Choose a mild red wine to drink with a sharp-flavored cheese for a contrasting flavor.
The heady aroma of a moldy cheese and the silky feel of a heavy Merlot is an epicurean delight that any palate can learn to enjoy. From soft and mild to sharp and tangy, the pairings between cheese and wines are plentiful and can suit winter's night snack or complement a summer luncheon. Experiment with which combinations you favor the most.
Soft Cheeses
The velvet smooth texture of an herbed Boursin makes a nice contrast with the crisp and fresh taste of a Gewurztraminer, a white wine produced commonly in France and Germany. Pair a Chenic Blanc, otherwise known as White Pinot, with a Camembert or brie cheese for a sweet finish after a bite of these creamy cheeses. Another distinctive cheese, Banon is a soft fruity cheese, wrapped in chestnut or grape leaves. Match this cheese with a soft Bordeaux for soothing flavors.
Hard Cheeses
Slice a piece of Monterey Jack and nibble on it while sipping a crisp glass of Riesling, or cube a section of the Norwegian Jarlsberg to eat with a Spanish Temparanillo. The buttery taste of the Jarlsberg compares nicely with the mellow and plum notes of this light red wine. Smart your tastebuds with a chunk of sharp cheddar and smooth it out with a mellow Pinot Noir for a contrasting flavor. Additionally, a semi-hard slice of Edam, a nutty-flavored Dutch cheese, pairs nicely with a Pinot Noir.
Mild Wine
The light and sparkling texture of Champagne makes a startling contrast with a taste of mild cheddar. Another mild wine, the red Beaujolais from the Burgundy area of France compares nicely with Emmentaler cheese, which comes from a small village in Switzerland. This hard cheese has a light nut flavor and is conducive to melting. Melt some of the this cheese and cut up cubes of your favorite bread. Pour yourself a glass of the Beaujolais and you have an instant fondue party.
Bold Wine
The Barbera grape makes an bold wine, with smoky undertones and rip current overtures. Choose this wine as you eat some Italian Fontina. This soft cheese brings out the fruity flavor in the wine, while adding a subtle note of herbs to the palate. Cabernet Sauvignon in its pure form can lend strong oak notes with a "green" aftertaste. Sample a rich blue cheese or an aged Gouda to contrast the powerful notes in this wine.
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