Wine Pairings with Goat's cheeses

Goat’s cheeses, fresh or aged, have a distinctive aromatic profile, with lactic notes and a pleasant acidity. The right wine pairing has to bring out their freshness and creaminess without overpowering their flavours. Let us look at the best wines to pair with goat’s cheeses.

Characteristics of Goat's Cheeses and General Pairings

The choice of wine depends on several factors:

• Structure of the cheese: fresh cheeses call for wines with greater acidity and freshness, while aged ones go with more complex wines.
• Flavour intensity: goat's cheeses can range from delicate to very tasty with a slightly sharp note.
• Seasonings and accompaniments: aromatic herbs, honey or dried fruit can affect the ideal pairing.

Best Wine and Food Pairings for Goat’s Cheeses

Recommended Mineral White Wines

• Sauvignon Blanc – Perfect for enhancing the freshness of fresh goat's cheeses.
• Vermentino di Gallura DOCG – Excellent for goat's cheeses with aromatic herbs, thanks to its salinity.
• Greco di Tufo DOCG – Ideal for tastier, more mature goat's cheeses.

Recommended Light Red Wines

• Pinot Noir Alto Adige DOC – Perfect for more mature goat's cheeses, thanks to its finesse and freshness.
• Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo DOC – An excellent choice for goat's cheeses served with honey or dried fruit and nuts.

Recommended Sparkling Wines

• Champagne Blanc de Blancs – Perfect for balancing the creaminess with its acidity and delicate bubbles.
• Franciacorta Satèn – Excellent for more mature cheeses or ones served with walnuts and honey.

Mistakes to Avoid in Pairing

• Avoid very tannic red wines, which could overpower the delicacy of the goat's cheese.
• Watch out for overly aromatic wines, which could clash with the freshness of the cheese.
• Avoid excessively acidic wines, if the cheese is already very savoury.

Specific Pairings for Some Goat's Cheeses

• Fresh goat's cheese → Sauvignon Blanc, Champagne Blanc de Blancs
• Goat's cheese aged with herbs → Vermentino di Gallura, Franciacorta Satèn
• Aged goat's cheese → Greco di Tufo, Pinot Noir
• Goat's cheese with honey and walnuts → Cerasuolo d'Abruzzo, Franciacorta Satèn