Wine and Cheese Pairings for Beginners

Entering the world of wine and cheese can be both exciting and daunting for beginners. The right combinations can elevate the tasting experience, creating a harmonious blend of flavours that delight the palate.

This guide aims to demystify the art of pairing, providing simple tips and recommendations to help novices explore the rich possibilities of wine and cheese, transforming any casual gathering into an exquisite tasting affair.

At d’Arry’s, we’re wine and cheese experts. From our artisanal cheesemongers to our perfectly-crafted restaurant menu, the whole d’Arry’s team is excited to help you kickstart your pairing journey!

Read on to find out our favourite pairings, with some handy hints along the way.

Key tips and advice

Before we get into the pairings we love, here are some helpful tips to get you started.

Start with what you love

Begin your wine and cheese pairing adventure by choosing wines and cheeses that you already enjoy. Familiarity with the flavours will aid in understanding how different pairings enhance or diminish specific taste profiles.

Balance intensity

Aim to match the intensity of the wine with that of the cheese. A bold, robust wine pairs well with a strong, aged cheese, while a light, crisp wine complements a milder cheese.

Consider texture

Texture plays a crucial role in pairings. Creamy cheeses can pair beautifully with a wine that has a crisp acidity to cut through the richness.

Experiment with contrasts

Don’t be afraid to experiment with contrasting flavours. A sweet wine like Riesling can contrast wonderfully with the saltiness of a blue cheese, creating an exquisite taste experience.

Use complementary flavours

Explore pairings that share common flavours for a harmonious pairing. For instance, a nutty cheese pairs well with a wine that offers nutty or oaky undertones.

Seek expert advice

When in doubt, don’t hesitate to seek advice from a sommelier or cheese expert. Their knowledge can provide valuable insights and introduce you to new and exciting pairings. Give us a visit at d’Arry’s, and make the most of our experience.

Keep an open mind

Finally, keep an open mind and enjoy the process. Tastes are subjective, and discovering what you love is all part of the fun.

Our recommended wine and cheese pairings

Now, we’ll take you through our recommendations for specific pairings. As a beginner, don’t be afraid to try new combinations to find your favourite – but here’s where we suggest you make a start.

Chardonnay & Cheddar

Chardonnay and Cheddar stand as a classic pairing, exemplifying the principle of balancing intensity and texture. The rich, full-bodied nature of Chardonnay, with its buttery notes and potential oak ageing, complements the sharpness and slightly crumbly texture of aged Cheddar.

Pinot Noir & Brie

Pinot Noir and Brie marry the elegance of Pinot Noir with the creamy texture and mild, earthy flavours of Brie. The soft, silky tannins of a Pinot Noir gently cut through the creaminess of the Brie, while its subtle notes of red fruit and earthy undertones complement the cheese’s buttery profile.

Rioja & Spenwood

Rioja and Spenwood are a match made in gastronomic heaven, representing the delightful synergy of Spanish wine and cheese. The Rioja, with its vibrant cherry and plum flavours infused with subtle notes of spice and vanilla from oak ageing, pairs impeccably with the nutty, rich flavours of Spenwood cheese.

This pairing not only mirrors the regional heritage of both products but also highlights how ageing both wine and cheese can enhance their compatibility. The firm texture and slightly salty finish of Spenwood cheese are perfectly balanced by the structured yet smooth tannins of a Rioja, creating a pairing that is robust, yet harmoniously balanced.

This pairing is elevated in nature, but can thrive in casual eating environments, such as street food!

Chianti & Old Winchester

Chianti and Old Winchester epitomise the essence of Italian pairing perfection, drawing from a shared heritage that celebrates robust flavours and rich traditions. The bold, acidic nature of Chianti beautifully complements the sharp, nutty essence of Old Winchester.

The cheese’s granular texture and deep umami flavours find a match in Chianti’s tannic structure and notes of cherry and ripe fruits, creating a pairing that is both stimulating to the palate and deeply satisfying. To enjoy this pairing even more, try it with thin slices of a salty meat such as prosciutto.

Port & Stilton

Port and Stilton represent a quintessential pairing, embodying the principle of contrasting flavours to achieve a perfect balance. The rich, sweet characteristics of Port wine counterbalance the pungent, salty nature of Stilton cheese, creating a harmonious tasting experience.

This pairing showcases how the sweetness of the wine can enhance and soften the strong, bold flavours of the cheese, resulting in a complex flavour profile that is pleasantly unexpected. The velvety texture of Port alongside the creamy yet crumbly texture of Stilton provides a sensory delight, making it a favoured choice for those seeking an indulgent wine and cheese experience.

For an even more luxurious tasting experience, pair Port and Stilton with decadent dark chocolate.

d’Arry’s: The best restaurant in Cambridge for wine and cheese!

As a leading Cambridge wine bar, our collaboration with local artisanal cheese makers to source our cheesemongers is our own exceptional pairing.

Being among the best restaurants in Cambridge, our menu is primed to pair the most delicious wines with our very own English cheese. Every dish is served intentionally, with our years of experience informing all thought and preparation.

Come and pay us a visit to sample our perfectly-crafted menu, or to buy your own cheese to start your pairing journey today.