooler climatic region, like the Burgundy region in France or the Willamette Valley in Oregon, like the Resonance Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, can have crisp acidity and red fruit flavours that will fit. Moreover, the earthy flavours of the cheese might be complemented by a Pinot Noir with earthy, peppery, or mushroom undertones.

The potency and flavours of the specific goat cheese being served can also be taken into account. A richer and creamier cheese may go better with a Pinot Noir with more depth and structure, such as the Marimar Estate Cristina Pinot Noir from the Russian River, than a tart, fresh goat cheese.

Alternative wine pairings for goat’s cheese

Goat’s cheese and Champagne can make a fantastic wine pairing (it is often said that Champagne goes with anything!). Champagne’s sparkling acidity and fizz can help to counteract the tanginess of the cheese and also aid to clear the palate in between bites. A tart and fresh goat cheese might work nicely with a Brut or Extra Brut Champagne with lemony and mineral undertones. And don’t forget to support our local wine growers, a Hampshire Sparkling wine like The Grange Classic, or their superb Pink Fizz.

Dessert wines can work. Experiment with a Sauternes or a late-harvest Riesling for younger, fresher cheese or try something a bit richer and nuttier with a mature cheese, possibly a Tawny Port. Or if you have a particularly nutty cheese, perhaps a Pedro Ximenez. 

English Goat’s Cheeses to try

There are many excellent English goat’s cheeses available today. Here are just a few of my favourites to look out for:

1. Rosary – A soft and creamy cheese with a mild and tangy flavour.
2. Cerney Ash – A soft and crumbly cheese coated in ash, with a subtle lemony naunces and a creamy texture.
3. Kidderton Ash – A soft and fresh cheese with a light, citrusy taste and a delicate texture.
4. Capricorn – A creamy, semi-hard cheese with a mild and nutty flavour.
5. White Lake – A range of goat’s cheeses made in Somerset, including the soft and tangy Rachel and the fresh, lemony Eve.