Cheeses and wines: pairing, appetizers and decorating tips

A wine and cheese night is a great idea to gather friends. Organizing a wine pairing and tasting meeting can be a simple task with the tips we have prepared for you. Come check out how to set up an amazing night with good wine and quality cheeses!

Which cheeses to buy for cheese and wine?

To start putting together your wine and cheese night, you need to know what types of cheese you should buy. It is important to choose good quality cheeses that harmonize well with the wine you are going to serve. Follow our suggestions:

Brie cheese

Brie cheese is a very creamy noble cheese with a flavor with hints of nuts. To harmonize, opt for softer wines.

Harmonizations:

• Chardonnay: as it is a softer cheese, it goes well with wines made from the Chardonnay grape, which has a medium acidity.
• Pinot Noir: red and smooth wine pairs well with brie cheese, as it leaves the palate very light and soft.
• Merlot: as it is a more balanced wine, it is perfect for maintaining the flavor of brie cheese.

Gorgonzola

Despite having a very particular smell that many people dislike, it is a perfect cheese for your wine night. It is a cheese with a more crumbly consistency and not at all soft.

Harmonizations:

• Port wine: to balance the strong flavor of gorgonzola cheese, opt for a port wine, which is sweeter.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: This fuller-bodied wine can slightly offset the strong taste of gorgonzola cheese. It is an option for those who do not want to drink a sweeter wine.
• Malbec: another full-bodied, dry wine that will pair well with the strong flavor of gorgonzola.

Gouda cheese

Gouda is a softer, almost sweet cheese. It is considered a semi-hard cheese – that is, with little softness.

Harmonizations:

• Sauvignon Blanc: The sweetest cheeses pair with lighter, acidic wines to help cleanse the palate for the next tasting.
• Riesling: is another fruity wine option that will balance the milder taste of Gouda.
• Chianti: a wine with a more succulent acidity, very striking, is a great option to pair with Gouda cheese.

Parmesan cheese

Parmesan is a cheese that spends years maturing to reach the peak of flavor. It has a harder shell and a more porous texture.

Harmonizations:

• Malbec: it is a perfect option to pair with Parmesan cheese, as it is a more woody and full-bodied wine.
• Syrah: Syrah wine pairs very well with Parmesan cheese, as it has a more fruity base.
• Chianti: the wine with a more striking finish is an option for those who want to harmonize the Parmesan cheese, mixing the flavors.

Mozzarella

Despite being well known and present in everyday life, mozzarella cheese is also perfect for a wine night. More affordable, it has great value for money.

Harmonizations:

• Merlot: Mozzarella cheese calls for softer wines, as the cheese has a very elastic and resistant texture.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: To balance the fat, choose a light or medium-bodied wine.
• Chianti: this is an option for those who are going to use mozzarella cheese to brown some food. So, you bet on a wine that has an outstanding flavor.

In short, the general idea is to balance the flavors of cheeses and wines. The variety of cheeses is huge and you can try different combinations to create the perfect wine night.

Quantities: not to miss or exaggerate

For the perfect cheese and wine night, it’s important to pay attention to the amount of cheese and drink you should serve. The ideal, according to experts and consultants, is 1 bottle of wine for 2 people. As for cheese, it is recommended to calculate that each person will consume 250g.

What else to serve with cheeses and wine to spice up the night?

Even with all these cheese tips to serve with wine, you can choose to add more appetizers and other foods. Check out our tips to make the tasting even more complete!

appetizers

• A toast with tomato and basil to pair with wines with hints of red fruits;
• Patês are great options to pair with wines;
• artisan breads;
• Polenta to pair with wines with earthy tones;
• Artichokes for those who prefer sweeter wines.

desserts

• To accompany an intense red wine, gourmet brigadeiros are a great option, as they are very sweet;
• Churros to pair with more acidic wines;
• Strawberries with chocolate enhance the flavor of Port wine;
• Coffee recipes like frapuccino or tiramisu go well with marsala wines;
• Fruit goes very well with lighter wines or with citrus notes.

Yes, there are several options to give that varied taste in the tasting menu. Organizing an appetizer board is a great idea. How about betting on one of these tips?

10 decorating ideas for your wine and cheese night

But how to set up an amazing table to make the night more pleasant and cozy? We have selected photos that will make your mouth water and sharpen your creativity. Check out!

1. This decoration is perfect for a more relaxed moment

2. The boards bring a rustic air to the moment

3. You can opt for a simpler decoration

4. Or by a table set with all the necessary items

5. With details, utensil combinations and more

6. Candles are perfect for a wine and cheese night

7. The whim is up to you

8. The cheese and wine night is a good option

9. Whether to receive friends

10. Or for a romantic moment for two

Betting on a wine and cheese night with friends is right in the fun. Tasting, harmonizing and making small talk is very good, isn’t it? And if you want to learn more about the drink, we’ve prepared a wine beginner’s guide that will give you a helping hand. That way, the night gets even more professional!